ARCHIVED - Decision CRTC 2001-455

Decision CRTC 2001-455

Ottawa, 1 August 2001

Jim Pattison Industries Ltd.
Kamloops, British Columbia 2000-2356-5

22 May 2001 Public Hearing National Capital Region

Conversion of AM radio station CFJC to FM

The Commission approves the application for a new English-language FM radio station at Kamloops to replace AM station CFJC and for the addition of transmitters at Pritchard and Chase to rebroadcast the programming of the new station. The terms and conditions of licence are set out in the appendix to this decision.

The proposed service

The new station will offer CFJC's current Country music format on FM. It will also maintain the extensive news and sports coverage as well as periodic special events and talk shows presently broadcast on CFJC.

The FM station will continue to respond to needs and interest of the residents of Kamloops and surrounding area. The existing re-broadcasting FM transmitters at Clearwater and Merritt will continue to serve these communities as they do now. Their call signs will change to reflect the new FM's station's call sign.

Canadian talent development

The applicant confirmed that it would make payments in accordance with the Canadian Association of Broadcasters' Distribution guidelines for Canadian talent development. Under this plan, the applicant must devote at least $400 each year in direct contributions to eligible third parties involved in Canadian talent development. Adherence to this commitment shall be by condition of licence, as set out in the licence to be issued.

The applicant also made a commitment to allocate an additional $5,000 each year in direct contributions to Canadian talent development which will support local and regional talent in the greater Kamloops area. A condition of licence in this regard is found in the appendix to this decision.

The Commission reminds the applicant that all direct cost expenditures involving Canadian talent development must comply with the criteria set out in Public Notice CRTC 1990-111, which describes initiatives generally accepted by the Commission.

Other matters

The applicant has requested authority to broadcast simultaneously on the AM and FM bands for a period of three months. A condition of licence authorizing the applicant to do so is set out in the appendix. At the end of this period, the Commission expects the licensee to surrender the AM licence for cancellation.

The Commission has taken note of the interventions filed in support of this application.

Related CRTC documents

. Public Notice 1999-137 - New licence form for commercial radio stations

. Public Notice 1998-41 - Commercial Radio Policy 1998

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

Appendix to Decision CRTC 2001-455

Terms of the licence for the English-language FM radio programming undertaking at Kamloops

The Commission will only issue the licence, and it will only be effective at such time as:

· the licensee confirms in writing that it is ready to begin operation. This must take place within 12 months of today's date. Any request for an extension to that deadline requires Commission approval and must be made in writing within that period.

· Industry Canada, having advised that the application is conditionally technically acceptable, determines that there is no unacceptable interference with NAV/COM services and indicates that it will issue a broadcasting certificate (section 22(1) of the Broadcasting Act).

The licence, when issued, will expire 31 August 2007.

The station will broadcast on the FM band, on the frequency 100.1 MHz, channel 261B, with an effective radiated power of 3,500 watts.

The transmitter at Pritchard will broadcast on the FM band on the frequency 104.5 MHz, channel 283A, with an effective radiated power of 19 watts.

The Department of Industry has advised that the transmitter at Chase will broadcast on FM band on the frequency 101.1 MHz, channel 266A, rather than on frequency 95.5 MHz, channel 238A, as had been indicated in Notice of Public Hearing CRTC 2001-4-1 dated 28 March 2001. The transmitter will operate with an effective radiated power of 140 watts.

The Commission notes that this licensee is subject to the Employment Equity Act and therefore files reports concerning employment equity with Human Resources Development Canada.

Conditions of licence

The licence will be subject to the conditions specified in the licence to be issued, as also set out in Public Notice CRTC 1999-137. The licence will also be subject to the following conditions:

1. The licensee is authorized to simulcast the programming of CFJC on the new FM station for a transition period of three months following implementation.

2. Consistent with its commitments, the licensee shall make direct cost expenditures of $5,000 each year to the Canadian talent development initiatives set out in its application.

The above amount is in addition to the $400 per year that the licensee contributes to an eligible third party or parties as a small market participant in the Canadian talent development plan formulated by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters.