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Decision
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Ottawa, 2 March 1987
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Decision CRTC 87-149
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CHUR-AM Radio North Bay, a general partnership
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North Bay, Ontario - 861652600
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Following a Public Hearing in the National Capital Region on 1 December 1986, the Commission renews the broadcasting licence for CHUR North Bay, from 1 April 1987 to 31 August 1990, subject to the conditions 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 other radio stations in the region.
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CHUR was originally licensed in 1981 (Decision CRTC 81-875) but did not commence operation until 30 September 1985, following two extensions of the deadline for implementation of service (Decisions CRTC 84-661 and 85-147) and changes in its ownership structure which provided much-needed financial stability (Decisions CRTC 85-147 and 86-377).
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The licensee was called to appear at the December 1986 hearing to review its performance and programming plans in light of the ownership changes noted above.
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At the hearing, the licensee acknowledged that it had been necessary to make program scheduling changes in order to maintain a competitive position in the marketplace. It assured the Commission, however, that the local orientation of the station, as envisaged in the initial licensing decision was being maintained.
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In reviewing specific programming commitments, the licensee stated that its talk program, now entitled "The Atkins File", was still being produced with the help of a local advisory committee but that it had been shortened and rescheduled. Moreover, the range of subjects with which it deals had been expanded beyond the field of education. The licensee has also maintained its commitment to broadcast a historical feature on Canadian radio, produced weekly in conjunction with students from Canadore College, as well as programming for the francophone and ethnic communities through such presentations as "Les Compagnons", "Off The Bookshelf" and "Continental Medley".
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The Commission expressed some concern over the fact that Sturgeon Falls, the largest community in the station's coverage area outside of North Bay, did not have its own news stringer.
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The licensee explained that various attempts to secure a news stringer in Sturgeon Falls had proven unsuccessful and that the area was being covered by the licensee's own news staff. It also expressed a willingness to address Sturgeon Falls interests through its talk show.
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The Commission has considered all the information submitted with respect to this application and is satisfied with the efforts made by the licensee to reflect local interests in the diversity of its programming and with its record of community involvement.
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The Commission attaches particular importance to the development of Canadian talent and notes that the licensee has allocated between $5,000 and $7,000 in annual direct costs for the production and broadcast of the CHUR Talent Caravan. It has undertaken to record the finals of this year's talent search for broadcast on the Mid-Canada television system throughout central Ontario. Further, it has made a commitment of $15,000 in indirect costs for the promotion of Canadian talent from both the entertainment and journalistic fields. At the hearing, the licensee also indicated that it would renew its involvement with the Theatre and Arts Community Centre (TACC) once the local theatre reopens. The Commission encourages CHUR to continue to involve local residents in the production of the program "TACC Presents".
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It is a condition of licence that the licensee adhere to the CAB selfregulatory guidelines on sex-role stereotyping, as amended from time to time and accepted by the Commission.
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Fernand Bélisle
Secretary General
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