ARCHIVED - Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2002-201

Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2002-201

Ottawa, 19 July 2002

Milestone Radio Inc.
Toronto, Ontario

Application 2001-1345-7
Public Notice CRTC 2002-16
26 March 2002

CFXJ-FM Toronto - Technical change

1.

The Commission received an application by Milestone Radio Inc. (Milestone) to increase the effective radiated power of the radio programming undertaking CFXJ-FM Toronto from 298 watts to 1,430 watts.

2.

The applicant submitted this proposal in order to provide a more reliable signal in the Toronto area.

3.

The Commission received 47 interventions in support of Milestone's application and two interventions in opposition.

4.

Jasmine Chang's intervention expressed the opinion that, since launching CFXJ-FM in February 2001, Milestone had not met its commitments related to spoken word programming, Canadian talent development (CTD) and the broadcast of Canadian music.

5.

In reply to Jasmine Chang's concerns, Milestone noted that, although CFXJ-FM is not subject to any condition of licence related to spoken word programming, the station regularly broadcasts more than 11 hours each week of spoken word programming. The licensee stated that this programming deals with a broad range of topics, including those of local interest and those that reflect Toronto's cultural diversity. With respect to CTD expenditures, the licensee noted that compliance with CFXJ-FM's condition of licence related to such expenditures is determined by its performance over the entire licence term and the Commission receives annual reports concerning CTD expenditures. In response to the concern that the station is not broadcasting an adequate level of Canadian music, the licensee stated that a sizable amount of the new music played on the station is in fact Canadian, and that many listeners assume that lesser-known selections must be American, given the professional quality of the recordings.

6.

Karien Nicholson's intervention argued that CFXJ-FM should place more emphasis on Calypso, Reggae and African music, and have a stronger presence at events in Toronto's black community.

In response to Karien Nicholson's intervention, Milestone stated that Calypso, Reggae and African music are included in the regular music rotation throughout each week, and also featured prominently in three different niche programs each week. With respect to CFXJ-FM's presence at community events, Milestone detailed its involvement in a variety of Toronto events and campaigns.

The Commission notes that the programming comments raised by the interveners refer to station operations which would be regulated by the Commission, as the case may be, through the imposition of conditions of licence. CFXJ-FM does not currently have conditions of licence prescribing the amount of spoken word to be broadcast or the sub-genres of music to be featured on the station. Accordingly, the licensee has the flexibility to provide a mixture of programming elements targeted to its particular audience.

With respect to CTD expenditures, the Commission notes that, by a condition of licence, Milestone is required, over the licence term, to make annual minimum direct contributions to CTD of $272,800, in addition to a $27,000 annual contribution to CTD through a plan developed by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters. The Commission receives annual reports on these expenditures and has not found CFXJ-FM to be in non-compliance with its condition of licence related to CTD expenditures.

Based on the annual reports provided by the licensee, the Commission is satisfied with Milestone's responses to the interventions in opposition to this application.

Accordingly, the Commission approves the application by Milestone to increase the effective radiated power of CFXJ-FM Toronto from 298 watts to 1,430 watts. The Commission authorizes the licensee to operate the undertaking on the basis of the contours and particulars resulting from the above-mentioned change.

The Commission reminds the licensee that, pursuant to section 22(1) of the Broadcasting Act, this authority will only be effective when the Department of Industry notifies the Commission that its technical requirements have been met, and that it is prepared to amend the broadcasting certificate.

Secretary General