ARCHIVED -  Decision CRTC 85-8

Decision

Ottawa, 8 January 1985

Decision CRTC 85-8

Radio CJFP Ltée Trois-Pistoles, Quebec - 832121800

Radio Dégelis Inc. Trois-Pistoles, Quebec - 840677900

Following a Public Hearing in Rimouski, Quebec on 5 November 1984, the Commission approves the application by Radio CJFP Ltée for a broadcasting licence for a French-language FM radio station at Trois-Pistoles on the frequency 93.9 MHz, channel 230, with an effective radiated power of 2.7 watts to broadcast the programs originating part-time in its studios at Trois-Pistoles and part-time from CJFP Rivière-du-Loup.

The Commission denies the competing application by Radio Dégelis Inc. for a broadcasting licence for a French-language FM radio station at Trois-Pistoles on the frequency 106.3 MHz, channel 292, with an effective radiated power of 17.1 watts to rebroadcast the programs received part-time from studios in Trois-Pistoles and part-time from CFVD Dégelis.

The Commission will issue a licence to Radio CJFP Ltée expiring 30 September 1986, subject to the conditions of licence specified in this decision and in the licence to be issued. This term will enable the Commission to consider the renewal of this licence at the same time as that of CJFP Rivière-du-Loup.

Trois-Pistoles has a population of approximately 4,500. CJFP and CION-FM Rivière-du-Loup already operate studios there to facilitate access by the local community to air-time and to produce programs which reflect regional interests and concerns. After assessing the two applications noted above, the Commission has decided to approve only one because of the limited resources of the community. The Commission has determined that, under the circumstances, Radio CJFP Ltée's application offers more benefits, considering that the Trois-Pistoles area is a natural extension of the coverage area of CJFP Rivière-du-Loup. It further notes that CJFP already serves Trois-Pistoles, although only during the day and, according to the applicant, reception of its signal in that community is becoming more difficult and unreliable because of increased electrical interference. The Commission considers that the FM transmitter approved by this decision should solve this interference problem and provide the residents of Trois-Pistoles and area with a good quality signal, day and night.

The licensee proposed to improve the facilities at its studio in Trois-Pistoles and initially to broadcast one hour of local programming per day, composed mainly of local news, community services, sports and socio-cultural interviews. The daily program on events in Trois-Pistoles, currently broadcast by CJFP and its rebroadcasting transmitters, will also be continued. The Commission has noted the applicant's statements at the hearing to the effect that, on an experimental basis, the production of local programs in Trois-Pistoles will, in large part, be given to local groups such as the recreational service of the municipality of Trois-Pistoles and the local merchants' association. In this regard, the applicant has assured the Commission that, should problems arise, it would assume the production of such programs itself. The applicant also specified at the hearing that air-time for local production at Trois-Pistoles would increase in proportion to demand.

The Conseil populaire des Communications de l'Est du Québec Inc. intervened at the hearing to present its view on these two applications. While noting that there was a definite need for a local radio station in Trois-Pistoles and that it should be of the highest quality possible, the intervener emphasized that it was obvious that more than one station could not survive in Trois-Pistoles. The Commission also took into account the written intervention submitted by La Chaîne des Affaires de Trois-Pistoles Inc. in support of the application by Radio CJFP Ltée.

The frequency approved by this decision is an unprotected frequency. Accordingly, the licensee would have to select another frequency for the operation of the station, should optimum utilization of the broadcasting spectrum so require.

It is a condition of licence that construction of the station be completed and that it be in operation within twelve months of the date of this decision or such further period as the Commission may, upon receipt of a request for extension before the expiry of the said twelve months, deem appropriate under the circumstances.

Fernand Bélisle Secretary General