ARCHIVED - Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2001-39-3

Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2001-39-3

See also: 2001-39, 2001-39-1, 2001-39-2, 2001-39-4

Ottawa, 12 February 2002

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR A BROADCASTING LICENCE TO CARRY ON A RADIO PROGRAMMING UNDERTAKING TO SERVE TORONTO, ONTARIO

In Public Notice CRTC 2001-39 the Commission invited interested parties to file applications by 22 May 2001 for AM and/or FM broadcasting licences to serve the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

However, the Commission suspended the call for applications (Public Notices CRTC 2001-39-1 & -2) in order to accommodate Industry Canada's review of broadcasting capacity in the GTA.

In a report dated 20 July 2001, Industry Canada announced that additional radio broadcasting capacity would be made available in the GTA, stating:

"Industry Canada has evaluated the radio programming capacity in the region and determined that there are seven channels available to accommodate new AM radio services, ten program channels for new digital radio services, and two frequencies available for small FM stations."

Industry Canada further indicated that it was exploring other options, including the relaxation of technical rules in an effort to find additional broadcasting space. This measure required the testing of radio receivers to ensure interference-free reception of existing and new FM radio stations. The Department indicated at that time it was expecting to conclude its testing at the end of 2001.

Industry Canada informed the Commission in a letter dated 22 January 2002 that the testing of radio receivers in the GTA had now been completed. The Department indicates that the results of the testing show that some relaxation of the technical rules is feasible and that this would result in adding one more FM channel (channel 267) in the GTA.

The Department further indicates that it is now in the process of changing the technical rules and that it is ready to entertain applications under the existing or the new technical rules to come into effect later this year.

Also, the Department indicates that an existing licensee already uses channel 267 and that it would be in a position to issue a broadcasting certificate with or without the approval of the incumbent licensee.

The Commission notes that channel 267 is currently licensed as a low-power, unprotected service. A long-standing policy of the Commission and the Department deems that low-power undertakings are authorized on an unprotected basis. As such, the licensee would have to select another frequency, if necessary, to permit optimum utilization of the spectrum.

In view of the conclusion of Industry Canada's study in this matter, the Commission considers that it would be appropriate to reactivate the GTA radio call.

Accordingly, the Commission hereby invites interested parties to file applications no later than April 15, 2002,for licences to operate AM and/or FM radio programming services that clearly reflect the diversity of languages, as well as the multicultural and multi-ethnic reality of the GTA.

This document is available in alternative format upon request, and may also be viewed at the following Internet site:  http://www.crtc.gc.ca

Secretary General