ARCHIVED -  Decision CRTC 95-561

Decision

Ottawa, 17 August 1995

Decision CRTC 95-561

Westcom Radio Group Ltd.

Hamilton, Ontario - 941672800

Licence renewal for CHML

Following Public Notice CRTC 1995-50 dated 30 March 1995, the Commission renews the broadcasting licence for CHML Hamilton, from 1 September 1995 to 31 August 1999, subject to the conditions in effect under the current licence, as well as to those conditions specified in the licence to be issued.

The licence term granted herein, while less than the maximum of seven years permitted by the Broadcasting Act, will enable the Commission to consider the next licence renewal of this undertaking in accordance with the Commission's regional plan and to better distribute the workload within the Commission.

The Commission reaffirms the particular importance it attaches to the development of Canadian talent and has noted the level of the licensee's commitment for this purpose in light of the station's financial situation.

In Public Notice CRTC 1992-59 dated 1 September 1992 and entitled "Implementation of an Employment Equity Policy", the Commission announced that the employment equity practices of broadcasters would be subject to examination by the Commission. The Commission recognizes the licensee's involvement in various employment equity initiatives, such as the L.E.A.P. Program in conjunction with Mohawk College. Nevertheless, the Commission considers that the licensee could increase its efforts in relation to people with disabilities and Aboriginal Peoples.

The Commission requires the licensee to develop and implement an effective plan of action to ensure that adequate employment equity practices are followed throughout its organization. The Commission will revisit these matters at the time of the renewal of the licensee's undertakings.

The Commission acknowledges an intervention on behalf of the Mayor's Committee Against Racism and Discrimination ("Mayor's Committee") and the Committee for Conscience in Broadcasting, regarding the perceived negative presentation of minorities in the Hamilton community. This intervention followed on a previous complaint by the Mayor's Committee concerning the CHML programs "John Hardy Today" and "Talk Line". After examining the complaint, and noting the measures taken by the licensee to respond to the concerns that were raised, the Commission determined that the licensee did not breach the Broadcasting Act or the Radio Regulations, 1986. Nevertheless, the Commission expects the licensee to be sensitive to the concerns raised in the intervention that minority groups in the community are too often represented in a negative manner.

In this context, the Commission notes the statement by the Mayor's Committee that CHML has a responsibility to reflect the real world of its community, in all its voices. The Commission notes the dialogue between the licensee and the Mayor's Committee, as well as the steps taken by the licensee in response to the complaint and the intervention. The Commission expects CHML to continue to monitor and respond to this type of community feedback to ensure that it effectively serves the listening public.

In their submission, the interveners had requested to appear before the Commission in order to present their concerns. In view of the above, the Commission determined that it would not be necessary to schedule the application at a public hearing.

Allan J. Darling
Secretary General