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Decision
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Ottawa, 28 March 1985
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Decision CRTC 85-149
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Radio Communautaire FM de la Haute-Gatineau Inc. Maniwaki, Quebec
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Communications Communautaires des Portages Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec
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Radio Communautaire du Bas St-LaurentRimouski, Quebec
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In Decisions CRTC 84-300, 84-301 and 84-302 dated 29 March 1984, the Commission approved the applications by the three licensees noted above to replace the condition of licence pertaining to the broadcasting of restricted advertising with the amended definition described in the Policy Statement on the Review of Radio dated 3 March 1983 (Public Notice CRTC 1983-43). The Commission denied, however, the applications by the Rivière-du-Loup and Rimouski licensees to increase the amount of restricted advertising broadcast at certain times of the day. As well, the Commission noted several contraventions by the three licensees of the condition of licence pertaining to restricted advertising, and stated its intention to review the matter further at the time of licence renewal.
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In the same decisions, the Commission recognized the financial difficulties experienced by some community radio stations, and noted that there had been a gradual movement by these stations in recent years towards greater commercialization. It stated that such a trend was contrary to the mandate extended to community radio stations and could affect, either directly or indirectly, their community nature and the balance of broadcasting services available in any given market. The Commission concluded by stating that it would review the situation within the broader context of a public hearing on the nature of community radio in Canada, and on the regulations governing it.
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Subsequently, in its Public Notice CRTC 1984-201 of 31 July 1984 entitled "Community Radio", the Commission announced plans to consult with community broadcasters and other interested parties during the fall of 1984, in order to evaluate more precisely the environment in which community radio is evolving, to examine the nature and extent of its problems and to consider solutions proposed by community broadcasters.
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The same day (Decision CRTC 84-625), the Commission renewed for a period of six months, to 31 March 1985, the broadcasting licences for CHGA-MF Maniwaki, CION-FM Rivière-du-Loup and CKLE-FM Rimouski; this term was to enable these licensees to participate productively in the consultations and to allow the Commission to examine to what extent the requirements and commitments set out in Decisions CRTC 84-300, 84-301 and 84-302 had been met.
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Following the consultations during the fall of 1984, in Public Notice CRTC 1985-34 dated 22 February 1985, the Commission issued several proposals for discussion at a public hearing on 23 April 1985 pertaining to the review of community radio.
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In light of the above, the Commission considers that it would be appropriate to defer its consideration of the applications by these three community stations for licence renewal in order to complete its consultative process and to issue its conclusions. This will also enable all interested parties to participate productively at the 23 April Public Hearing.
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Accordingly, the Commission hereby renews the licences for CHGA-MF Maniwaki, CION-FM Rivière-du-Loup and CKLE-FM Rimouski for a period of one year, from 1 April 1985 to 31 March 1986, subject to the terms and conditions of the current licences.
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The Commission reminds the licensees that it can only undertake a satisfactory assessment of their specific circumstances if and when the broadcasting undertakings are operated in compliance with the requirements of Decisions CRTC 84-300, 84-301 and 84-302, as well as with their conditions of licence, their Promises of Performance, and with the Commission's policies and regulations. The Commission also cautions the licensees that any failure on their part to comply may compromise the subsequent renewal of their licences.
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Fernand Bélisle Secretary General
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