ARCHIVED -  Decision CRTC 94-668

Decision

Ottawa, 23 August 1994

Decision CRTC 94-668

Radio Chicoutimi Inc.

Chicoutimi, Quebec - 932298300

Licence renewal for CJMT

Following a Public Hearing in the National Capital Region beginning on 20 June 1994, the Commission renews the broadcasting licence for CJMT Chicoutimi, from 1 September 1994 to 31 August 1996, subject to the conditions in effect under the current licence, as well as to those conditions specified in the licence to be issued.

This term will enable the Commission to assess at an early date the licensee's compliance to the Radio Regulations, 1986 (the regulations).

The licensee admitted that it had not broadcast the required minimum level of 65% French-language vocal music for the week of 12 to 18 September 1993. The licensee stated that CJMT's music programming is designed to exceed the minimum requirements for French-language vocal music and assured the Commission that the necessary steps had been taken to ensure that this situation would not reoccur.

The Commission views with serious concern the licensee's failure to comply with the policy requirement for French-language vocal music. The Commission notes in this regard that the requirement that French-language radio stations broadcast at least 65% French-language category 2 vocal music selections each broadcast week is now part of the regulations (Public Notice CRTC 1993-173 dated 8 December 1993). The Commission intends to monitor closely the station's performance during the new licence term and the Commission directs the licensee to take all necessary measures to comply at all times with its own commitments and with the requirements of the regulations.

The Commission reaffirms the particular importance it attaches to the development of Canadian talent. As part of its renewal application, the licensee indicated that it was unable to make a commitment in direct expenditures to Canadian talent development because of the station's financial difficulties. The Commission will expect the licensee to make direct cost contributions to the development of Canadian talent once the station achieves a positive operating income, the profit before interest and tax (PBIT) index being the primary profitability indicator.

With respect to the quantifiable benefits proposed as part of the transfer of control approved in Decision CRTC 89-676 dated 7 September 1989, the Commission notes that according to the report filed at the time of the licence renewal application, CJMT has met and even exceeded its commitments in this regard.

In Public Notice CRTC 1992-59 dated 1 September 1992 and entitled "Implementation of an Employment Equity Policy", the Commission announced that the employment equity practices of broadcasters would be subject to examination by the Commission. In the case of CJMT Chicoutimi, a Télémédia Communications Inc. (Télémédia) station, it has addressed these matters in the decision renewing the licence of radio station CKCH Hull. The Commission will monitor closely the licensee's performance in this regard and expects Télémédia to consider employment equity issues in its hiring practices and in all other aspects of its management of human resources.

The Commission notes the concerns outlined in the intervention filed by the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake and it is satisfied with the licensee's reply to the intervention.

Allan J. Darling
Secretary General