|
Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2003-42
|
|
Ottawa, 10 February 2003
|
|
Haliburton County Community Radio Association
Haliburton, Ontario
|
|
Application 2002-0013-9
Public Hearing at Kitchener, Ontario
28 October 2002
|
|
English-language FM community radio station in Haliburton
|
|
The Commission approves an application to operate a Type A English-language FM community radio station in Haliburton, Ontario.
|
|
The application
|
|
1.
|
The Commission received an application by Haliburton County Community Radio Association for a licence to operate a Type A English-language FM community radio programming undertaking in Haliburton, Ontario.
|
|
2.
|
The licence for this community station would be held by a not-for-profit organization whose structure provides for membership, management, operation and programming by members of the community at large. The Board of Directors would ultimately be responsible for adherence to the Radio Regulations, 1986 and the station's conditions of licence.
|
|
3.
|
The applicant stated that its main objectives would be to provide a daily voice for the Haliburton County community with local information and entertainment and to be a forum for local people to share their talent and knowledge.
|
|
Programming
|
|
4.
|
The applicant proposed to offer 126 hours of programming in each broadcast week including a maximum of 10 hours of acquired programming consisting of broadcast programs from CIUT-FM Toronto (Urban Native), as well as four 15-minute programs (New Horizons, Money Matters, UK/OK and Eco-Watch) received via the Internet from BRIT-FM.
|
|
5.
|
The applicant proposed local programming that would consist of live coverage of county community events, sporting events, weather reports, local and regional news, and tourist information including ski conditions and boating reports.
|
|
6.
|
The proposed station would offer call-in programs whereby listeners could call the station and provide their input. In order to adhere to the Commission's Policy Regarding Open-Line Programming,Public Notice CRTC 1988-213, 23 December 1988 (Public Notice 1988-213), the applicant proposed implementing a delay system of seven seconds operated by an experienced technician.
|
|
7.
|
The applicant indicated that it was exploring the possibility of offering a weekly program in the French language and had identified individuals in the community who might be interested in providing such a program.
|
|
8.
|
The applicant committed to meeting the requirements with respect to the percentage of Canadian musical selections from category 2-Popular music (35%) and category 3-Special interest music (12%) that community and campus radio stations must broadcast each broadcast week.
|
|
Volunteer recruitment and training
|
|
9.
|
The applicant proposed that the station would recruit volunteers including a number of retired former broadcasters who would assist with station operations and in the training of other volunteers on an ongoing basis. The applicant's commitments included ongoing training to continually improve the performance of its volunteers and staff.
|
|
10.
|
The applicant noted that the station would have a staff of three employees - the station manager, a part-time office assistant and a salesperson.
|
|
Promotion of local talent
|
|
11.
|
The applicant proposed to promote new local talent by offering opportunities such as:
- in-studio performances for local singers, musicians and actors;
- on-location recording of local talent at local night spots;
- on-air interviews; and
- production assistance and exposure for the recordings of local artists.
|
|
Interventions
|
|
12.
|
The Commission received 28 interventions in support of the application, including those from various local community organizations, and one opposing intervention from the licensee of CFBK-FM Huntsville, Ontario. CFBK-FM is a commercial radio station operating in the adjacent market of Muskoka-Haliburton, which includes Huntsville and Bracebridge.
|
|
13.
|
In its intervention, CFBK-FM argued that the broadcasting power requested for the proposed community radio station was excessive and that the proposed signal would reach Huntsville and Bracebridge. According to CFBK-FM, a low-power radio station would be adequate to serve Haliburton. CFBK-FM also raised concerns that if the applicant's proposed revenue sources (i.e. fundraising and public support) did not materialize, the applicant might rely heavily on retail advertising revenue. Finally, CFBK-FM stated that the applicant's operating expense projections were too low and that the projected audience share was an inaccurate estimate.
|
|
The applicant's reply
|
|
14.
|
In reply, the applicant stated that, according to its engineer, the proposed radio station would not "encompass Huntsville" and the broadcasting power requested is appropriate. The applicant also stated that its mandate was to reach all of Haliburton County with the exception of the rough terrain in northern Haliburton County. In addition, the applicant confirmed that, given that its signal would not reach Huntsville, it would not be soliciting any advertising outside Haliburton County.
|
|
The Commission's analysis and determination
|
|
15.
|
The Commission notes that an examination of the contour map provided by the applicant indicates that the proposed station's coverage would not reach the markets of Huntsville and Bracebridge.
|
|
16.
|
In Community radio policy, Public Notice CRTC 2000-13, 28 January 2000 (Public Notice 2000-13), the Commission stated that its primary objective with respect to community radio is the provision of a local programming service that differs in style and substance from that provided by commercial stations and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The Commission also stated that the programming offered by community radio should be relevant to the communities served, including official language minorities, and should add diversity to the broadcasting system by increasing program choice in both music and spoken word.
|
|
17.
|
Based on its examination of the application, the Commission is satisfied that licensing the proposed service is consistent with the objectives of Public Notice 2000-13 and in conformity with all of the applicable terms and conditions for a Type A community radio programming undertaking.
|
|
18.
|
Accordingly, the Commission approves the application by Haliburton County Community Radio Association for a licence to operate an English-language Type A community radio programming undertaking in Haliburton at 100.9 MHz (channel 265A) with an effective radiated power of 3,400 watts.
|
|
19.
|
The licence will expire 31 August 2009 and will be subject to the conditions set out in New licence form for community radio stations, Public Notice CRTC 2000-157, 16 November 2000, as well as to the following condition of licence:
|
|
- The licensee shall adhere to the Policy Regarding Open-Line Programming as outlined in Public Notice 1988-213.
|
|
20.
|
The Commission encourages the applicant to explore the possibility of offering a weekly French-language program, as discussed in its application.
|
|
21.
|
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.
|
|
22.
|
The Commission reminds the licensee that, pursuant to section 22(1) of the Broadcasting Act, this authority will only be effective when the Department notifies the Commission that its technical requirements have been met, and that a broadcasting certificate will be issued.
|
|
23.
|
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 10 February 2005. 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.
|
|
24.
|
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: http://www.crtc.gc.ca
|
Date Modified: 2003-02-10