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Ottawa, 5 June 1986
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Decision CRTC 86-479
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Radio QX-FM Inc.
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Selkirk, Manitoba - 860434000
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For related documents: see Decisions CRTC 83-502 and 85-696 dated 30 June 1983 and 23 August 1985, respectively.
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Pursuant to Public Notice CRTC 1986-78 dated 2 April 1986, the Commission approves the application to amend the broadcasting licence of CFQX-FM Selkirk by changing the station's format from "Group I" to "Group III" and the ratio of vocal-to-instrumental musical selections from 50:50 to 98:2.
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In Decision CRTC 85-696 the Commission approved a transfer of negative control of the licensee company and renewed CFQX-FM's licence for a period of two years based on compliance problems during the station's first licence term. In that decision, the Commission noted that serious financial difficulties had affected the licensee's ability to fulfill its Promise of Performance commitments with respect to foreground and mosaic programming and had forced the licensee company into receivership in 1982 followed by a transfer of assets in 1983 (Decision CRTC 83-502). Since the release of Decision CRTC 85-696, the Commission has noted that the injection of stabilizing capital has produced a number of positive changes in the station's day-to-day operations, including the addition of a full-time program director, enabling CFQX-FM to respond to the requirements set out in the 1985 renewal decision.
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The Commission considers that the change to a "Group III" (Country) format should permit CFQX-FM to attract additional audience and revenue. Moreover, in view of the station's coverage area, it is satisfied that existing AM Country broadcasters in Winnipeg and Portage La Prairie will not be directly affected. The Commission notes that no interventions opposing this change were received.
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The licensee requested a reduction in the amount of category 6 programming (Music-Traditional and Special Interest) from 8 hours to 4 hours 30 minutes per week. In its Policy Statement on the Review of Radio in March 1983 and in a number of subsequent decisions, the Commission reaffirmed that FM stations authorized to broadcast Music - Traditional and Special Interest would generally not be permitted to reduce this programming to less than 8 hours per week.
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The Commission considers that a departure from the policy is not warranted in this case. Accordingly, it denies the proposal to reduce category 6 and, as previously proposed by the licensee and as authorized in its present licence, requires the licensee to continue to broadcast a minimum of 8 hours per week of such programming.
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The Commission will follow with interest CFQX-FM's progress in the "Group III" format and in implementing its overall Promise of Performance commitments. In this regard, the Commission will expect the licensee to pay particular attention to the fulfillment of its foreground and mosaic programming commitments.
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Fernand Bélisle
Secretary General
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