ARCHIVED - Decision CRTC 2001-747

Decision CRTC 2001-747

Ottawa, 7 December 2001

Radio CJVR Ltd.
Melfort, Dafoe and Waskesiu Lake, Saskatchewan 2001-0647-8

15 October 2001 Public Hearing
Vancouver, British Columbia

New FM radio station in Melfort

The Commission approves the application by Radio CJVR Ltd. (Radio CJVR) for a broadcasting licence to carry on a new English-language (FM) radio programming undertaking at Melfort, with transmitters at Dafoe and Waskesiu Lake. The terms and conditions of licence are set out in the appendix to this decision.

All of the new station's programming will be produced locally, and will include community news and information on events across the region. The musical format of the station will be a mix of styles, including Adult Contemporary, Contemporary Hits, Pop, and Classic Rock.

Canadian talent development

As part of its application, Radio CJVR made a commitment to participate in the Canadian talent development (CTD) funding plan created by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB), which prescribes a yearly contribution of $400 for stations in markets such as Melfort. Adherence to that commitment shall be by condition of licence, as set out in the appendix to this decision.

In addition to the amount prescribed by the CAB plan, the Commission notes Radio CJVR's commitment to establish a Scholarship Fund in co-operation with the School of Journalism at the University of Regina. Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded annually.

The Commission also notes the licensee's commitment to fund a grants program with an annual budget of $3,600. An independent panel will invite talent from across the region to apply for funding, which will provide direct financial assistance to artists and performers.

Interventions

An intervention in opposition to this application was submitted by Central Broadcasting Company Ltd., (Central) licensee of AM and FM stations in Prince Albert. While Central supports the application for the new FM at Melfort, and the transmitter at Dafoe, it is opposed to the transmitter at Waskesiu.

Central contends that its AM station CKBI provided local content relevant to the resort area of Waskesiu Lake for over 50 years. That coverage was enhanced in 2001 with the approval of a transmitter for Central's Prince Albert station CFFM-FM, which also provides local content. Central contends that the Waskesiu Lake transmitter of the proposed new station will provide no local service.

The Commission has considered the views of the intervener, and is of the view that no undue harm to existing broadcasters will result from the approval of this application.

In addition to the intervention discussed above, the Commission has considered the interventions submitted in support of this application.

Related CRTC document

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

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 2001-747

Terms and conditions of licence for the English-language FM radio programming undertaking at Melfort

Terms

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, and

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

The licence, when issued, will expire 31 August 2008.

The station will broadcast in Melfort on the FM band, on the frequency 105.1 MHz, channel 286C1, with an effective radiated power of 100,000 watts.

The transmitter at Dafoe will operate on the frequency 100.3 MHz, channel 262C1, with an effective radiated power of 100,000 watts.

The transmitter at Waskesiu Lake will operate on the frequency 106.3 MHz , channel 292B1, with an effective radiated power of 7,100 watts.

The Commission encourages the licensee to consider employment equity issues in its hiring practices and in all other aspects of its management of human resources (PN 1992-59).

Conditions of licence

The licence will be subject to the conditions of licence applicable to FM stations specified in the appendix to Public Notice CRTC 1999-137.