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Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2006-270
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Ottawa, 30 June 2006
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Standard Radio Inc.
Trail, Castlegar and Grand Forks, British Columbia
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Applications 2005-1158-6 and 2005-1155-2
Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2006-12
3 February 2006
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CJAT-FM Trail - New transmitters at Castlegar and Grand Forks
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In CJAT Trail - New transmitter in Castlegar, Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2006-133, and CJAT-FM Trail - New transmitter in Grand Forks, Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2006-134, both dated 5 April 2006 (Decision 2006-133, Decision 2006-134), the Commission pronounced on the above applications. However, the Commission inadvertently failed to take into consideration an intervention in opposition to each of the applications, submitted by Vista Broadcast Group Inc.
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In light of this, the Commission has examined the complete record of the proceedings, on a de novo basis. The Commission's decision, set out below, replaces Decision 2006-133 and Decision 2006-134.
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The applications
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1.
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The Commission received applications by Standard Radio Inc. (Standard) to amend the broadcasting licence for the radio programming undertaking CJAT-FM Trail, in order to operate transmitters at Castlegar and Grand Forks.
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2.
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The new transmitter at Castlegar would operate at 90.3 MHz (channel 212A1) with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 230 watts. The transmitter proposed for Grand Forks would operate at 103.3 MHz (channel 277A) with an ERP of 460 watts.
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3.
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Standard indicated that the new transmitters would ensure a reliable signal of CJAT-FM's service throughout Castlegar and Grand Forks, thereby adding diversity and programming choice in the market.
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Interventions
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4.
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The Commission received interventions in support of these applications, as well as an intervention in opposition to both applications by Vista Broadcast Group Inc. (Vista). Vista, through its licensee subsidiaries, operates 13 radio stations in the interior region of British Columbia, including CKQR-FM Castlegar and CKGF-2-FM1 Greenwood, which is networked with CKQR-FM. Vista expressed concern for the possibility that the proposed transmitters could have a negative financial impact on its operations in Castlegar and Grand Forks.
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Licensee's reply
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5.
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In reply to Vista's intervention, Standard reiterated that the intent of its applications is to ensure a reliable signal of CJAT-FM throughout the market, and noted that Vista had not offered market analysis or financial projections, and that Vista had not quantified the alleged impact of Standard's proposals on CKQR-FM or CKGF-2-FM.
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Commission's analysis and determination
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6.
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In its evaluation of these applications, the Commission has carefully considered the views of the licensee and of the interveners.
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7.
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The Commission notes that approximately two thirds of Castlegar's population is already able to receive the signal of CJAT-FM, and that, if the proposed transmitter is implemented, projected incremental revenue from the retransmission of CJAT-FM in Castlegar in year one would represent less than 10% of CKQR-FM's total revenue in 2005, and an insignificant portion of Vista's combined 2005 total revenue.
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8.
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Further, Standard's projected incremental revenue derived from the retransmission of CJAT-FM in Grand Forks would be minimal, given that Standard has stated its intention not to solicit advertising revenue in that community.
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9.
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The Commission is of the view, particularly in the absence of any compelling evidence to the contrary, that the addition of transmitters of CJAT-FM at Castlegar and Grand Forks will improve the availability of CJAT-FM's service to the residents of Castlegar, and add another editorial voice and additional market diversity in Grand Forks, without any undue negative impact upon any existing undertakings.
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10.
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In light of the above, the Commission approves the applications by Standard Radio Inc. to amend the broadcasting licence for the radio programming undertaking CJAT-FM Trail, in order to operate transmitters at Castlegar and Grand Forks. The new transmitter at Castlegar will operate at 90.3 MHz (channel 212A1) with an ERP of 230 watts. The new transmitter at Grand Forks will operate at 103.3 MHz (channel 277A) with an ERP of 460 watts.
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11.
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The Department of Industry (the Department) has advised the Commission that, while these applications are conditionally technically acceptable, it will only issue broadcasting certificates when it has determined that the proposed technical parameters will not create any unacceptable interference with aeronautical NAV/COM services.
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12.
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The Commission reminds the licensee that, pursuant to section 22(1) of the Broadcasting Act, these authorities will only be effective when the Department notifies the Commission that its technical requirements have been met, and that broadcasting certificates will be issued.
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13.
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Each transmitter must be operational at the earliest possible date and in any event no later than 24 months from the date of this decision, unless a request for an extension of time is approved by the Commission before 30 June 2008. In order to ensure that such a request is processed in a timely manner, it should be submitted in writing at least 60 days before that date.
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Secretary General
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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
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Footnote:
In CKGF Grand Forks - Licence amendment, Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2004-356, 18 August 2004, the Commission approved an application which resulted in the programming of CKGF originating from CKGF-2-FM Greenwood.
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Date Modified: 2006-06-30