ARCHIVED -  Decision CRTC 96-397

Decision

Ottawa, 13 August 1996

Decision CRTC 96-397

Fabrique de la Paroisse Saint-Roch de Rock Forest

Rock Forest, Quebec - 952992600

New French-language religious FM radio programming undertaking

Following a Public Hearing in the National Capital Region held on 5 June 1996, the Commission approves the application for a broadcasting licence for a French-language religious FM radio programming undertaking at Rock Forest, on the frequency 88.1 MHz, channel 201LP, with an effective radiated power of 0.8 watts.

Subject to the requirements of this decision, the Commission will issue a licence expiring 31 August 2002. This licence will be subject to the conditions specified in this decision and in the licence to be issued.

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

The applicant is a not-for-profit society incorporated under Quebec's An Act Respecting Fabriques and controlled by its Board of Directors.

In Public Notice CRTC 1993-78 dated 3 June 1993, the Commission announced its policy on religious broadcasting, which is essentially based on recognition of alternative values and the importance of balance in matters of public concern.

The applicant will broadcast approximately 20 hours of local programming per broadcast week. The undertaking will provide live broadcasts of masses, marriages, funerals, baptisms and other such religious ceremonies.

Therefore, it is a condition of licence that the programming consist solely of religious services, with the exception of programs or program segments produced by the applicant for the purpose of ensuring balance on matters of public concern. Such programs or program segments must also adhere to guidelines (i) to (iv) contained in section III.B.2a) of Public Notice CRTC 1993-78.

The Commission emphasizes that the applicant shall not broadcast the programming of any other programming undertaking, and that the programming broadcast by the applicant must meet the needs of the community it serves.

It is a condition of licence that the applicant adhere to the guidelines on ethics for religious programming set out in section IV of Public Notice CRTC 1993-78 regarding tolerance, integrity, social responsibility and solicitation of funds.

It is also a condition of licence that the applicant not broadcast advertising material.

This authority will only be effective and the licence will only be issued at such time as the construction of the undertaking is completed and it is prepared to commence operation. If the construction is not completed within twelve months of the date of this decision or, where the applicant applies to the Commission within this period and satisfies the Commission that it cannot complete construction and commence operation before the expiry of this period, and that an extension of time is in the public interest, within such further periods of time as are approved in writing by the Commission, the licence will not be issued. The applicant is required to advise the Commission (before the expiry of the twelve-month period or any extension thereof) in writing, once it has completed construction and is prepared to commence operation.

This decision is to be appended to the licence.

Allan J. Darling
Secretary General