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Public Notice
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Ottawa, 15 August 1990
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Public Notice CRTC 1990-80
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Potential Uses of the Former CKO Radio Frequencies: Call for Comments
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In Decision CRTC 90-745 issued today, the Commission has revoked the licences issued to the CKO Radio Partnership for the operation of the CKO all-news radio stations. That decision effectively releases for reassignment one AM and eleven FM frequencies in Canada's major cities.
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The Commission notes that various parties have expressed interest in these frequencies for purposes of national scope. In this respect, several groups have indicated a desire in continuing a national news service. Others have suggested that these frequencies should be put to use as part of an alternative national service, providing programming that addresses the special needs of children, senior citizens, native or third-language groups across the country or for the purpose of offering classical music, jazz, or other special interest music which may be under-represented on the radio spectrum.
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Also, applicants for new FM services in Toronto, Vancouver and Kitchener who appeared at recent public hearings indicated their preference for these frequencies, as compared to the particular frequencies for which they were competing at that time. The former CKO frequencies may also interest existing licensees who are at present experiencing technical difficulties with their signal.
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The Commission also recognizes that the availability of these frequencies in certain cities may stimulate interest in new FM services.
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The Commission must also consider the appropriateness of any proposal given the scarcity of unused FM frequencies and the fact that, in some cases, the former CKO frequency is the last radio frequency available in the area and that this may be the last opportunity to licence a national radio service of any type. Notwithstanding the above, the Commission may choose to reserve the frequency for future non-conventional use.
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In light of the differing views on this matter, the Commission is not prepared to consider specific applications predicated on the use of these frequencies without first examining closely all possible options. Accordingly and consistent with its objective to maximize the benefits that would be derived from the establishment of any new radio service, the Commission invites public comment to assist it in the determination of the future use of these scarce resources.
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Comments should be addressed to the Secretary General of the Commission (CRTC, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0N2) and received by the Commission on or before 31 October 1990.
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Alain-F. Desfossés
Secretary General
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