ARCHIVED -  Decision CRTC 99-468

Decision

Ottawa, 18 October 1999

Decision CRTC 99-468

Christian Family Inspirational Radio Ministries

Prince Rupert, British Columbia - 199900882

16 August 1999 Public Hearing
National Capital Region

New Christian music FM radio station

1. The Commission approves the application for a broadcasting licence for an English-language specialty FM radio programming undertaking at Prince Rupert. Subject to the requirements of this decision, the Commission will issue a licence expiring 31 August 2006.

The proposed service

2. The new station will broadcast Christian music, 24 hours each day. At least 85% of the total weekly music will be drawn from subcategory 34 (non-classic religious). A condition of licence in this regard is set out later in this decision. While the station will offer predominantly music, it will also broadcast spoken word religious programming as defined in the Commission's Religious Broadcasting Policy (the Policy) outlined in Public Notice CRTC 1993-78. The applicant is reminded of the Commission's requirements set out in that Public Notice with respect to the provision of balance and other matters involving the broadcasting of religious programming as well as the policy regarding the solicitation of funds.

3. The applicant has proposed that 56 hours of its weekly programming will be locally produced. 30% of the spoken word content will be from Canadian sources and will include:

" informational Christian teaching programming, and programming to Christians and non-Christians;

" programming to children, youth, adults, native and ethnic groups;

" free announcements of local events that are non-profit in nature; and

" two hours each week of free air-time provided to local faith groups.

4. The Commission notes that within the spoken word segment, 6 hours will be dedicated to offering balance programming. Segments will include interview and talk programs with invited guests representing multi-faith groups; interactive open-line programs; multi-faith news or related events; documentaries about various denominations and faiths and spoken word broadcasts from various Canadian churches and faith groups. A condition of licence in this regard is set out later in this decision.

5. The Commission also notes that the applicant agreed to expose its listening audience to different points of view on religion and differing views on matters of public concern.

6. The station will operate as a non-profit, non-commercial station with revenues being generated through listener pledges. The applicant has indicated that no commercial messages will be broadcast. A condition of licence in this regard is set out later in this decision.

7. In the area of Canadian talent development, the Commission notes the applicant's plan to adopt the Canadian Association of Broadcasters' (CAB) Distribution Guidelines For Canadian Talent Development, as set out in Public Notice CRTC 1995-196. Under these guidelines, the applicant would be required to spend $400 each year on Canadian talent development. The Commission notes that the applicant plans to allocate this budget to bursaries for local students studying in the area of music or broadcasting. A condition of licence in this regard is set out later in this decision.

8. A Regulatory Review Committee (the Committee) consisting of six members from the community will be selected to monitor the new station's activities. Four members will be drawn from local Christian faith groups and two members from non-Christian groups. The Committee will establish internal mechanisms to ensure that program suppliers are familiar with and will comply with the guidelines established in the Policy.

9. The Commission is satisfied that the addition of a Christian music station will increase the diversity of radio services available to Prince Rupert audiences.

Conditions of licence

10. The licence will be subject to the conditions specified in this decision and in the licence to be issued. As conditions of licence, the licensee must:

· operate the station within the Specialty format as defined in Public Notice CRTC 1995-60, or as amended from time to time;

· draw at least 85% of the total weekly music from subcategory 34 (non-classic religious);

· broadcast at least six hours of weekly balance programming;

· not broadcast any commercial messages;

· broadcast, in any broadcast week, no more than 49% hit material as defined in Public Notice CRTC 1997-42, as amended from time to time;

· broadcast exclusively religious programming as defined in Public Notice CRTC 1993-78;

· make payments to third parties involved in Canadian talent development at the level identified for it in the CAB's guidelines, as set out in Public Notice CRTC 1995-196 as amended from time to time and approved by the Commission, and to report the names of the third parties associated with Canadian talent development, together with the amounts paid to each, concurrently with its annual return. The payments required under this condition of licence are over and above any outstanding commitments to Canadian talent development offered as benefits in an application to acquire ownership or control of the undertaking.

· adhere to the guidelines on ethics for religious programming set out in section IV of Public Notice CRTC 1993-78;

· adhere to the guidelines on gender portrayal set out in the CAB's Sex-Role Portrayal Code for Television and Radio Programming, as amended from time to time and approved by the Commission. The application of the foregoing condition of licence will be suspended as long as the licensee remains a member in good standing of the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council;

· adhere to the provisions of the CAB's Broadcast Code for Advertising to Children, as amended from time to time and approved by the Commission.

11. The licence will only be issued and effective when the new station is ready to begin operation. When the licensee has completed construction and is prepared to commence operation, it must advise the Commission in writing. If the station is not constructed and ready to operate within 12 months of today's date, extensions to this time frame may be granted provided that the licensee applies in writing to the Commission before the 12-month period or any extension of that period expires.

12. As proposed, the new FM station will operate on the frequency 100.7 MHz, channel 264LP, with an effective radiated power of 26.5 watts.

13. The Department of Industry has advised the Commission that this application is conditionally technically acceptable. The Department will only issue a Broadcasting Certificate once it has determined that the proposed technical parameters will not create any unacceptable interference with aeronautical NAV/COM services.

14. In accordance with section 22(1) of the Broadcasting Act, the Commission will only issue the licence and grant the authority to operate when it receives notification from the Department of Industry that its technical requirements have been met, and that a broadcasting certificate will be issued.

This decision is to be appended to the licence. It is available in alternative format upon request, and may also be viewed at the following Internet site:
www.crtc.gc.ca

Secretary General