ARCHIVED -  Decision CRTC 99-467

Decision

Ottawa, 18 October 1999

Decision CRTC 99-467

Christian Solutions Group Inc.

Winnipeg, Manitoba - 199901971

16 August 1999 Public Hearing
National Capital Region

New Christian music FM radio station

1. The Commission approves the application for a broadcasting licence for an English-language specialty low power FM radio programming undertaking at Winnipeg. Subject to the requirements of this decision, the Commission will issue a licence expiring 31 August 2006.

The proposed service

2. The new station will broadcast Christian music. At least 95% of the total weekly music will be drawn from subcategory 34 (non-classic religious). A condition of licence in this regard is set out later in this decision. While the station will offer predominantly music, it will also broadcast news, weather and sports segments as well as promotions of local community events and activities.

3. The applicant has confirmed that it has no plans to offer religious programming as defined in the Commission's religious broadcasting policy outlined in Public Notice CRTC 1993-78. The Commission, nevertheless, reminds the applicant that, if it does offer religious programming, it must abide by the requirements set out in that public notice with respect to balance and other matters involving the broadcasting of religious programming as well as the policy regarding soliciting funds.

4. The applicant made a commitment to broadcast 15% Canadian content each week from content Category 3 music (Traditional and Special Interest), rather than the minimum 10% weekly required by the Radio Regulations, 1986 for music from this category. The applicant will also broadcast a weekly maximum hit level of 35%. Conditions of licence requiring the applicant to adhere to these commitments are set out later in this decision.

5. In the area of Canadian talent development, the Commission notes the applicant's plan to adopt the Canadian Association of Broadcasters' (CAB) Distribution Guidelines For Canadian Talent Development, as set out in Public Notice CRTC 1995-196, which for the Winnipeg market represents an annual expenditure of $8,000 to eligible third parties. A condition of licence in this regard is set out later in this decision.

6. In approving this application, the Commission is satisfied that the addition of a Christian music station will increase the diversity of radio services available to Winnipeg audiences. The Commission has taken into consideration the numerous interventions filed in support of the proposed service including a petition of 5,564 signatures.

Conditions of licence

7. The licence will be subject to the conditions specified in this decision and in the licence to be issued. As conditions of licence, the licensee must:

· operate the station within the Specialty format as defined in Public Notice CRTC 1995-60, or as amended from time to time;

· draw at least 95% of the total weekly music from subcategory 34 (non-classic religious);

· ensure that a minimum of 15% of Category 3 music selections (Traditional and Special Interest) broadcast each week are Canadian selections;

· maintain a local weekly programming level of at least 42 hours in order to accept or solicit local advertising;

· broadcast, in any broadcast week, no more than 35% hit material as defined in Public Notice CRTC 1997-42, as amended from time to time;

· make payments to third parties involved in Canadian talent development at the level identified for it in the CAB's guidelines, as set out in Public Notice CRTC 1995-196 as amended from time to time and approved by the Commission, and to report the names of the third parties associated with Canadian talent development, together with the amounts paid to each, concurrently with its annual return. The payments required under this condition of licence are over and above any outstanding commitments to Canadian talent development offered as benefits in an application to acquire ownership or control of the undertaking.

· adhere to the guidelines on gender portrayal set out in the CAB's Sex-Role Portrayal Code for Television and Radio Programming, as amended from time to time and approved by the Commission. The application of the foregoing condition of licence will be suspended as long as the licensee remains a member in good standing of the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council;

· adhere to the provisions of the CAB's Broadcast Code for Advertising to Children, as amended from time to time and approved by the Commission.

8. 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. In this regard, the Commission encourages the licensee to consider employment equity issues in its hiring practices and in all other aspects of its management of human resources.

9. The licence will only be issued and effective when the new station is ready to begin operation. When the licensee has completed construction and is prepared to commence operation, it must advise the Commission in writing. If the station is not constructed and ready to operate within 12 months of today's date, extensions to this time frame may be granted provided that the licensee applies in writing to the Commission before the 12-month period or any extension of that period expires.

10. As proposed, the new FM station will operate on the frequency 93.5 MHz, channel 228LP, with an effective radiated power of 22 watts.

11. The Department of Industry has advised the Commission that this application is conditionally technically acceptable. The Department will only issue a Broadcasting Certificate once it has determined that the proposed technical parameters will not create any unacceptable interference with aeronautical NAV/COM services.

12. In accordance with section 22(1) of the Broadcasting Act, the Commission will only issue the licence and grant the authority to operate when it receives notification from the Department of Industry that its technical requirements have been met, and that a broadcasting certificate will be issued.

This decision is to be appended to the licence. It is available in alternative format upon request, and may also be viewed at the following Internet site:
www.crtc.gc.ca

Secretary General