ARCHIVED - Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2002-458

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Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2002-458

Ottawa, 18 December 2002

Raedio Inc.
Stratford, Ontario

Application 2002-0079-1
Public Hearing at Kitchener, Ontario
28 October 2002

English-language FM radio station in Stratford

The Commission approves the application by Raedio Inc. to operate an English-language FM radio station in Stratford, Ontario.

The application

1.

The Commission received an application from Raedio Inc. (Raedio) - licensee of the radio station CJCS in Stratford - for a licence to operate an English-language FM radio programming undertaking in Stratford. The proposed station would operate at 107.7 MHz (channel 299A) with an effective radiated power of 2,805 watts.

2.

The applicant indicated that the station would provide an Adult Contemporary format offering mostly Pop, Rock and Dance music. The proposed station's local programming would include local news, weather, sports and community information.

3.

Raedio submitted that the proposed station would provide a more complete coverage in certain areas, which presently suffer from poor reception of the AM signal after sunset and before sunrise. It would also deliver essential community information such as winter weather information, school closings and road reports to areas presently underserved by CJCS.

4.

The applicant proposed to participate in the Canadian Association of Broadcasters' (CAB) Canadian Talent Development (CTD) Plan. The CAB's CTD Plan requires for the Stratford market annual contributions of $400. In addition, Raedio indicated that it would devote, $600 per year over and above the CAB's CTD Plan in each of the first five years of operation and an extra $1,600 per year in each of the sixth and seventh year of operation. The applicant indicated that it intends to direct the contributions to FACTOR.

Interventions

5.

The Commission received 96 interventions in support and two interventions opposing Raedio's proposal. The two opposing interventions were from individuals, Carlyle Anderson and H. Bruder.

6.

Mr. Anderson indicated that the applicant should consider an FM station that would provide programming of more interest to the people of the community. H. Bruder questioned the addition of a radio station in Stratford which would be similar to what already exists and expressed concern that the present operation is not reflective of the whole community especially children, young people and women.

The applicant's reply

7.

In reply to Mr. Anderson's intervention, the applicant submitted that its proposal will in fact broaden the choice of radio listening in the Stratford area as two different formats will be offered.

8.

With regard to H. Bruder's intervention, the applicant indicated that CJCS does offer programming targeted to children and youth. For example, the applicant noted that it has established a training program for children and youth which teaches participants how to organize, research and perform a one-hour radio show which is then broadcast once a week on the station. The applicant indicated that other programs for that age group are also featured. With regard to women's programming, the applicant indicated that the station is involved in many community events and broadcasts features of interest to women.

9.

Finally, Raedio indicated that it attempts to serve as many segments of the population as possible and believes that it will be able to improve its reflection of the community if granted the FM licence.

The Commission's analysis and conclusion

10.

The Commission agrees with the applicant that the addition of an FM station to the Stratford market will broaden the choice of radio listening in the community and is satisfied that the applicant has responded adequately to the concerns raised in the interventions.

11.

Accordingly, the Commission approves the application by Raedio for a broadcasting licence to operate a new English-language FM radio programming undertaking in Stratford.

Issuance of the licence

12.

The licence will expire 31 August 2009 and will be subject to the conditions set out in New licence form for commercial radio stations, Public Notice CRTC 1999-137, 24 August 1999. The licence will also be subject to the following condition:

The licensee is required to contribute in direct cost expenditures towards the development of Canadian talent

  • $1,000 in each of the first five years of the licence term. This will consist of expenditures of $400 per year to the CAB's CTD Plan and an additional $600 per year to be spent as outlined above; and
  • $2,000 in each of the sixth and seventh years of the licence term. This will consist of expenditures of $400 per year to the CAB's CTD Plan and an additional $1,600 to be spent as outlined above.

13.

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.

14.

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.

15.

Furthermore, the licence for this undertaking will 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 18 December 2004. In order to ensure that such a request is processed in a timely manner, it should be submitted at least 60 days before this date.

16.

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

Date Modified: 2002-12-18

Date modified: