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Decision
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Ottawa, 18 April 1990
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Decision CRTC 90-382
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Electrohome Limited, doing business under the name and style of "Cap Communications"
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Kitchener, Ontario - 894113000
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Following a Public Hearing in London beginning on 20 February 1990, the Commission approves the application by Electrohome Limited, doing business under the name and style of "Cap Communications" (Electrohome) to amend the broadcasting licence for CFCA-FM Kitchener by changing the Promise of Performance by increasing the vocal-to-instrumental ratio from 45:55 to 75:25 during each broadcast week. Electrohome has indicated that the increase in the vocal-to-instrumental ratio will be phased-in over a period of several months.
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In approving this request, the Commission has taken into consideration Electrohome's commitment to continue to operate CFCA-FM in a Group I format (Softer Pop and Rock), to maintain its current level of 18 hours and 30 minutes of Category 6 (Music - Traditional and Special Interest) selections and to target its programming to the 35 and over demographic group. The Commission also notes that the licensee proposes to increase the Canadian content of its Category 5 (Music-General) music from the current 15% to 20%, the minimum requirement for stations operating in a Group I format with a vocal-to-instrumental ratio greater than one.
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Beth Hotchkiss intervened opposing the change in CFCA-FM's music programming on the grounds that it is the only station in the area which provides "easy-listening-classic-semi-classic-instrumentally interesting programming". Carl Piellusch also filed an intervention against the proposed amendment, claiming that Electrohome plans to target its programming to a younger audience, despite the fact that two local stations already serve that group. In response, Electrohome pointed out its commitment to Category 6 music, which is almost entirely instrumental, and its weekly three-hour "Best of the Big Bands" program. The licensee also noted that currently more than 70% of its audience is over the age of 65 and stated that it had requested this amendment in order to add listeners in the 35-55 age group without diminishing service to its existing listeners.
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Dufferin Communications Inc., licensee of CIDC-FM Orangeville, opposed Electrohome's application, arguing that an approval would reduce musical diversity in the Dufferin, Wellington and Waterloo market and would impact negatively on CIDC-FM's financial status. Electrohome responded that it remains committed to a Group I format as well as to its current target demographic group of 35 and over and maintained that it considers Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge to be its primary market. The Commission has noted the intervention by the Canadian Independent Record Production Association stating that Electrohome should be required to broadcast, at a minimum, 30% Canadian content. In this regard, the Commission notes that Electrohome's Canadian content commitment of 20% is consistent with the minimum requirement set by the Commission in its FM policy.
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The Commission also acknowledges the intervention by Larry LeBlanc in support of this application.
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The Commission has considered the arguments presented by the licensee and the intervenors, and is satisfied that the proposed increase in the vocal:instrumental ratio from 45:55 to 75:25 should not result in a significant reduction in musical diversity and should have minimal competitive impact on the Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge market.
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Rosemary Chisholm
Acting Secretary General
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