ARCHIVED - Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2002-164

Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2002-164

Ottawa, 2 July 2002

Maritime Broadcasting System Limited
Newcastle and Miramichi City, New Brunswick

Application 2001-0842-4
Public Hearing at Québec, Quebec
18 February 2002

CFAN Newcastle - Conversion to FM band

1.

The Commission approves the application by Maritime Broadcasting System Limited (Maritime) for a broadcasting licence to operate a new English-language FM radio programming undertaking in Miramichi City to replace its AM station, CFAN Newcastle.

2.

The new station will offer an adult contemporary music format. The local programming offered by the station will include news, weather, sports and community information.

3.

The station will operate at 99.3 MHz (channel 257B) with an effective radiated power of 17,800 watts. It will operate in a single-station market as defined in Local programming policy for FM radio - definition of a single-station market, Public Notice CRTC 1993-121, 17 August 1993.

4.

The licence will expire 31 August 2008. It will be subject to the conditions set out in New licence form for commercial radio stations, Public Notice CRTC 1999-137, 24 August 1999, with the exception of condition of licence no. 9, relating to the solicitation of local advertising. That condition does not apply to stations operating in a single-station market.

5.

The licensee is authorized, by condition of licence, to simulcast the programming of the new FM station on CFAN for a transition period of six months following the commencement of operations of the FM station. The licensee must surrender the AM licence for revocation by the Commission at the end of this period.

6.

The Commission received an intervention from Radio MirAcadie Inc. in support of Maritime's application. Radio MirArcadie Inc. stated that it intends to submit an application to the Commission for a licence to operate its own radio programming undertaking to serve the Miramichi area. As part of its plans, it intends to explore the possibility of a cost-sharing agreement for the use of Maritime's tower.

7.

The Department of Industry (the Department) has advised the Commission that, while this application is conditionally technically acceptable, it will only issue a broadcasting certificate when it has determined that the proposed technical parameters will not create any unacceptable interference with aeronautical NAV/COM services.

8.

The Commission reminds the licensee that, pursuant to section 22(1) of the Broadcasting Act, no licence may be issued until the Department notifies the Commission that its technical requirements have been met, and that a broadcasting certificate will be issued.

9.

Furthermore, the licence for this undertaking will only be issued once the licensee has informed the Commission in writing that it is prepared to commence operations. The undertaking must be operational at the earliest possible date, and in any event no later than 24 months from the date of this decision, unless a request for an extension of time is approved by the Commission before 2 July 2004. In order to ensure that such a request is processed in a timely manner, it should be submitted in writing at least 60 days before this date.

10.

In accordance with Implementation of an employment equity policy, Public Notice CRTC 1992-59, 1 September 1992, 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.

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