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ARCHIVED - Decision CRTC 2000-152

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Decision CRTC 2000-152
Ottawa, 10 May 2000
Donald E. Mabee, on behalf of a company to be incorporated and to be known as Newsong Communications

Saint John, New Brunswick – 199917390

6 March 2000 Public Hearing
in Moncton
New low-power Christian music FM radio station

1.

The Commission approves the application for an English-language specialty FM radio programming undertaking at Saint John. 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 operate 24 hours a day and will broadcast Christian music. It will broadcast at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of French-language Christian music each week. While the station will predominantly offer music, it will also provide brief news and information segments promoting local events of interest to its audience.

3.

At least 95% of the station's 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.

4.

In Public Notice CRTC 2000-14,the Commission announced revisions to its music categories. As a result of these revisions, the subcategory designation for non-classic religious music will change to 35. Incorporating the revised content categories will require amendments to the Radio Regulations, 1986. The new music categories will apply once the proposed amendments to the regulationsset out in Public Notice CRTC 2000-44  come into force.

5.

The station's programming staff will be entirely volunteer. The Program Director and General Manager will train the volunteers.

6.

The applicant has confirmed that it has no plans to offer religious programming as defined in the Commission’s religious broadcasting policy outlined in Public Notice CRTC 1993-78. The applicant, nevertheless, stated that it understands the requirements set out in that public notice with respect to balance and other matters involving the broadcasting of religious programming as well as the policy regarding soliciting funds.
The applicant's commitments

7.

The applicant made a commitment not to broadcast any commercial messages. It intends to acquire the funds needed to operate the station from sales of subscriptions to a station-produced monthly newsletter. From time to time, the applicant will also hold fund-raising concerts featuring Christian music performers.

8.

The applicant made a commitment to broadcast 20% Canadian content each week from content Category 3 music (Traditional and Special Interest), rather than the minimum 10% weekly required by the regulationsfor music from this category. The applicant also committed to broadcast a weekly maximum hit level of 5%.

9.

In the area of Canadian talent development, the Commission notes the applicant’s commitment to allocate $1,000 annually to Canadian talent development initiatives. The applicant will sponsor an annual talent search. Winners of the contest will receive free recording time in a professional studio. The applicant plans to increase the level of its direct funding to Canadian talent development over the licence term.

10.

Conditions of licence requiring the applicant to adhere to its commitments are set out below.
Conditions of licence

11.

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, as amended from time to time;
  • draw at least 95% of the total weekly music from subcategory 34 (non-classic religious) (subcategory 35 once the proposed amendments to the Radio Regulations, 1986 set out in Public Notice CRTC 2000-44 come into force);
  • ensure that a minimum of 20% of Category 3 music selections (Traditional and Special Interest) broadcast each week are Canadian selections;
  • not broadcast commercial messages;
  • broadcast, in any broadcast week, no more than 5% hit material as defined in Public Notice CRTC 1997-42, as amended from time to time;
  • contribute annually, $1,000 for the development and promotion of Canadian talent; and
  • adhere to the guidelines on gender portrayal set out in the Canadian Association of Broadcasters’ Sex-Role Portrayal Code for Television and Radio Programming, as amended from time to time and approved by the Commission.
Other matters

12.

As proposed, the new FM station will operate on the frequency 96.1 MHz, channel 241LP with an effective radiated power of 50 watts.

13.

The technical parameters approved in this decision are for a low-power unprotected FM service. Accordingly, the applicant would have to select another frequency for the operation of the service should optimum utilization of the broadcasting spectrum so require.

14.

The licence will only be issued and effective when:
  • the Commission receives documentation establishing that an eligible Canadian corporation has been incorporated in accordance with the application in all material respects and that this corporation may be issued a licence; and
  • 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.

15.

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.

16.

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.

17.

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 this regard, the Commission encourages the licensee to consider employment equity issues in its hiring practices and in all other aspects of its management of human resources.

18.

The Commission has taken into consideration the numerous interventions filed in support of the proposed service.

 

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