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Public Notice CRTC 2001-10

  Ottawa, 31 January 2001
 

Report to the Governor in Council on measures to ensure that the residents of the Greater Toronto Area receive a range of radio services reflective of the diversity of their languages and cultures

 

Summary

  In this public notice the Commission reports to the Governor in Council on measures to ensure that the residents of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) receive a range of radio services reflective of the diversity of their languages and cultures, as requested in Order in Council P.C. 2000-1464 dated 13 September 2000.
  Taking into account the written comments filed as part of this proceeding and its own independent research, the Commission has reached the following conclusions:
 
  • The GTA has a diverse multicultural, multiracial and multilingual population, one that is rapidly increasing in size and proportion.
 
  • There is a strong demand for new radio services to serve the ethnic population in the GTA. While other technical options may exist to increase the availability of ethnic programming, the majority of the parties submitting comments consider that the licensing of new over-the-air AM and/or FM ethnic radio services is essential to properly serve Toronto's diverse population. Digital radio is seen as a possible solution in the longer term, but at the present time it does not represent a viable means of serving the many linguistic and cultural communities in the GTA.
 
  • Opportunities for the use of new AM or FM frequencies to provide additional radio services in the GTA are very limited under existing Industry Canada technical rules for spectrum usage. Information provided as part of this proceeding suggests, however, that modern receiver design could make it worthwhile to review certain Industry Canada protection requirements concerning the use of AM and/or FM frequencies. The Commission is of the view that these matters should be investigated further to exhaust all possible options for making additional AM or FM frequencies available in the GTA.
 
  • The Commission's existing policy and licensing framework does not present a significant barrier to the introduction of new radio services in the GTA, provided that suitable frequencies are available. In recognition of the needs of the ethnic population in the GTA, however, if and when suitable AM and/or FM frequencies can be identified, the Commission intends to give priority to the licensing of programming services that clearly reflect the diversity of languages as well as the multicultural and multi-ethnic reality of the GTA.
 
  • Other possibilities that could be considered for increasing the diversity of radio services include the development of new subsidiary communications multiplex operation (SCMO) services, closed circuit audio programming services and Internet-based audio services. Some or all of these could also be distributed by broadcasting distribution undertakings serving the GTA.
 
  • The Commission considers it appropriate to review certain other policy requirements to promote the development and distribution of new audio programming services in the GTA by other technical means.
  In light of the above conclusions, the Commission makes the following recommendations to the Government of Canada:
 

Recommendation 1: The Commission invites Industry Canada to review its protection requirements for analog radio services on an expedited basis and to consider the possibility of increasing the number of usable AM and FM frequencies in the GTA.

 

Recommendation 2: The Commission invites Industry Canada to review its allocation of digital channels for radio broadcasting and to consider how many new DRB radio services could be accommodated over and above the requirements of existing licensees.

 

Recommendation 3: The Commission invites Industry Canada to examine and consider any other practical means to ensure that sufficient spectrum space is available for radio broadcasting in the GTA.

  Furthermore, the Commission intends to implement the following specific measures with respect to the provision of new audio programming services reflective of the diversity of languages and cultures of residents of the GTA:
 

In the near future, if the Commission receives an application for the use of an AM or FM frequency to serve the GTA, it will issue a call for other radio services using that frequency that clearly reflect the diversity of languages as well as the multicultural and multi-ethnic reality of the GTA.

 

In the event that Industry Canada makes available additional regular or low-power AM and/or FM frequencies to serve the GTA, the Commission will, in the first instance, in response to an application for any such frequency, issue a call for radio services that clearly reflect the diversity of languages as well as the multicultural and multi-ethnic reality of the GTA.

 

As set out in Public Notice 1995-184, the Commission is prepared to receive applications for new transitional digital radio undertakings. The Commission will assess any such applications on a case-by-case basis.

 

The Commission will consider the appropriateness of amendments to the Broadcasting Distribution Regulations to permit BDUs to distribute any Canadian ethnic audio programming service on a digital tier without prior application. The Commission will initiate, in the near future, a public process to solicit comments on such amendments.

 

The Commission will initiate, in the near future, a public process to develop an appropriate licensing framework, or exemption criteria, for special audio programming services (services delivered by BDUs but not licensed as over-the-air services). Such services could include ethnic services as well as other specialized services such as official minority-language, religious, gay/lesbian or children's.

 

The Commission, as part of its upcoming internal review of Canadian Talent Development (CTD) expenditures, will explore incentives such as permitting ethnic radio licensees to count investment in ethnic Internet radio as part of their CTD contribution.

  Table of Contents

Paragraph

  1.0 Introduction

1

  2.0 Summary of written comments

5

  2.1 Overview

5

  2.2 Demographic trends and availability of radio services in the GTA

11

  2.3 Technical means to increase the number of radio services in the GTA

14

  2.4 Impact of regulatory policies on new entrants to the GTA

20

  2.5 Conclusions

22

  3.0 Demographic composition of the GTA

25

  3.1 Introduction

25

  3.2 GTA population by ethnic origin

30

  3.3 GTA population by mother tongue

33

  3.4 Conclusions

34

  4.0 Existing radio services in the GTA

36

  4.1 Overview

36

  4.2 Ethnic radio stations

39

  4.3 Ethnic SCMO services

41

  4.4 Ethnic closed circuit audio programming

45

  4.5 Other sources of ethnic radio programming

46

  4.6 Conclusions

48

  5.0 Opportunities for new audio services in the GTA

49

  5.1 Introduction

49

  5.2 Written comments

52

  5.3 New over-the-air radio services

55

  5.4 Other options

62

  5.5 Conclusions

72

  6.0 Existing policy framework for the licensing of new radio services

80

  6.1 Introduction

80

  6.2 Commercial radio policy

86

  6.3 Ethnic broadcasting policy

90

  6.4 SCMO policy

97

  6.5 Campus and community radio policies

99

  6.6 Low power radio broadcasting

102

  6.7 Digital radio policy

107

  6.8 Licensing procedures and criteria for considering new radio applications

109

  6.9 Conclusions

113

  7.0 Recommendations and specific measures to be undertaken

115

  Appendix 1: List of parties submitting written comments  
  Appendix 2: Groups served by ethnic radio stations in the GTA  
 

Introduction

1. In Order in Council P.C. 2000-1464 dated 13 September 2000 (the Order) the Governor in Council requested that the Commission seek public comments and report by 31 January 2001 on:
 

a) the trends of the demographic composition of the Greater Toronto Area (the GTA), the availability of radio services and the nature of the programming serving this population;

 

b) the technical means in both analog and digital formats that might be available to increase the number and diversity of radio services in the GTA; and

 

c) the impact of regulatory policies and licensing criteria on potential new entrants to the GTA radio market;

  with a view to proposing measures to ensure that the residents of the GTA receive a range of radio services reflective of the diversity of their languages and cultures.
2. In response to the Order, the Commission issued Public Notice CRTC 2000-144 on 20 October 2000 (PN 2000-144), inviting written comments from the public on the matters raised in the Order. Comments were to be submitted on or before 17 November 2000. A few comments filed after the deadline were also accepted by the Commission.
3. The Commission received thirty-six written comments, all of which have been placed on the public file of this proceeding. The written comments have been fully considered by the Commission in the preparation of its report. A complete list of the parties submitting written comments is attached as Appendix 1 to this notice.
4. To provide further assistance in the preparation of its report to the Governor in Council, the Commission engaged Imagineering Limited to provide an engineering report on the technical means, in both analog and digital formats, that are or might be available to increase the number and diversity of radio services in the GTA, in the AM, FM and digital radio broadcasting (DRB) bands. The Imagineering report was submitted to the Commission on 24 November 2000 and has been placed on the public file for review by interested parties.
 

2.0 Summary of written comments

 

2.1 Overview

5. Of the thirty-six written comments received in response to PN 2000-144, approximately one-half were submitted by organizations and individuals representing many different ethnic communities in the GTA. The remaining interveners represented licensees, industry associations and individuals from other community groups.
6. As demonstrated in the following excerpts from their written submissions, many individuals and organizations argue passionately for new ethnic radio services that reflect the diversity of languages and the multicultural, multi-ethnic reality of the GTA.
 

A Latvian Canadian, a Ghanaian Canadian, a Somali Canadian, an Armenian Canadian or a Hungarian Canadian, to name just a few, yearns to hear the sounds of his or her language, their music and stories on the radio. A Pakistani, or an Indian or Bangladeshi are hungry for programming in the lingua franca of South Asia, Hindustani. (East Indian Professional Residents of Canada, Comment #36)

 

Toronto with its 60% plus of ethnic penetration demands a diverse TV and radio calendar. Today we have increasing new audiences of second and third generation ethnics that have grown up in our great multicultural fibre. Canada needs programs that encompass the bridging from first to second and third generations and to reflect the multicultural diversity existing here today. (Magda de la Torre, Comment #24)

 

.Southern Ontario, particularly Toronto, has been under the grip of a remarkable cultural influx that has changed the face of Toronto.While we celebrate the rich cultural mosaic that Toronto represents today, it is rather sad that we have to struggle to make some of our own understand the new Toronto. The role of the CRTC has a long term impact on communities affected by its decisions. (Consulate General of Malta, Comment #10)

7. These parties are of the view that existing broadcasting services, including mainstream and ethnic radio broadcasters and ethnic audio services delivered by other means, do not adequately serve the diverse multiracial and multicultural population of the GTA. They urge the Commission to take immediate action to licence new radio services to better serve the various ethnic groups they represent.
 

.Toronto, as you're no doubt aware, veritably teems with ethnic diversity. So many of the residents of this city and surrounding areas are either immigrants or children or grandchildren of immigrants. These groups have inadequate radio service, and I'd love to see that change. (Lisa Warner, Comment #30)

 

Although there are three existing radio stations within the Tamil community, they are all requiring special radios to listen (SCMO). Even those ones do not offer clear reception. The stations are also not available beyond a certain area. These factors essentially make them less efficient in serving community needs. In addition it is also important to note that the existing radio stations (FM or AM) do not reflect the city of Toronto and its multi-cultural make-up and their specific needs. (Canadian Tamil Youth Development Center, Comment #27)

 

.Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce once again stresses on the need for an early establishment of an ethnic radio station to serve the South Asian community and a number of smaller communities, that remain without adequate radio service. (Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce, Comment #28)

8. In this proceeding, as well as in the responses relating to Order in Council PC 2000-511 on French-language broadcasting services to minority communities, the Commission was reminded of the importance of community radio for Francophone minorities. In this regard, the Commission notes that Toronto, Canada's largest metropolitan area, is currently not served by French-language community radio.
9. Some parties submitted that there is also an urgent need to introduce radio services that would serve other groups and interests in the GTA. These included Christian broadcasting services and programming directed to gays and lesbians.
10. With regard to the specific matters on which the Commission sought comment in PN 2000-144, the views of those parties who directly addressed these matters are summarized below.
 

2.2 Demographic trends and availability of radio services in the GTA

11. Most comments recognized the significant changes in the demographic composition of Toronto over the past thirty or forty years. They noted that visible minorities now comprise over one-half of the population of the GTA and, when persons of all origins are included, the ethnic population of the GTA is an even higher percentage. With 70,000 new immigrants each year, the size of the ethnic population will continue to rise. Over 100 languages are spoken in Toronto, and over 40% of new immigrants speak a language other than English or French on arrival. If current growth rates continue, Toronto's ethnic population will grow by some 2,000,000 persons over the next thirty years.

12.

Several parties noted that there are six existing ethnic radio stations serving close to 50 different groups, consistent with the Commission's broad service requirement under its ethnic broadcasting policy. In addition, several subsidiary communications multiplex operations (SCMO) services, associated with existing FM stations, provide programming to specific ethnic groups.
13. Notwithstanding the ethnic programming currently available in the GTA, most parties, other than existing broadcasters, considered that ethnic populations remain underserved, or not served at all, by existing radio and SCMO services in the GTA.
 

2.3 Technical means to increase the number of radio services in the GTA

14. Those parties who commented on technical issues are of the view that there are few, if any, suitable AM or FM frequencies available that would be capable of providing new radio services at reasonable cost and with adequate geographic coverage. Some parties noted the possibility of low power drop-ins, particularly in the FM band, but recognized that such low-power stations provide limited coverage.

15.

It was suggested by some parties that a review and possible revision of certain Industry Canada technical requirements governing the establishment of new radio stations might provide some opportunity for finding new frequencies in the otherwise congested AM and FM bands to serve the GTA.

16.

Concerning digital radio broadcasting (DRB), a few parties noted that there is sufficient digital spectrum available to accommodate new radio services, in addition to meeting the requirements of existing broadcasters. As a general rule, however, there was a consensus that DRB would not be an economically viable solution for a new entrant until such time as digital receivers achieve significant market penetration.
17. Some parties raised the possibility of establishing new SCMO services to serve ethnic groups. It was recognized, however, that SCMO services have significant drawbacks, including the cost of acquiring special receivers, limited geographic coverage and the inability to receive SCMO service in automobiles, where a significant portion of radio listening occurs.
18. A few parties mentioned the possibility of establishing Internet-based radio services as a source of ethnic entertainment and information. CHIN Radio-TV International (Comment #23) proposed the establishment of regulatory incentives to encourage ethnic radio broadcasters to invest in the development of ethnic Internet radio services that reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of smaller ethnocultural groups in the GTA.
19. Finally, it was suggested by Rogers Cable Inc. (Comment #17) that cable systems should be permitted to distribute any available ethnic service to their digital customers, to increase the availability of ethnic programming.
 

2.4 Impact of regulatory policies on new entrants to the GTA

20. Interveners generally did not raise concerns about the Commission's policies. Ethnic broadcasters endorsed the existing ethnic broadcasting policy in particular, especially the requirement that ethnic broadcasters serve a number of different groups in their individual markets. In their view, this "broad service" requirement has been effective in ensuring the provision of at least some programming to many different groups. They urged the Commission to assess any future applications for new radio services in accordance with existing criteria.
21. Many of the parties representing various ethnic groups took issue with previous licensing decisions of the Commission. In their view, the Commission should have licensed more ethnic broadcasting services instead of mainstream radio stations. They called on the Commission to act as soon as possible to address the current imbalance in the range of radio services currently available in the GTA.
 

2.5 Conclusions

22. The written comments have demonstrated a strong demand for new radio services to serve the ethnic population in the GTA. While other technical options may exist to increase the availability of ethnic programming, it is clear that the licensing of new over-the-air AM and/or FM ethnic radio services is seen as essential by the majority of the parties submitting comments. DRB is seen as a possible solution in the longer term, but at the present time it does not represent a viable means of serving ethnic communities in Toronto.
23. It is generally recognized that the scarcity of suitable AM and FM frequencies may limit the Commission's ability to licence new services to better serve the multicultural population of the GTA. The Commission notes with interest, however, those comments suggesting that new AM or FM frequencies might be technically feasible in the GTA, if Industry Canada revises certain of its technical requirements concerning the establishment of new radio stations. This matter is addressed in more detail in Section 5.0 of this report.
24. Finally, the Commission has noted the views expressed by many parties that, should new frequencies become available in the GTA, it should give priority to the licensing of new radio services reflective of the diversity of languages and cultures of the GTA.
 

3.0 Demographic composition of the GTA

 

3.1 Introduction

25. For the purposes of this report, the GTA refers to the City of Toronto plus the surrounding regions of Durham, York, Peel and Halton. The surrounding regions comprise the following twenty-four municipalities: Ajax, Aurora, Brampton, Brock, Burlington, Caledon, Clarington, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, Halton Hills, King Township, Markham, Milton, Mississauga, Newmarket, Oakville, Oshawa, Pickering, Richmond Hill, Scugog, Uxbridge, Whitby, Whitchurch-Stouffville and Vaughan.
26. The GTA is the largest metropolitan area in Canada. According to 1996 census data compiled by Statistics Canada, the total population in the GTA in 1996 was about 4.6 million persons. Population projections prepared by the Ontario Ministry of Finance estimated that the total population of the GTA in 2000 would be almost 5.2 million persons.
27. In recent decades, the settlement patterns of immigrant groups in the GTA have changed. Such groups are now scattered widely throughout the GTA, rather than concentrated in traditional downtown neighbourhoods.
28. It is expected that the GTA will continue to experience rapid population growth over the next several years. The Ontario Ministry of Finance projects that the GTA population will be close to 7.5 million persons by 2028, an increase of some 44% over the 2000 population.
29. Of particular significance is the increasingly diverse multicultural and multiracial makeup of the GTA population.
 

3.2 GTA population by ethnic origin

30. In the 1996 Statistics Canada census, 47.9% of all residents of the GTA identified their ethnic origin as being other than British, French or Aboriginal. If multiple responses are also considered, a further 18.6% identified their ethnic origin, in part, as other than British, French or Aboriginal. In total, therefore, about two-thirds (66.5%) of the GTA population, or over 3 million persons, identified their ethnic origin as being, at least in part, other than British, French or Aboriginal.
31. Table 1 provides a breakdown of the total GTA population by ethnic group in 1996, taking into account both single and multiple responses, for those ethnic groups exceeding 20,000 in population.
32. Between 1986 and 1996, the South Asian and Chinese communities were the fastest growing ethnic groups in the GTA, each increasing in size by over 150% over that ten-year period.

TABLE 1
ETHNIC ORIGIN IN THE GTA
(single and multiple responses, 20% sample data)

Ethnic Origin (more than 20,000 persons)

Population

British, French, Aboriginal:  
British

2,287,545

French

275,240

Canadian

827,825

North American Indian

40,225

Other:  
Italian

430,065

South Asian

381,900

Chinese

363,065

German

254,240

Polish

176,405

Portuguese

164,075

Jewish

158,205

Jamaican

137,200

Ukrainian

110,525

Dutch (Netherlands)

105,250

Filipino

104,005

Greek

82,840

Spanish

64,610

Hungarian (Magyar)

48,215

Russian

42,370

Vietnamese

42,095

West Indian

36,770

Guyanese

30,645

African (Black), not included elsewhere

30,170

Korean

30,070

Croatian

29,730

American

29,675

Iranian

29,235

Trinidadian/Tobagonian

27,085

Macedonian

25,210

Austrian

22,260

Black

21,625

Japanese

20,120

  Source: Statistics Canada, 1996 Census.
  Notes: British origin includes English, Scottish, Irish, Welsh and British not included elsewhere.
  South Asian origin includes Bangladeshi, East Indian, Pakistani, Punjabi, Sri Lankin, Tamil and South Asian not included elsewhere.
 

3.3 GTA population by mother tongue

33. The diverse demographic composition of the GTA is also evidenced by the mother tongue data contained in Table 2. Residents with a mother tongue other than English or French represent over one-third (34.7%) of the total population of the GTA.

TABLE 2
MOTHER TONGUE IN THE GTA
(single responses, 20% sample data)

Mother Tongue (more than 20,000 persons)

Population

Official languages:

2,937,390

English

2,877,600

French

59,790

Non-official languages:

1,557,575

Chinese

288,285

Italian

206,535

Portuguese

108,015

Polish

84,675

Spanish

73,705

Punjabi

65,610

Tagalog (Philipino)

58,870

Tamil

54,370

German

51,805

Greek

50,285

Arabic

36,280

Vietnamese

32,600

Persian (Farsi)

28,810

Ukrainian

28,135

Korean

25,015

Gujarati

24,995

Urdu

24,985

Hungarian

23,220

Russian

23,170

Croatian

20,360

Other non-official languages

247,850

Total GTA, single responses

4,494,965

  Source: Statistics Canada, 1996 Census.

34. 		Information available from Statistics Canada and other sources supports the observations in the written comments that the GTA has a diverse multicultural and multiracial population, one that is rapidly increasing in size:
 
  • About two-thirds of the GTA population, or over 3 million persons, identifies their ethnic origin as being, at least in part, other than British, French or Aboriginal.
 
  • Residents with a mother tongue other than English or French represent over one-third of the total population of the GTA.
 
  • One-quarter (80,000) of all immigrants to Canada selected the City of Toronto as their destination of choice in 1997. The top source countries were China, India, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Iran, Sri Lanka, The Philippines, Taiwan, Russia and Jamaica.
35. In light of this reality, it is essential that the Canadian broadcasting system provide the means to properly serve the increasingly diverse population of the GTA. In the balance of this report, the Commission examines the availability of existing radio services, current programming policies and licensing procedures, and technical factors that are relevant to the establishment of additional radio services in the GTA to meet this priority.

4.0  Exising radio services in the GTA

4.1 Overview

36. A total of 32 over-the-air radio stations, 12 AM and 20 FM, are licensed to serve residents of the GTA. Three of these stations were licensed in June 2000.
37. Twenty-nine of the radio stations serving the GTA can be categorized as follows:
 
  • four stations, two English (both FM) and two French (one AM and one FM), owned and operated by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation;
 
  • fifteen so-called "mainstream" commercial radio stations, six AM and nine FM, offering a variety of programming formats;
 
  • six ethnic commercial radio stations, four AM and two FM, discussed in more detail below;
 
  • three campus-based community FM stations, affiliated with the University of Toronto, York University and Ryerson Polytechnical Institute; and
 
  • a "special" FM station offering a blend of concert, folk and jazz programming.
38. Two of the stations that were recently licensed - a Type B native FM radio station (Aboriginal Voices Radio) and a commercial FM station offering an "urban" music format targeting the Black community - will serve important cultural minorities in the GTA. The third station is a commercial AM station targeting listeners 50 years of age and older. While these stations are not ethnic services as defined in the Commission's ethnic broadcasting policy, they do provide an alternative means of serving the diverse populations in the GTA.
 

4.2 Ethnic radio station

39. The GTA's ethnic population is served by six radio stations licensed under the Commission's ethnic broadcasting policy. Such stations are required to broadcast to a variety of ethnic groups and in a variety of languages. Collectively, the six ethnic radio stations in the GTA broadcast programming in approximately 50 languages, providing over 700 hours of third language programming each week.
40. The following commitments for each ethnic station were included in the most recent renewal decisions, issued in January 2001.
  • CJMR (AM) is required to direct its programming to a minimum of 11 cultural groups in a minimum of 15 different languages.

    (AM) is required to direct its programming to a minimum of 11 cultural groups in a minimum of 15 different languages.

 
  • CHKT (AM) is required to direct its programming to a minimum of 14 cultural groups in a minimum of 15 different languages. Additionally, no more than 66 hours per week of ethnic programming may be directed to the Chinese community.

    (AM) is required to direct its programming to a minimum of 14 cultural groups in a minimum of 15 different languages. Additionally, no more than 66 hours per week of ethnic programming may be directed to the Chinese community.

 
  • CHIN (AM) is required to direct its programming to a minimum of 23 cultural groups in a minimum of 17 different languages.

    (AM) is required to direct its programming to a minimum of 23 cultural groups in a minimum of 17 different languages.

 
  • CHIN-FM is required to direct its programming to a minimum of 23 cultural groups in a minimum of 20 different languages.

    is required to direct its programming to a minimum of 23 cultural groups in a minimum of 20 different languages.

 
  • CIRV-FM is required to direct its programming to a minimum of 9 cultural groups in a minimum of 9 different languages.
 
  • CIAO (AM) is required to direct its programming to a minimum of 12 cultural groups in a minimum of 13 different languages.

    (AM) is required to direct its programming to a minimum of 12 cultural groups in a minimum of 13 different languages.

  Details related to the ethnic programming provided by licensed ethnic radio stations in the GTA are provided in Appendix 2.

4.3 Ethnic SCMO services

41. In addition to licensed over-the-air AM and FM stations, ethnic audiences in the GTA are served by ethnic audio programming services broadcast on the SCMO channels of several Toronto FM stations. An FM station has the technical capacity to broadcast two SCMO channels, in addition to its main programming service. SCMO channels are suitable for several types of services, including data transmission and monophonic audio services. Where audio programming is broadcast using an SCMO channel, it is not accessible with standard radio equipment, requiring instead the use of a special receiver with an internal SCMO decoder.
42. The Commission has authorized the use of twelve SCMO channels for the broadcast of ethnic programming by eight different FM broadcasters licensed to serve the GTA. Programming in nine languages is provided, as detailed in Table 3 below.
43. In addition, CIDC-FM Orangeville provides German language programming on its SCMO channel to listeners in the GTA.
44. According to the submission filed by CHIN Radio-TV International, these thirteen SCMO services provide over 200 hours per week of third language programming, to supplement the programming provided by the licensed ethnic radio stations.

TABLE 3
ETHNIC SERVICES IN THE GTA
USING SCMO CHANNELS

Language of ethnic programming

FM stations authorized to provide ethnic programming using their SCMO channel(s)

Chinese CKFM-FM
Greek CKLN-FM
CKFM-FM
Italian (religious programming) CHIN-FM
Korean CIUT-FM
Persian CFMX-FM
Portuguese CBL-FM
Serbian CKLN-FM
Spanish CBLA-FM
Tamil CHIN-FM
CFMX-FM
CJRT-FM
 

4.4 Ethnic closed circuit audio programming

45. Cable subscribers in the GTA have access to a Greek language audio programming service known as CHIR. This service has been carried for approximately 30 years by Toronto area cable systems on a closed circuit basis (i.e. delivered by wireline directly to cable headends, not by over-the-air transmission) as part of their FM service offering.

4.4 Other sources of ethnic radio programming

46. Ethnic radio programming in the GTA is also provided by two of the licensed community-based campus FM stations, CIUT-FM at the University of Toronto and CHRY-FM at York University. The CAB submission notes that CIUT-FM, for example, provides African musical programming in French, while CHRY-FM provides programming for the Somali, Italian, Haitian, Tamil, Sinhalese, Afghani, South and Central American, Tui and Hebrew communities.
47. Finally, as noted in the submission of CHIN Radio-TV International, an additional 80 hours of ethnic radio programming in six different languages (Polish, Italian, Hindi, Punjabi, Serbian and Macedonian) is produced in the GTA and broadcast in the market on WTOR (AM), a U.S. border station operating on 770 kHz.

4.5 Conclusions

48. Ethnic audio programming is available from a number of different sources in the GTA, but it is clear that the preferred solution for expanding the range of programming is the establishment of new radio services using over-the-air AM and/or FM frequencies. The key problem to address in this regard is the scarcity of suitable frequencies for this purpose, and this issue is discussed in detail in the next section.

5.0 Opportunities for new audio services in the GTA

 

5.1 Introduction

49. The Order in Council requested that the Commission assess "the technical means in both analog and digital formats that might be available to increase the number and diversity of radio services in the GTA".
50. Various technical means of providing new audio programming services to residents of the GTA were raised in the comments received from the public. These include, for example: SCMO channels available with special receivers; audio programming services delivered to BDU subscribers; and new Internet-based radio services. It was clear, however, from the comments submitted, that new over-the-air AM and/or FM stations, which are readily accessible by all members of the public, remain the preferred means of accessing new audio programming services.
51. Accordingly, this section of the Commission's report examines the potential availability of new analog (AM and FM) and digital frequencies suitable for the provision of new over-the-air radio services in the GTA, as well as other opportunities to expand service to currently underserved audiences.

5.2 Written comments

52. Many of the parties submitting written comments noted the current scarcity of unused AM or FM frequencies as the key factor limiting the possible introduction of new radio services in the GTA. A few parties, however, suggested that in certain circumstances it might be possible to identify new AM or FM frequencies that could provide adequate coverage to serve the residents of the GTA.
53. A broadcast consultant, Wayne Plunkett (Comment #25), argued that it is possible to assign several more FM frequencies to the GTA, stating that "there are frequencies that could be used for new stations but are not because of archaic protection rules of existing stations.". Specifically, he suggested that certain Industry Canada rules setting out technical protection requirements between FM stations operating on 2nd and 3rd adjacent frequencies could be eliminated due to the improved performance of modern FM receivers.
54. The comment submitted by Timothy Brown (#16) made a similar point:

.At the time of FM frequency allotment planning, the Canadian approach seemed to be more conservative [than the approach used in the U.S.] - perhaps because of higher standards geared toward the reduction of adjacent channel interference.

 

Improvements in receiver selectivity in the early 1970s altered the need for such stringent constraints on adjacent channel assignments..

 

5.3 New over-the-air radio services

55. The report prepared by Imagineering Ltd. for the Commission addresses the regulatory, engineering and cost considerations regarding the potential introduction into the GTA of AM radio (regular and low-power), FM radio (regular and low-power) and digital radio.
  AM radio
56. The report identifies a few theoretical opportunities for modest operations, some on a low-power basis, using new AM frequencies that could become available if certain Industry Canada protection rules are relaxed. Industry Canada is responsible for spectrum management and the technical certification of broadcasting facilities. According to the Imagineering report, however, even if a new AM frequency were to become available in the GTA, its use would be critically dependent on the availability of suitably-sized parcels of land, in the right location and at a reasonable price, a very challenging and difficult proposition in that area.
  FM radio
57. With regard to potential FM frequencies, the Imagineering report points out that, under the current Industry Canada technical rules, new FM services on a drop-in basis, including low-power operations, are effectively precluded due to the already congested FM spectrum in the GTA and surrounding area. The report does, however, identify a number of Industry Canada protection requirements that in its view are overly conservative and that, if relaxed, could open up the possibility of several FM drop-in channels in the GTA.
58. Based on current FM receiver performance, the report suggests several specific modifications to current Industry Canada protection requirements, in order to make room for more FM frequencies:
 
  • revision of the protection requirements for 4th adjacent frequency relationships;
 
  • revision of the requirement regarding 53rd/54th adjacent (IF) interference;
 
  • retention of the 3rd adjacent protection requirement only insofar as the 40 dB undesired/desired ratio is not exceeded in any location within the coverage area of the protected station; and
 
  • retention of the 2nd adjacent protection requirement only insofar as the undesired/desired ratio is not exceeded within the coverage area of the protected station, and a review of 2nd adjacent requirements for modern receivers with a view to raising the protection ratio from 20 dB to 30 dB.
59. If Industry Canada were to conclude that the above-noted changes to protection requirements were indeed possible, then up to 16 potential FM frequencies, some of them feasible beyond Class A parameters, could be used to serve the GTA, according to the Imagineering report. An additional 5 to 13 FM frequencies could be possible at low-power parameters, located outside the downtown Toronto core.
Digital radio
60. With respect to digital radio services, the Imagineering report notes that there are currently eight DRB channels allocated to the GTA (including channels allotted to Toronto and Ajax), corresponding to a total potential capacity of 40 digital radio programming services. Thirty-five of these allotments are already assigned to accommodate digital transmission requirements for existing radio broadcasters, and there is a total potential requirement for 42 digital allotments to satisfy the future needs of all existing radio broadcasters in the GTA.
61. The Imagineering report identifies three additional DRB channels (1, 14, and 16) that could be added to the DRB allotment plan for the GTA. This would raise the total digital capacity for the GTA to 55 separate programming services, providing spare capacity for several new programming services over and above the capacity needed for existing broadcasters.
 

5.3 Other options

62. There are a number of other options, in additional to over-the-air radio broadcasting, for the delivery of new audio programming services to serve residents of the GTA.
  SCMO channels

63.

As noted earlier in this report, several SCMO channels are currently used to deliver ethnic programming. Excluding SCMO channels that are being used for other types of services, such as paging and data transmission services, there appears to be currently unused capacity for about twelve additional SCMO services in the GTA.
  Closed circuit programming services
64. As noted earlier, a closed circuit service serving the Greek community currently exists in the GTA. The existence of such a service raises the possibility that other groups in the GTA could use similar means to reach an audience. With no transmitter expenses, the cost of operating such a service would be relatively small and the number of potential listeners available through digital cable distribution in the GTA would be greater than the number equipped with SCMO receivers.
65. It is also possible that if such services were carried by direct-to-home (DTH) undertakings, they could be made available and add to the diversity of programming in markets outside Toronto.
  Internet radio
66. Some interveners discussed Internet radio as an additional option for adding to the availability of programming for various communities in the GTA. While such services would have limited penetration at the present time, the Commission notes that they can be established by any person or group, and the establishment costs are modest in comparison to conventional broadcasting stations.
67. The Commission considers that innovative solutions such as Internet radio, which can provide a range of broadcast services broader than that currently available, should be nurtured and encouraged. In this regard, the Commission notes that the Government of Canada is undertaking a number of initiatives to implement its vision of making Canada the most connected country in the world. Such initiatives will enhance the potential viability of Internet-based programming services. For example, the National Broadband Task Force will map out a strategy and advise the Government on best approaches to make high-speed broadband Internet services available to businesses and residents in all Canadian communities by the year 2004.
  BDU distribution of audio services
68. As noted above, BDU distribution of closed circuit services can be a source of programming available to the majority of residents in the GTA.
69. Similarly, some BDUs decode and distribute SCMOs as distinct services separate from their FM hosts, so that they are available to all subscribers, not just to listeners equipped with special SCMO decoders.
70. The Commission also notes the comments of Rogers Cable Inc. concerning the possible cable distribution of out-of-market radio stations and new audio programming services. While the cable FM band in the GTA has little or no capacity, the digital tier of cable BDUs would have capacity to carry such services.
  Acquisitions
71. Finally, the Commission notes that it is possible to introduce new radio programming and formats into a market through the purchase and conversion of an existing station. The Commission is conscious, however, of the high costs associated with the purchase of such stations.
 

5.4 Conclusions

72. The Commission concludes that opportunities for the use of new AM or FM frequencies to provide additional radio services in the GTA are very limited under existing Industry Canada technical rules for spectrum usage. It is possible that, on a case-by-case basis, a potential applicant for a new radio service could obtain special consideration from Industry Canada for the use of a frequency that would at the present time appear to be unavailable, but there are no assurances that such a case-by-case approach will yield meaningful results.
73. The Commission takes note of the comments of two of the parties who submitted written comments, consistent with the views expressed in the Imagineering report, that modern receiver design could make it worthwhile to review certain Industry Canada protection requirements concerning the use of AM and/or FM frequencies. While the Commission has not assessed the merits of such arguments, it concludes that they should be investigated further to exhaust all possible options for making additional AM or FM frequencies available in the GTA.
74. Similarly, while recognizing that digital radio may not be the most desirable short-term solution for the provision of new services, the observations of the Imagineering report concerning possible new DRB allocations in the GTA are also worthy of further investigation.
75. In addition, the Commission notes that the Government of Canada has the ability to make more spectrum available for broadcasting if it considers that this would serve the public interest.
76. In light of the above, it may be appropriate for Industry Canada to examine this matter further with a view to determining whether additional AM, FM, DRB, or other frequencies would be available for the introduction of new radio services in the GTA.
77. Complementing over-the-air services, the Commission considers that BDU-delivered audio services can be a useful means of providing additional sources of programming. For cable BDUs, given that the cable FM band has little or no capacity, the digital tier could be a reasonable alternative. Accordingly, the Commission intends to propose amendments to the Broadcasting Distribution Regulations aimed at encouraging the delivery by digital cable and by other BDUs of ethnic audio programming services.
78. While recognizing that most interveners did not strongly endorse the development of new audio programming services by means other than over-the-air transmitters, the Commission wishes to encourage such services to the extent that they are useful or appropriate. To this end, the Commission intends to undertake a public process to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework for special audio programming services.
79. In this process, the Commission would seek comments on questions such as:
 
  • How should the Commission define a special audio service?
 
  • Should such services be licensed or exempted?
 
  • If licensed, is it appropriate to develop a streamlined licensing process similar, for example, to that for Category 2 specialty television services?
 
  • What basic requirements are necessary for licensing or exemption?
 
  • What access rights, if any, should such services have on BDUs?.
 
  • Should special audio services be authorized only on a local market basis, or should they be able to be carried outside their local markets?
 

6.0 Existing policy framework for the licensing of new radio services

 

6.1 Introduction

80. The Order in Council also requested the Commission to report on "the impact of regulatory policies and licensing criteria on potential new entrants to the GTA radio market".
81. First, the Commission encourages non-ethnic radio stations to reflect the diversity of the markets they serve. These stations are free to provide ethnic programming. The amount of such ethnic programming on non-ethnic stations is capped to certain limits. This is designed to provide a level of economic protection to existing ethnic services. The specific limits depend upon the type of station and the nature of the market in which it operates:
  • Non-ethnic public and private radio stations and Type B community radio stations (i.e., those that operate in competitive markets) may air up to 15% third-language programming without the need to obtain specific Commission approval. This limit may be varied or increased to 40% by condition of licence (i.e., with prior Commission approval).
 
  • Campus radio stations in markets without an ethnic radio station, and Type A community radio stations, may air up to 40% third-language programming without the need to obtain specific Commission approval. This provision is inapplicable in the GTA because of the licensed ethnic radio stations operating in that market.
82. There are seven key policies that are particularly relevant to the potential establishment of new radio services reflective of the diversity of the languages and cultures of the residents of the GTA. These are:
  · Commercial radio policy
  · Ethnic broadcasting policy
  · SCMO policy
  · Campus radio policy
  · Community radio policy
  · Low-power radio broadcasting policy
  · Digital radio broadcasting policy
83. A review of the Commission's licensing criteria and procedures for the consideration of applications for new radio services is also of relevance in order to fully respond to the Order in Council (see section 6.8 below).
84. For the most part, the written comments did not suggest that these existing policies and procedures were a barrier to the licensing of new radio services to better serve the GTA's ethnic population, and no significant changes were proposed. There was a general recognition that a lack of suitable radio frequencies is the key issue to be addressed, although several parties did urge the Commission to act quickly to license new radio services to serve the GTA's ethnic population, assuming suitable frequencies could be found.
85. In light of the above-noted request in the Order, this section of the report summarizes key elements of the various policies and licensing criteria, relevant to potential new ethnic radio services in the GTA.
 

6.2 Commercial radio policy (Public Notice CRTC 1998-41)

86. The Commission set out a revised policy for conventional commercial radio stations in Public Notice 1998-41. The following highlights of the 1998 commercial radio policy are of particular relevance to potential applicants for new commercial radio services.
87. Common ownership: To strengthen the radio industry while preserving diversity of voices and fair competition, in markets with eight commercial stations or more operating in a given language, a person may be permitted to own or control as many as 2 AM and 2 FM stations in that language.
88. Benefits policy: The Commission's revised benefits policy ensures support for the development and promotion of Canadian music talent, and fosters cooperation between the radio and music industries. The new benefits test requires, as a general rule, a minimum direct financial contribution to Canadian talent development representing 6% of the value of transactions involving transfers of ownership and control. The Commission does not impose benefits requirements in the case of transactions involving unprofitable undertakings.
89. Canadian content requirements: To expand the exposure given to Canadian artists and works and to provide increased support to the Canadian music industry as a whole, the Commission increased the required level of Canadian content for popular music selections (category 2) broadcast each week to 35%. The Commission also expects licensees that offer high levels of traditional and special interest music (category 3) to increase their commitments to Canadian music in this category at the time of licence renewal. In addition, the Commission generally considers that there should be an increase in the level of Canadian music broadcast during ethnic programming periods.
 

6.3 Ethnic broadcasting policy (Public Notice CRTC 1999-117)

90. The Commission's ethnic broadcasting policy is set out in Public Notice 1999-117. It is intended to achieve three objectives:
 
  • to develop broadcasting services that reflect Canada's cultural and linguistic plurality, which is an essential part of the Canadian social structure;
 
  • to ensure access to ethnic programming to the extent practicable given resource limitations; and
 
  • to foster opportunities for greater understanding among people with different cultural backgrounds.
91. Key elements of the ethnic broadcasting policy, as it pertains to radio stations, are summarized in the following paragraphs.
92. Amount of ethnic programming for ethnic radio stations: Ethnic radio stations must devote at least 60% of each broadcast week to ethnic programming.
93. Broad service requirement: Since the number of over-the-air broadcasting frequencies is limited, the programming provided by an ethnic station must generally reflect and serve a broad range of ethnic communities in the station's coverage area. This approach also allows for the provision of service to groups that would not otherwise be able to afford their own single-language service.
94. Third language programming: At least 50% or all programming broadcast by an ethnic radio station must be in a third language (i.e. not English, French or an Aboriginal Canadian language). The Commission retains the discretion to establish a different minimum level of third-language programming for individual stations, by condition of licence.
95. Canadian content: During ethnic programming periods, at least 7% of musical selections aired each broadcast week by an ethnic radio station must be Canadian. During non-ethnic programming periods, at least 35% of musical selections from category 2 (general music) and at least 10% of musical selections from category 3 (traditional and special interest music) aired each broadcast week must be Canadian.
96. Local content: The Commission expects ethnic broadcasters, at the time of licensing and renewal, to provide plans on how they will reflect local issues and concerns during the terms of their licences.At each licence renewal, the station will be required to evaluate its progress on the plan it has set out.
 

6.4 SCMO policy (Public Notice CRTC 1989-23)

97. The regulatory framework for the use of SCMO channels is set out in Public Notice 1989-23. The licensee of an FM station need not obtain Commission approval to offer an SCMO service unless more than 15% of the SCMO programming is ethnic programming and the SCMO service area would overlap with an authorized conventional over-the-air ethnic radio station. In such cases a licence amendment is required to authorize the provision of the SCMO service.
98. Although the programming on an SCMO channel may be provided by a third party, the FM station providing the SCMO service remains responsible for the programming content of the service.
  6.5 Campus and community radio policies (Public Notices CRTC 2000-12 and 2000-13)
99. The Commission's primary objective for the campus and community 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). Campus and community stations add diversity to the broadcasting system in both music and spoken word.
100. Campus and community stations are in a position to make a strong contribution to the reflection of the cultural diversity of the communities in which they operate, especially by providing exposure to new and developing artists from minority cultural groups. Such stations are also well placed to provide spoken word programming that reflects the perspectives and concerns of minority cultural groups.
101. Consistent with this important role, and as determined in the review of the Commission's ethnic broadcasting policy, campus and community radio stations in markets without a local ethnic station may broadcast up to 40% third-language programming without the need to obtain the Commission's prior approval.
 

6.6 Low-power radio broadcasting (Public Notice CRTC 1993-95)

102. Low-power AM and FM stations are broadcast on "unprotected" frequencies which are limited by Industry Canada to specified maximum power levels. Because of the technical limitations on the frequencies they use, low-power radio stations can often be established in locations where regular, fully protected AM and FM stations are not technically feasible.
103. A low-power AM station operates with a maximum transmitter power of less than 100 watts and is not protected from interference from regular, protected AM undertakings. A low-power FM station operates with a maximum Effective Radiated Power of 50 watts and transmitting antenna height of 60 metres. It is not protected against interference from regular, protected FM undertakings.
104. The Commission's licensing policy for low-power broadcasting, as set out in Public Notice 1993-95, establishes a priority system in areas where available frequencies are scarce on the basis of the projected FM frequency requirements of the CBC, private commercial, educational, community and campus broadcasters. These areas are Vancouver/Victoria, Montreal and surrounding area, and southern Ontario.
105. When considering competing applications for the use of low-power frequencies in these areas, the Commission generally gives priority to conventional broadcasting services over one-dimensional services such as weather, traffic or tourist information.
106. Commercial low-power radio services are subject to the Radio Regulations, 1986 with respect to Canadian content, local programming and French vocal music. They also must adhere to relevant Commission policies, such as the Ethnic Broadcasting Policy in the case of ethnic low-power radio stations.
 

6.7 Digital radio policy (Public Notice CRTC 1995-184)

107. The transitional digital radio policy set out in Public Notice 1995-184 facilitates the licensing of Transitional Digital Radio Undertakings (TDRUs) that primarily simulcast the programming of an associated AM or FM service. It also provides for the possibility of applications for TDRUs that will provide new radio services in a market. During the transitional period, the Commission will assess such applications on a case-by-case basis.
108. The allotment plan released by Industry Canada provides digital allocations for all existing AM and FM stations, as well as for all vacant allotments. The plan accommodates all classes and categories of radio undertakings, including low-power and not-for-profit undertakings, with potential for future additional services.
 

6.8 Licensing procedures and criteria for considering new radio applications

109. A potential applicant for a new analog over-the-air radio service must find a suitable AM or FM frequency and submit appropriate technical documentation to Industry Canada demonstrating that the proposed use of the frequency complies with all applicable technical rules and regulations. Assuming a suitable frequency is available, an application for a licence under the Broadcasting Act is submitted to the Commission, either in response to a formal call or for a prospective new service in the absence of such a call.
110. If the Commission receives an application in the absence of a call, once it is complete (including technical acceptance from Industry Canada), the Commission generally issues a broad call for other applications to provide radio services to serve the market in question.
111. As contemplated in its Commercial Radio Policy 1998 (PN 1998-41) the Commission takes into account four main factors in evaluating the merits of competing proposals for new radio services. The four factors are
 

· quality of the applications,

 

· impact on the market of a new entrant,

 

· competitive state of the market, and

 

· diversity of news voices in a community

  These factors are discussed in detail in Decisions 99-480 and 99-482, among others.
112. The factors above are generally used in the assessment of competing radio applications for all markets, although the relative importance of each of these factors will vary depending on the specific circumstances of the market concerned.
 

6.9 Conclusions

113. In the Commission's view, and consistent with the written comments received on this matter, its existing policies and licensing framework do not present a barrier to the introduction of new radio services in the GTA, provided that suitable frequencies are available. In recognition of the needs of the diverse population in the GTA, however, if and when suitable AM and/or FM frequencies can be identified, the Commission intends to give priority to the licensing of programming services that clearly reflect the diversity of languages, as well as the multicultural and multi-ethnic reality of the GTA.
114. Accordingly, instead of its usual practice of issuing a general call for radio applications when a new frequency is identified for the GTA, the Commission considers that, in the future, it shall give priority to radio applications that clearly reflect the diversity of languages, as well as the multicultural and multi-ethnic reality of the GTA.
 

7.0 Recommendations and specific measures to be undertaken

115. The Order in Council requested that the Commission propose measures to ensure that the residents of the GTA receive a range of radio services reflective of the diversity of their languages and cultures. Based on the work undertaken by the Commission in the creation of this report, the Commission has concluded that the recommendations and measures set out below should be implemented.
116. While these measures and recommendations pertain specifically to the GTA, the Commission notes that circumstances similar to those of the GTA may exist elsewhere. Accordingly, some of the recommendations and measures to be undertaken by the Commission may also be appropriate with respect to the provision of radio services in other markets in Canada.
 

Recommendations to the Government of Canada

117. Consistent with matters raised in the Commission's research and in the written comments filed as part of this proceeding, the Commission makes the following recommendations to the Government of Canada to fully explore the possibility of identifying additional analog and digital broadcasting spectrum for use in the GTA.
118. Recommendation 1: The Commission invites Industry Canada to review its protection requirements for analog radio services on an expedited basis and to consider the possibility of increasing the number of usable AM and FM frequencies in the GTA.
119. Recommendation 2: The Commission invites Industry Canada to review its allocation of digital channels for radio broadcasting and to consider how many new DRB radio services could be accommodated over and above the requirements of existing licensees.
120. Recommendation 3: The Commission invites Industry Canada to examine and consider any other practical means to ensure that sufficient spectrum space is available for radio broadcasting in the GTA.
121. The Commission acknowledges that there are no assurances that any review conducted by Industry Canada will yield additional usable spectrum in the AM, FM or DRB bands, suitable for new radio services in the GTA. Nevertheless, in light of the comments received from parties concerning this possibility, and the conclusions of the independent engineering study conducted in connection with this proceeding, the Commission is of the view that the possibility of identifying additional radio spectrum should be fully investigated by Industry Canada.
 

Measures to be undertaken by the Commission

  Calls for new AM and FM radio services in the GTA
122. The Commission considers that, in the event that any new AM or FM frequencies are identified for use in the GTA, whether pursuant to an engineering study by a prospective applicant, or following the identification of additional frequencies by Industry Canada, it will give licensing priority to programming services consistent with the thrust of the Order. Accordingly:
123. In the near future, if the Commission receives an application for the use of an AM or FM frequency to serve the GTA, it will issue a call for other radio services using that frequency that clearly reflect the diversity of languages as well as the multicultural and multi-ethnic reality of the GTA.
124. In the event that Industry Canada makes available additional regular or low-power AM and/or FM frequencies to serve the GTA, the Commission will, in the first instance, in response to an application for any such frequency, issue a call for radio services that clearly reflect the diversity of languages as well as the multicultural and multi-ethnic reality of the GTA.
125. In any licensing action resulting from the calls contemplated above, the Commission will adopt appropriate measures to ensure that each successful licensee adheres to the licensed format and to all relevant commitments.
  New digital radio stations
126. DRB can provide opportunities to establish new radio services in Canada. While acknowledging the view expressed in the written comments that DRB is unlikely to provide a viable option for serving the ethnic population in the short term, the Commission reminds applicants of its current policy concerning digital radio licences.
127. As set out in Public Notice 1995-184, the Commission is prepared to receive applications for new transitional digital radio undertakings. The Commission will assess any such applications on a case-by-case basis.
  BDU distribution of audio services
128. Increased carriage of ethnic radio services by BDUs can supplement the range of programming available through conventional means. The Commission considers that it may be appropriate to revise its regulatory framework for BDUs to remove barriers to the distribution of out-of-market ethnic services, decoded SCMO services and other non-broadcast ethnic services. Therefore:
129. The Commission will consider the appropriateness of amendments to the Broadcasting Distribution Regulations to permit BDUs to distribute any Canadian ethnic audio programming service on a digital tier without prior application. The Commission will initiate, in the near future, a public process to solicit comments on such amendments.
  Licensing/exemption framework for special audio programming services
130. The Commission also considers that the development of new special audio programming services (i.e. services delivered by BDUs but not licensed as over-the-air services) can serve to increase the diversity of audio programming available in the GTA and other markets. Accordingly:
131. The Commission will initiate, in the near future, a public process to develop an appropriate licensing framework, or exemption criteria, for special audio programming services. Such services could include ethnic services as well as other specialized services such as official minority-language, religious, gay/lesbian or children's.
  Internet radio
132. The Commission recognizes that Internet radio can be a cost-effective means of providing specialized audio programming to residents of the GTA. While such services are exempted from licensing, the Commission has determined that it may be appropriate to encourage investment by licensed ethnic undertakings in ethnic Internet radio services. Accordingly:
133. The Commission, as part of its upcoming internal review of Canadian Talent Development (CTD) expenditures, will explore incentives such as permitting ethnic radio licensees to count investment in ethnic Internet radio as part of their CTD contribution.
  Secretary General
  This document is available in alternate format upon request and may also be examined at the following Internet site: http://www.crtc.gc.ca 

 

 

Appendix 1

 

Parties submitting written comments to Public Notice CRTC 2000-144

  #001 Somaliland Canadian Society
  #002 Canadian Thamil Broadcasting Corporation
  #003 Alliance des radios communautaires du Canada Inc.
  #004 CIRV Radio International
  #005 Latvian Canadian Cultural Centre
  #006 Canadian Association of Broadcasters
  #007 XTRA!
  #008 Ruby Hamilton
  #009 Korean Community Radio Inc.
  #010 Consulate General of Malta
  #011 Canada Netherlands Business & Professional Association
  #012 Canadian Slovak League
  #013 Canadian Independent Record Production Association
  #014 Fairchild Radio Ltd.
  #015 CKMW Radio Limited
  #016 Timothy Brown
  #017 Rogers Cable Inc.
  #018 Coopérative radiophonique de Toronto
  #019 Ann-Marie McGregor
  #020 Demetri Zavitzianos
  #021 Derek Lee, M.P., Scarborough-Rouge River
  #022 Toronto Christian Radio
  #023 CHIN Radio-TV International
  #024 Magda de la Torre
  #025 Wayne V. Plunkett, Broadcast Consultant
  #026 Infinity Broadcasting
  #027 Canadian Tamil Youth Development Center
  #028 Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce
  #029 Roy Cullen, M.P., Etobicoke North
  #030 Lisa Warner
  #031 Paritosh Mehta
  #032 Canadian Council of South Asian Christians
  #033 South Asians in Ontario
  #034 Mediamart
  #035 Canada-Pakistan Business Council
  #036 East Indian Professional Residents of Canada

 

 

Appendix 2

 

Groups served by ethnic radio stations in the GTA

Hours per week

CJMR

CHKT

CHIN

CHIN-FM

CIRV-FM

CIAO

TOTAL

Albanian

0.5

0.5

Arabic

1.0

0.5

0.5

2.0

Bengali

0.5

1.0

1.5

Bosnian

0.5

0.5

Bulgar

0.5

0.5

Cambodian

2.0

2.0

Chinese-Cantonese

56.0

17.5

25.5

28.5

127.5

Chinese-Mandarin

10.0

2.5

0.5

13.0

Croatian

2.5

1.5

1.5

5.0

5.0

15.5

Dutch

1.5

1.5

Farsi (Iranian)

7.0

0.5

7.5

Filipino

0.5

1.0

1.5

German

3.0

21.0

24.0

Greek

5.0

12.5

5.0

6.5

29.0

Hebrew

5.0

5.0

Hindi

8.0

5.0

13.0

26.0

Hindi/Urdu

3.0

3.0

Hungarian

2.0

2.0

Indonesian

1.0

1.0

Irish/Scottish

1.0

1.0

Italian

1.0

61.5

24.5

12.0

99.0

Jamaican

2.0

0.5

2.5

Japanese

0.5

0.5

Korean

10.0

7.5

17.5

Laotian

1.0

1.0

Lithuanian

0.5

0.5

Macedonian

1.0

1.0

2.5

0.5

5.0

Malay

2.0

2.0

Montenegri

0.5

0.5

Oromo

0.5

0.5

Pastu/Dari

10.0

1.0

3.0

14.0

Polish

9.5

15.0

1.0

15.0

40.5

Portuguese

6.0

0.5

11.5

64.3

2.5

84.8

Punjabi

28.5

5.0

7.5

7.0

12.0

60.0

Punjabi/Hindi

18.5

18.5

Romanian

1.0

1.0

2.0

Russian

2.5

2.5

Serbian

2.0

2.0

Serbian/Croatian

0.5

1.0

1.5

Slovenian

1.0

1.0

Somali

1.0

1.0

Spanish

2.5

11.8

4.0

18.3

Tamil

1.0

42.0

2.5

45.5

Thai

2.0

2.0

Turkish

1.5

1.5

Ukrainian

4.5

2.5

7.5

14.5

Vietnamese

3.0

3.0

Urdu

4.5

2.5

1.0

8.0

TOTAL

75.0

169.0

136.0

99.0

123.0

112.0

714.0

1A Profile of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area: Toronto Business & Market Guide '98/'99, The Toronto Board of Trade, 1998.
2Ontario Population Projections; 1999-2028, ministère des Finances, gouvernement de l'Ontario.
3Ibid.
4A Profile of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area: Toronto Business & Market Guide '98/'99, The Toronto Board of Trade, 1998.

Date Modified: 2001-01-31

Date modified: