ARCHIVED - Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2005-401

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Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2005-401

  Ottawa, 12 August 2005
  Bluewater Community Radio
Hanover, Ontario
  Application 2004-1049-9
Public Hearing in the National Capital Region
16 May 2005
 

Community radio station in Hanover

1.

The Commission approves the application by Bluewater Community Radio (Bluewater) for a broadcasting licence to operate an English-language FM Type B community radio programming undertaking in Hanover, Ontario. The station will operate at 91.3 MHz (channel 217A1) with an effective radiated power of 250 watts.

2.

In New developmental community radio station, Decision CRTC 2001-576, 12 September 2001, the Commission approved an application by Bluewater Community Radio, on behalf of a corporation to be incorporated, for a broadcasting licence to operate an English-language FM developmental community radio programming undertaking in Hanover. Consistent with its approach for developmental community radio stations, as outlined in the Community Radio Policy, Public Notice CRTC 2000-13, 28 January 2000 (the Community Radio Policy), the Commission licensed this station for three years. Taking into consideration the twelve-month period allowed to implement a new radio station, the licence for this station will expire 12 September 2005. Since Bluewater wishes to continue operating beyond this period, it has filed the present application for a broadcasting licence to operate a community station.
 

Programming

3.

The station will broadcast 126 hours of programming in each broadcast week with a minimum of 108 hours of station-produced programming. The local programming, which will form a major part of the day, will consist of spoken word, music, and community information and will focus on local issues, sports and weather.

4.

The new station will provide all community groups, regardless of age and culture, with opportunities to express themselves artistically, culturally and religiously, by means of music and spoken word. It will also continue to act as a training ground for students and others wishing to enter the field of broadcasting.

5.

The Commission reminds the applicant that, pursuant to the Community Radio Policy, Type B community radio stations are required, by condition of licence, to devote a minimum of 25% of their programming to spoken word programming.

6.

The Commission notes that the applicant indicated that, in each broadcast week, it would broadcast approximately six hours of religious programming, as defined in the Religious Broadcasting Policy, Public Notice CRTC 1993-78, 3 June 1993 (Public Notice 1993-78).  The Commission considers that, when the applicant offers religious programming as defined in Public Notice 1993-78, it must adhere to the guidelines set out in that public notice with respect to the provision of balance (section III.B.2.a)) and ethics (section IV).  The Commission is imposing a condition of licence, as set out in the appendix to this decision, requiring that, when the applicant does broadcast such religious programming, it must adhere to these guidelines.

7.

With respect to local talent development, the new station will continue to provide a platform to local artists through its music programming and during its organized events.
 

Interventions

8.

The Commission received interventions in support of this application.
 

Issuance of the licence

9.

The licence will expire 31 August 2011, and will be subject to the conditions set out in New licence form for community radio stations, Public Notice CRTC 2000-157, 16 November 2000, as well as to the condition set out in the appendix to this decision.

10.

In accordance with the Community Radio Policy, the licence for this community station will be issued to Bluewater Community Radio, a not-for-profit organization with no capital stock, whose structure allows members of the community to become members and take part in station management, operations and programming. The board of directors will be ultimately responsible for compliance with the Radio Regulations, 1986 and the station's conditions of licence.

11.

The Department of Industry (the Department) has advised the Commission that, while this application is conditionally technically acceptable, it will only issue a broadcasting certificate when it has determined that the proposed technical parameters will not create any unacceptable interference with aeronautical NAV/COM services.

12.

The Commission reminds the applicant that, pursuant to subsection 22(1) of the Broadcasting Act, no licence may be issued until the Department notifies the Commission that its technical requirements have been met, and that a broadcasting certificate will be issued.
 

Employment equity

13.

The Commission considers that community radio stations should be particularly sensitive to employment equity issues in order to reflect fully the communities they serve. It encourages the licensee to consider these issues in its hiring practices and in all other aspects of its management of human resources.
  Secretary General
  This decision is to be appended to the licence. It is available in alternative format upon request, and may also be examined in PDF format or in HTML at the following Internet site: www.crtc.gc.ca 
 

Appendix to Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2005-401

 

Conditions of licence

 

1. The licence shall be subject to the conditions set out in New licence form for community radio stations, Public Notice CRTC 2000-157, 16 November 2000.

 

2. Where the licensee broadcasts religious programming as defined in the Religious Broadcasting Policy, Public Notice CRTC 1993-78, 3 June 1993, the licensee shall adhere to the guidelines set out in sections III.B.2.a) and IV. of that public notice with respect to the provision of balance and ethics in religious programming, as amended from time to time.

Date Modified: 2005-08-12

Date modified: