ARCHIVED - Decision CRTC 2000-445

Decision CRTC 2000-445

Ottawa, 20 November 2000

Rogers Radio (British Columbia) Ltd.
Chilliwack, British Columbia - 200000315 

Application processed by Public Notice CRTC 2000-85 dated 16 June 2000

Licence amendment for CKVX-FM

The Commission approves the application to delete CKVX-FM Chilliwack's condition of licence requiring that all of the station's permanent studio facilities be located outside the Greater Vancouver Regional District.

Background

CKVX-FM (formerly CKSR-FM) is licensed to offer a locally oriented radio service to audiences in the Fraser Valley. In Decision CRTC 96-277, the Commission approved an application by STAR-FM Radio Inc. to relocate CKSR-FM's Abbotsford transmitter (CFSR-FM-1) to Mount Seymour and to add a small fill-in transmitter at Abbotsford (CFSR-FM). The purpose of these changes was to correct apparent impediments to CKSR-FM's signal in its western service area.

From Mount Seymour, the transmitter can blanket Vancouver with an excellent signal. In response to concerns that it might reorient CKSR-FM's programming away from the Fraser Valley and seek to serve Vancouver, STAR agreed to accept a condition of licence that its permanent studio facilities be located outside the Greater Vancouver area.

Rogers Radio (British Columbia) Ltd. acquired CKSR-FM and its rebroadcasting transmitters CFSR-FM and CFSR-FM-1 in August 1999 (CRTC Letter of Authority A99-0112). In January 2000, Rogers converted CKSR-FM's music format to "modern alternative rock" to make the station more attractive to younger listeners in the Fraser Valley area. It subsequently changed the station's call sign to CKVX-FM and its transmitters to CKVX-FM-1 and CKVX-FM-2.

The applicant's rationale

Rogers stated that CKVX-FM's ratings and revenues have been declining over the past two years. The licensee argued that it needs access to greater technical resources and to more extensive and advanced studio production facilities to fully implement the new format and other programming enhancements. It added that locating CKVX-FM's administrative and programming facilities with Rogers' radio stations situated in the Greater Vancouver area (CKKS-FM and CKWX) would generate substantial cost savings.

Interventions

Three commercial radio licensees serving Vancouver submitted interventions opposing this application: Jim Pattison Broadcast Group, licensee of CJJR-FM and CKBD, CHUM Limited, licensee of CFUN and CHQM-FM, and Standard Radio Inc., licensee of CKZZ-FM and CISL.

The interveners argued that CKVX-FM could not properly serve the Fraser Valley from downtown Vancouver. They also claimed that approval of this application would establish CKVX-FM as a Vancouver station without a public hearing or requirements that Rogers provide benefits to the Canadian broadcasting system. In addition, they expressed concern that allowing Rogers to locate CKVX-FM's studios in Vancouver could set a precedent that could jeopardize the future of local radio services, particularly those in cities adjacent to major markets.

Rogers responded that it will sustain and enhance the level of local service that CKVX-FM currently provides to the Fraser Valley. It will also maintain a strong news presence in both Chilliwack and Abbotsford to provide relevant, up-to-the-minute coverage of local news and community events. Operating from Rogers' studio facilities in Vancouver, CKVX-FM will be able to implement its modern rock format more fully, thereby increasing diversity for radio audiences in the Fraser Valley.

Local orientation

CKVX-FM's mandate to provide a locally oriented radio service to listeners throughout the Fraser Valley is unchanged. In a letter dated 19 May 2000, the Commission ruled on a complaint by Standard Radio that Rogers had repositioned CKVX-FM's format and target audience towards Vancouver. The Commission reminds Rogers of the guidelines set out in that letter. CKVX-FM should:

• not identify itself on a basis that includes exclusive reference to Vancouver;
  

• include reference to the Fraser Valley in all its traffic and weather reports; and
  

• include, on a regular basis, references to local news and events in the Fraser Valley.
  
  

In approving the present application, the Commission is satisfied that the commitments made by Rogers to maintain and enhance the level of local programming offered by CKVX-FM will ensure that the station's programming remains
focused on its licensed service area. The Commission also agrees with Rogers that locating CKVX-FM with the licensee's Vancouver facilities will help it to carry out programming enhancements.

Secretary General

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