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Decision
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Ottawa, 11 September 1985
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Decision CRTC 85-752
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Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
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Halifax, Nova Scotia
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For related documents: see Public Notices CRTC 1983-22 and 1985-86 dated 7 February 1983 and 2 May 1985, respectively.
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In Public Notice CRTC 1983-22 entitled "Long Range Radio Plan of the CBC", the Commission outlined its conclusions on the CBC's proposed plan and stated, in part, that when any CBC AM station is replaced with an FM station, "extended periods of simulcasting should not be required and the AM frequencies should be released for other potential users at an early date." The notice also indicated that further study was required to resolve the coverage objectives of the national broadcasting system.
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Subsequently consultations took place within the framework of a Tripartite Committee consisting of representatives from the CBC, CRTC and the Department of Communications. The Commission's conclusions on the major recommendations of the Committee's report were discussed in Public Notice CRTC 1985-86.
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With respect to CBH Halifax, Nova Scotia and CBD Saint John, New Brunswick, where the basic CBC AM service is being duplicated on FM, the Tripartite Committee had endorsed the Corporation's proposed schedule to vacate these frequencies by 1 November 1986. Public Notice CRTC 1985-86, however, stated that:
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...the proposed schedule for Halifax and Saint John would result in the service being simulcast in these locations on the AM and FM bands for periods of eight and five years respectively. In the Commission's opinion, these periods would be far too long for the purpose for which simulcasting in these locations was intended, namely for the smooth transition of the radio service from the AM to the FM band, particularly since the Commission had approved this transition because of the reported deficiencies in the AM stations' coverage.
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Consequently, the Commission expects the Corporation to phase out its AM stations in Halifax and Saint John by 1 November 1985. This date would still permit adequate notice to the affected public.
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In keeping with established procedure, when these stations are phased out, the Corporation will be expected to surrender the licences for these stations.
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In view of the foregoing, and inasmuch as the Corporation's authority for its Halifax AM service expires 30 September 1985, the Commission renews the broadcasting licence for CBH Halifax for a one month period from 1 October 1985 to 31 October 1985. The Commission reminds the licensee of its expectation that the licence for the Corporation's AM service in Saint John, New Brunswick should also be surrendered by 1 November 1985.
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Fernand Bélisle Secretary General
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