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Public Notice CRTC 2000-12

See also: 2000-12-1

Ottawa, 28 January 2000

Campus radio policy
Summary
This document sets out the Commission’s revised policy for campus radio broadcasting, concluding the review announced in Public Notice CRTC 1997-105. The policy it replaces has been effect since 1992 (Public Notice CRTC 1992-38). The revised policy set out in this document provides more flexibility to campus radio stations by streamlining the various regulatory and administrative requirements to which they are subject. In developing the revised policy, the Commission has considered the written comments submitted with respect to its proposed new policy for campus radio contained in Public Notice CRTC 1999-30.
Section 3(1)(b) of the Broadcasting Act (the Act) provides for a Canadian broadcasting system composed of public, private and community elements. Campus radio stations are an important element of the Canadian broadcasting system. The primary purpose of such stations is to offer programming that is different in style and substance from the programming offered by other types of radio stations.
Campus radio stations are not-for-profit undertakings associated with institutions of post-secondary education. Campus radio stations rely almost exclusively on volunteers from the campus, and from the community at large, for their programming and operation. For the purpose of the policy, the term "volunteers" includes students.
The revised policy focuses on simple and effective mechanisms to ensure that campus stations fulfil their role and responsibilities. It addresses a number of issues, including:
  • the means to ensure that the programming of campus stations offers an alternative to that provided by other types of stations;
  • Canadian music and local talent development;
  • the structure of the boards of directors of campus stations; and
  • policies respecting advertising aired on campus stations.
In this notice, the Commission also announces a streamlined approach for the licensing of low-power "developmental" campus undertakings that would be expected later to emerge as full-fledged campus stations operating at a higher power.
In Public Notice CRTC 1999-30, the Commission raised the matter of whether there should be any distinctions drawn between French- and English-language campus stations, in addition to the different programming requirements that currently apply to French- and English-language hits. The Commission notes that none of the submissions addressed this particular question. The Commission is satisfied that its revised policy fully corresponds to the circumstances of both French- and English-language campus stations.
Introduction

1.

In Public Notice CRTC 1997-105 entitled An agenda for reviewing the Commission’s policies for radio, the Commission announced plans to review all of its policies for radio in light of the evolving communications environment. As part of this overall agenda, the Commission indicated that it would launch a consultative process involving campus broadcasters. The consultation phase was completed in the fall of 1998, following which the Commission issued its proposed policy for campus radio (Public Notice CRTC 1999-30).

2.

The Commission received 43 comments concerning its policy proposals. Submissions included those from licensed campus stations (including instructional stations), from the National Campus and Community Radio Association (NCRA), various individuals involved or otherwise interested in campus radio, the program co-ordinator of a campus station associated with a community college, and two commercial broadcasters. The Commission also received comments from the following associations: the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB), the Association des radiodiffuseurs communautaires (ARC) du Québec, the Canadian Independent Record Production Association (CIRPA), l’Association québécoise de l’industrie du disque, du spectacle et de la vidéo (ADISQ), the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN), the Canadian Society for Independent Radio Production (CSIRP), and the Center for Research-Action on Race Relations (CRARR).

3.

Although the comments received were generally supportive of the Commission's policy proposals, certain of the proposals generated greater discussion than others. For example, several parties addressed the Commission's proposed policies regarding the structure of the boards of directors of campus stations, and the Canadian content requirements for music in genres where the availabily of Canadian selections is low. There were also several comments on the question of whether performers of "turntablism" and of "radio art" should be recognized as "artists" for the purpose of the MAPL definition.

4.

Some parties addressed the regulatory requirement for the retention of logger tapes by developmental stations, while others commented on the need to differentiate between campus/community and instructional campus stations in establishing requirements for programming and hours of broadcast.

5.

The Commission thanks all those who submitted written comments and those who participated in the consultation. The information provided by these parties has greatly assisted the Commission in developing its revised campus radio policy.

6.

The Commission considers the primary goal of its revised policy as being to ensure diversity within the broadcasting system, while providing greater flexibility to the campus radio sector through the introduction of streamlined regulatory and administrative requirements. To these ends, the policy revisions focus principally on the creation of simple, effective and easily-measured requirements.

7.

In the following sections of this notice, the Commission discusses its objectives for campus radio and the various policy measures it will employ to attain those objectives.
Implementation

8.

The Commission intends to ensure that licensees can benefit from application of the streamlined programming requirements contained in the revised policy on campus radio with the minimum possible delay.

9.

Licensees whose licences expire in August 2000 will come under the revised policy and its requirements on the effective date of their licence renewal, that is to say, on 1 September 2000. The Commission will solicit renewal applications from these licensees in the near future.

10.

Licensees whose licences expire after August 2000 are invited to file applications requesting licence amendments that would bring them in line with the revised policy. The Commission will provide application forms upon request. The amendments would take effect on the date these applications are approved by the Commission.

11.

At a later date, the Commission will announce proposed amendments to the Radio Regulations, 1986 (the regulations), that will give effect to the Canadian content and French-language vocal music requirements set out in the revised policy on campus radio.
The revised policy

12.

This section sets out the various elements of the Commission’s revised policy with respect to campus radio.
Objectives for the campus radio sector

13.

The Commission's primary objective for the campus radio sector is that it provide programming differing in style and substance from that provided by other elements of the broadcasting system, particularly commercial stations and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). The Commission considers that campus stations should add diversity to the broadcasting system by providing alternative programming in both music and spoken word.

14.

The Commission believes that a healthy and vibrant not-for-profit sector is essential to fulfil the goals of the Act. Campus stations play a unique and valuable role in the communities they serve. The revised policy set out below is designed to ensure that they continue to play this role.

15.

With respect to cultural diversity, section 3(1)(d)(iii) of the Act states, in part, that the broadcasting system should reflect the multicultural and multiracial nature of Canadian society and the place of Aboriginal Peoples. The role of campus stations is to provide community access to the airwaves and to offer alternative programming that reflects the diverse elements of the communities they are licensed to serve. The cultural diversity present in many Canadian communities places campus stations serving those centres in a position to make a strong contribution to the reflection of that cultural diversity, especially by providing exposure to new and developing artists from minority cultural groups. This is also consistent with the responsibility of campus stations to play music not often played by commercial stations. Campus stations are also well placed to provide spoken word programming that reflects the perspectives and concerns of minority cultural groups. The Commission expects campus stations to maintain and strengthen their efforts in these areas, both in their programming and in their employment practices.

16.

The Commission acknowledges the significant role played by campus stations in providing third-language programming to the ethnocultural communities resident within their service areas. This programming contributes to the diversity of the broadcasting system and helps to address the needs of minority communities that may not otherwise have access to programming relevant to these needs. The Commission encourages all participants in the campus radio sector to continue their efforts in this area.

17.

Consistent with these policy objectives, the Commission has announced that it will allow campus stations in markets without a local ethnic station to provide us to 40% third-language programming without the Commission's prior approval (see Public Notice CRTC 1999-117 entitled Ethnic Broadcasting Policy).
Definition of a campus station

18.

The Commission maintains its definition of a campus station as set out below. The Commission notes that, in the former policy, it had defined two different types of campus station, namely "campus/community" and "instructional." Both definitions are maintained in the revised policy, with the exception that the term "campus/community" is replaced by the term "community-based campus".

19.

In the past, the term campus/community has been mistakenly interpretated as referring to both community stations and campus stations. The new term "community-based campus" establishes a clearer distinction between the two types of stations; moreover, the term reflects the important role that a community-based campus station plays within the community it serves.

20.

The revised definitions are as follows:
Campus station: A campus radio station is a station owned or controlled by a not-for-profit organization associated with a post-secondary educational institution. There are two types of campus stations:
Community-based campus: This is a campus station with programming produced primarily by volunteers who are either students or members of the community at large. The training of professional broadcasters is not the station’s primary objective.
Instructional: This is a campus station that has the training of professional broadcasters as its primary objective.
Role of campus stations

21.

The Commission adopts the following as its description of the role it envisions for each of the two subtypes of campus radio stations defined above:
Community-based campus: The primary role of these stations is to provide alternative programming such as music, especially Canadian music, not generally heard on commercial stations (including special interest music, as well as styles of popular music seldom broadcast), in-depth spoken word programming, and programming targeted to specific groups within the community. Although students play an important role in programming, community-based campus stations may also provide access to members of the community at large. Such stations also provide training in radio production to volunteers.
Instructional: The primary role of these stations is to provide a training ground for students in broadcasting courses. These stations must also provide their audiences with alternative programming. Alternative programming should include music, especially Canadian music, not generally heard on commercial stations (including special interest music, as well as styles of popular music seldom broadcast), in-depth spoken word programming, and some formal educational programming.
All campus stations (both community-based campus and instructional) should provide programming that is complementary, not only to that of commercial stations, but also to that of community stations and other campus stations operating in the same location.

22.

The Commission has considered the comments contained in the submission filed by ARC du Québec. The comments addressed the negative impact that could be experienced by a community station should a campus station operating in the same market fail to provide programming that is complementary to that provided by the community station.

23.

The Commission notes that, whenever it considers a licence application proposing a new campus or community station, it examines closely the applicant's plans to provide programming that would increase diversity in the market, and that would differ from that provided by any other existing campus or community station in the market. In these circumstances, the Commission also gives careful consideration to the evidence presented in interventions submitted by any existing campus or community stations or other interested parties regarding the potential impact of the proposed service.
Programming requirements

24.

The programming requirements contained in the Commission's revised policy and discussed in this section will generally be imposed by condition of licence.

25.

A number of individuals argued against the Commission's proposal not to maintain the 1992 policy requirement that at least 20% of the musical selections played on campus stations be other than Pop, rock and dance. Some parties submitted that this requirement has effectively obliged campus stations to play at least a certain amount of jazz music, and expressed concern that the elimination of the requirement would spell the removal of jazz music from the schedules of campus stations.

26.

The Commission has considered these comments carefully. It has decided to implement its proposal to eliminate the requirement that campus stations play 20% of music other than Pop, rock and dance. The revised policy now includes a requirement that campus stations devote at least 5% of all musical selections in each broadcast week to musical selections from Category 3. The Commission reminds the licensees of campus radio stations, that, contrary to the former policy, this requirement applies to the number of selections rather than the duration of music programming broadcast.

27.

The Commission considers that elimination of the requirement for campus stations to play 20% of music other than Pop, rock and dance is appropriate in light of the nature of the music programming provided by campus stations and the focus of this programming on many new and emerging genres that fall under the Pop, rock and dance music subcategory. Moreover, in playing music from Category 3, campus stations add musical diversity to the Canadian broadcasting system since very few commercial stations currently play music from this category. The Commission also notes that, under its revised content category definitions published today in Public Notice CRTC 2000-14, most jazz music now falls under Category 3.

28.

In addition to the above stipulation that at least 5% of all musical selections in each broadcast week must come from Category 3, the revised policy includes the requirement that at least 25% of programming broadcast on campus stations in each broadcast week be spoken word programming. Specialized spoken word presentations, such as public and community affairs programs, should be included in the schedule. The Commission, however, will no longer expect community-based campus stations to devote at least 15% of each broadcast week to focused spoken word programs, block programs that showcase particular types of music, or programs targeted to identifiable groups within the community.

29.

As a further requirement affecting English-language stations only, the level of hits aired each broadcast week should not exceed 10% of all musical selections in the case of community-based campus stations, and 30% in the case of instructional stations.

30.

The Commission will no longer place restrictions on the number of times individuals musical selections may be repeated during a broadcast week.

31.

In the case of French-language campus stations, and in the absence of effective tools to define French-language hits, the Commission will not place a limit on the number of hits such stations may broadcast in each broadcast week.

32.

With respect to instructional stations, the Commission maintains the current requirement that a minimum of two hours of programming per broadcast week be formal educational programming. The Commission will also continue to expect instructional stations to devote, each broadcast week, a minimum of 4% of all programming to news, with a particular emphasis on local news. This expectation regarding news programming shall not apply during vacation periods.
Canadian content
Canadian content level for Category 2 music

33.

The Commission intends to propose amendments to the regulations that would increase, from 30% to 35%, the minimum level of Canadian content for Category 2 musical selections that campus stations are required to broadcast over the broadcast week.

34.

The Commission has considered the suggestions from parties that the required Canadian content level be raised beyond the 35% level proposed for Category 2. In the Commission's view, any higher level would be difficult to achieve for many campus stations operating in small communities where Canadian content is not as easily accessible as it is in larger centres. The Commission is satisfied that the level of 35% is appropriate in the circumstances, and notes that it is the same as that required of commercial stations.

35.

Nevertheless, the Commission reminds the Canadian music recording industry that the onus rests with its participants to ensure that recordings of Canadian artists are put into the hands of campus stations, not just those in the larger centres, but in the smaller communities as well.
Canadian music in low-availability genres

36.

The Commission will generally require campus stations to broadcast a minimum weekly level of 35% Canadian content for Category 2 music. The Commission, however, is prepared to consider applications for conditions of licence that would establish lower Canadian content requirements to account for periods devoted to genres in which the availability of Canadian selections is low. This flexibility would also ensure that the increased level of Canadian content for Category 2 does not act as a disincentive for campus stations to broadcast music from new and emerging genres in which less Canadian music is available.

37.

The Commission, in assessing applications for exceptions to the regulatory requirements for Canadian content, will consider such factors as:
• the size of the station and the size of the market in which it operates;
• the number of Canadian recordings currently available to the station that fall within the identified genres;
. the existing level of musical activity in the identified genres on the part of local performers and artists, and the number of recordings in those genres that have been released or distributed locally; and
• the extent to which the availability of Canadian recordings in the identified genres can be expected to increase over time.

38.

The Commission will also expect applicants to propose definitions for the genres of music for which they consider lower levels of Canadian content are appropriate. Licensees are encouraged to propose levels that would increase over time, based on the anticipated increase in the availability of Canadian recordings in the genres concerned.
New forms of expression

39.

Turntablism and radio art are new forms of expression heard on campus and other radio stations. Turntablism refers to the use of turntables as musical instruments, essentially to alter and manipulate the sound of recorded music. Radio art generally refers to the arrangement of excerpts of musical selections, fragments of recorded speech and "found sounds" in unusual or original ways.

40.

The Commission received a number of comments in support of and in opposition to the recognition of turntablists or performers of radio art as "artists" for the purpose of the "MAPL" definition for Canadian selections under section 2.2(2) of the regulations. None of the parties offered any proposals or suggestions as to how these now forms of expression could be clearly defined for the purpose of the Canadian content requirements.

41.

Accordingly, the Commission has decided not to recognize turntablists or performers or radio art as artists for the purpose of the MAPL definition. However, the Commission recognizes that some of these performances do contain distinct excerpts of musical selections, and may qualify as montages under the regulations for the purpose of receiving recognition as Canadian selections.

42.

Pursuant to section 2 of theregulations, a montage is defined as:
a compilation of one minute or more in duration containing excerpts from several musical selections but does not include a medley.

43.

Under section 2.2 (11) of the regulations, a montage is deemed to be a Canadian musical selection broadcast in its entirety if:
the total duration of the excerpts of Canadian musical selections from content Category 2 is greater than 50% of the total duration of the montage; [and] the total duration of the montage is four minutes or more.

44.

Since turntablism and radio art are new forms of expression that have the potential of becoming more popular in the future, the Commission will follow developments in this area and will review its approach as necessary.
Distribution of Canadian Category 2 selections

45.

The Commission notes that there are no complaints on file regarding campus stations and their scheduling of Canadian musical selections. Accordingly, the Commission no longer considers that a formal distribution requirement with respect to Canadian musical selections for campus radio is necessary. It therefore intends to amend the regulations to remove the requirement that campus stations must distribute Canadian selections "in a reasonable manner throughout each broadcast day." The Commission, however, will expect such stations to maintain a reasonable distribution of Category 2 Canadian musical selections throughout the broadcast day, taking into consideration the unique programming and listenership patterns of campus radio.
Canadian content level for Category 3 music

46.

The Commission intends to propose amendments to the regulations increasing the minimum level of Canadian content for Category 3 musical selections from 10% to 12% over the broadcast week.

47.

The Commission has considered the views of parties recommending that the required level of Canadian Category 3 music be raised beyond the 12% figure contained in the Commission's proposed policy. As with the determination set out earlier in this notice regarding requirements for Canadian content in Category 2 music, the Commission has concluded that the higher levels suggested in the comments would be too difficult for campus stations to achieve, particularly by those stations operating in small communities where Canadian content is not as accessible as it is in larger centres. The Commission is satisfied that the level of 12% is appropriate in the circumstances, and notes that it is, in fact, somewhat higher than the required of commercial stations.

48.

Nevertheless, the Commission reminds the Canadian music recording industry that it is incumbent upon that industry to ensure that recordings of Canadian music are made available to all campus stations - not just to those serving large urban centres.
French-language vocal music
Level of Category 2 French-language vocal musical selections

49.

The Commission maintains the regulatory requirement imposed on French-language campus stations, that they devote at least 65% of all vocal musical selections that are aired from Category 2 in each broadcast week to musical selections in the French-language.
Distribution of Category 2 French-language vocal musical selections

50.

The Commission does not consider that a formal distribution requirement with respect to French-language vocal musical selections on French-language campus radio stations is necessary. Accordingly, it intends to propose a regulatory amendment that would remove the requirement that such stations distribute French-language vocal musical selections "in a reasonable manner throughout each broadcast day." The Commission, however, will expect such stations to maintain a reasonable distribution of French-language vocal musical selections throughout the broadcast day, taking into consideration the unique programming and listenership patterns of French-language campus radio.
Structure of the boards of directors of campus stations

51.

There was a range of opinions expressed by the licensees of campus stations, and by various individuals associated with campus radio, with respect to how the board of directors of a campus station should be structured. The extent of the interest in this particular issue stems from the fact that it is with the board of directors of a campus station that effective control of the station resides.

52.

Under the former policy, it was generally expected that a majority of the board of directors of a campus station would come from the student body, faculty, administration and other groups closely associated with the educational institution that the station, itself, was connected with. In the notice announcing its plans for a revised policy, however, the Commission noted that most campus stations tend to direct their programming to the community at large rather than only to the campus population. Accordingly, the Commission proposed to include an expectation within the revised policy that the structure of the boards of directors of campus stations allow for balanced representation, not just from among the student body and groups associated with the educational institution, but from the community as well.

53.

In their written comments, some parties suggested that the expectation proposed by the Commission regarding balanced representation on the board should be expanded to require a similar balance among a station's membership, and among its volunteer staff. Others indicated that this proposal would be problematic for them.

54.

In supporting the intent of the proposed expectation, certain parties expressed concern that the sources of funding for the operation of a campus station should not be permitted to determine the structure of the board. Others made recommendations that there should be a balance on the board as between elected and appointed representatives.

55.

The Commission has considered all of the views expressed on this subject, and has determined that, with some slight modifications, and with the addition of certain clarifications, the expectation proposed in Public Notice CRTC 1999-30 should be included in the revised policy.

56.

Accordingly, under the revised policy, the Commission will expect the board of directors of a campus radio station to include balanced representation from among the student body, the associated college or university (for example, faculty or administration), station volunteers, and from the community at large. To ensure continuity of direction, the Commission also encourages campus stations to establish positions on their boards of directors with terms of more than one year.

57.

The Commission will ask each licensee at licence renewal time whether the structure of its board of directors complies with this policy. In the Commission's view, a licensee whose board is effectively controlled by a single organization, would not be in compliance with the policy, which requires balanced representation among various groups. Licensees that are not in compliance with the policy will be asked to provide detailed plans regarding how they intend to bring the composition of their boards of directors into conformity with the policy. Alternatively, they will be asked to explain why the new policy should not apply to them.
Advertising

58.

The Commission eliminates all stipulations regarding the use of "restricted" advertising. Campus stations will henceforth be permitted, in each broadcast week, to broadcast 504 minutes of advertising of all types described under content Category 5, with a maximum of 4 minutes of advertising in any one hour.

59.

The Commission considers that this measure will provide campus stations with additional flexibility with respect to their sources of revenue. The Commission believes that the best way to ensure that campus stations provide programming that is different in style and substance from that provided by other stations is to focus on simple and effective programming requirements.
Hours of broadcast

60.

Campus stations are expected to provide a consistent level of service and will generally be expected to broadcast full time (a minimum of 126 hours per week). The Commission acknowledges, however, that flexibility may be required with respect to the hours of operation of certain campus stations, for whom staffing during certain hours of the day and during vacation periods can be problematic. Accordingly, applicants for new licences or for licence renewal will be asked to specify the number of hours they will broadcast in an average week between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and midnight, and to identify, as well, any periods during the year that they do not intend to broadcast. The Commission will expect licensees to adhere to the commitments they make in this regard.
Station-produced programming

61.

The Commission requires that at least two-thirds of the programming broadcast weekly by each campus station be produced by the station. This requirement will be imposed by condition of licence.
Local talent development

62.

The Commission considers that campus stations have an important role to play in the development, support and exposure of local talent. The Commission expects campus stations to continue to undertake initiatives to promote and feature music by new Canadian artists, local artists and artists whose music is seldom heard on other stations. These initiatives should be described in applications for new licences and for licence renewal.
Training of volunteers

63.

Licensees of all campus stations (both community-based campus and instructional) must indicate the role their stations will play in training students and other volunteers, as well as the approximate percentage of total programming that will be produced by students to fulfil requirements of courses they are taking.
Developmental stations

64.

The Commission will introduce a streamlined regulatory framework for low-power developmental campus stations. The objective of this approach is to allow new stations to commence operating quickly, primarily for training purposes.

65.

The regulatory framework for developmental campus stations will apply only to stations having a transmitter power of 5 watts or less (AM) or an effective radiated power (ERP) of 5 watts or less (FM).

66.

The Commission has developed a streamlined application form designed specifically for applicants proposing new developmental campus radio stations. Applicants will generally have their proposals considered as part of an expedited public process where appropriate. Applicants will not be required to show evidence of the availability of financing, nor will the presence of paid staff be a criterion used in the assessment of applications for developmental campus radio licences.

67.

Licensed developmental campus stations will be subject to fundamental requirements such as those concerning Canadian ownership, technical certification by the Department of Industry, and adherence to standard industry self-regulatory codes. They will also be expected to conform to those portions of the campus radio policy governing the role of campus stations and the structure of the board of directors. Further, they will be subject to the regulatory requirements with respect to Canadian content requirements and, for French-language stations, the French-language vocal musical requirements. Developmental campus stations will not generally be expected to comply with the policy's requirements dealing with other programming elements or hours of broadcast. In addition, the Commission would be prepared to consider applications for conditions of licence that would establish lower Canadian content requirements to account for periods devoted to genres in which the availability of Canadian selections is low.

68.

Like all other licensees, developmental campus stations will also be required to retain logger tapes pursuant to section 8 of the regulations.

69.

Developmental campus stations will generally be licensed for three years. At the end of this term, licensees will be expected to have filed an application with the Commission for a regular campus radio licence or to cease operations.

70.

As a separate matter, the Commission notes that, under the Broadcasting Distribution Regulations, local FM, AM and digital radio signals are audio services that must be distributed. In some circumstances, however, particularly where distribution capacity is limited, the Commission considers that the mandatory distribution of the signals of developmental stations by broadcasting distribution undertakings (BDUs) may not be appropriate. Accordingly, in such circumstances, the Commission would be disposed to give favourable consideration to applications by BDUs for exceptions from this regulatory requirement by condition of licence.
Streamlined regulatory approach

71.

The Commission intends to implement a new streamlined regulatory approach to campus radio. This approach will encompass the following measures.

72.

In preparing their applications for new licences or for licence renewal, applicants will no longer be required to complete a Promise of Performance.

73.

As part of an application for a new campus radio licence or for licence renewal, applicants will be asked to submit their proposed program schedule as a sample of the type of programming they would provide.

74.

Conditions of licence reflecting this policy will be listed on the licence of each campus radio station. Any other conditions of licence, or exceptions to the generally applicable conditions of licence, will be noted in the decision issuing or renewing the licence.

75.

Adherence to other programming commitments that an applicant may include with its application for a new or renewed licence will not generally be required by condition of licence unless the Commission determines that such conditions are warranted in the circumstances.
Policies specific to campus carrier current operations

76.

Carrier current services not carried on cable are exempted by the Commission from the need to hold a broadcasting licence. Nevertheless, the Commission reminds the operators of such services that they must comply with the exemption order, as well as with all requirements established by the Department of Industry regarding technical certification. The Commission will continue to require the operators of carrier current services distributed on cable systems to hold a licence.

77.

Licensed carrier current stations will continue to be subject to the applicable regulatory requirements. The Commission will also require the licensees of such stations to adhere to the same advertising restrictions that apply to campus stations.
High school stations

78.

As a general policy, the Commission will not license campus AM or FM stations associated with high schools. High school carrier current undertakings, however, will be permitted to operate in accordance with the policies specific to carrier current undertakings outlined above.

79.

The Commission notes that this general policy would not prevent it from licensing an over-the-air station that is housed in a high school, but that otherwise operates as a community station and fulfils all aspects of the community radio policy, as set out in Public Notice CRTC 2000-13 issued today.
Other matters

80.

The Commission notes the comment submitted by the NCRA regarding the Commission’s policy on balance in programming. The Commission plans to undertake a public process to review its 1988 policy within the next few years.

81.

With respect to Canadian talent development and benefits contributions arising from ownership transactions, certain clarifications on this subject were provided in Public Notice CRTC 1999-30 calling for comments on the proposed policy for campus radio. The Commission wishes to provide the further clarification that, while a third-party funding organization may qualify as an eligible recipient of Canadian talent development and benefits contributions, commercial broadcasters are not generally required to direct their contributions to any particular organization.
Conclusion

82.

The Commission is confident that its revised policy will contribute to the diversity of the Canadian broadcasting system by ensuring that campus stations continue to distinguish themselves from the services of commercial stations and the CBC through their provision of distinctive local programming services of interest to the communities they serve. The policy will further promote varied musical and spoken word programming that reflects the diversity and richness of the many groups that make up any given community.

83.

In the near future, the Commission intends to publish a booklet setting out all elements of this revised campus radio policy, along with a glossary of relevant terms, clarifications of certain issues and a bibliography of other documents relevant to campus stations. It will continue to identify and implement new measures such as this, designed to assist licensees and the public in their dealings with the Commission.
Secretary General
This notice is available in alternative format upon request, and may also be viewed at the following Internet site: http://www.crtc.gc.ca
Date modified: