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Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2003-425
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Ottawa, 28 August 2003
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Mix FM Inc.
Lewisporte, Newfoundland and Labrador
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Application 2003-0150-8
Public Hearing at Edmonton, Alberta
18 June 2003
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Community radio station in Lewisporte
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1.
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The Commission approves the application by Mix FM Inc. for a broadcasting licence to operate a low-power English-language Type B community FM radio programming undertaking in Lewisporte, Newfoundland and Labrador.
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2.
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In New developmental community radio station, Decision CRTC 2001-50, 9 February 2001, the Commission approved a previous application by Todd Foss, on behalf of a company to be known as Mix FM, for a broadcasting licence to operate a developmental English-language FM community radio programming undertaking in Lewisporte. Consistent with its approach for developmental community radio stations, as outlined in Community Radio Policy, Public Notice CRTC 2000-13, 28 January 2000, the Commission licensed this station for three years. Accordingly, the licence for this station will expire 31 August 2003. Since Mix FM Inc. wishes to continue operating beyond this period, it has filed the present application for a regular community radio broadcasting licence.
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3.
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The station will broadcast 126 hours of programming in each broadcast week with a minimum of 121 hours devoted to station-produced programming. The remaining 5 hours will consist of specialty programs that are provided free of charge to the applicant.
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4.
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The station's local programming will reflect the needs and interests of the local community and will include weekly community events, local and regional news and commentary, and musical programming not generally heard on local stations.
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5.
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The applicant stated that it already works closely with many local organizations that wish to get a message out to the community. The applicant submitted that the station will give special priority to individuals who are marginalized and underpublicized in mainstream media, such as persons with a disability, seniors, single parents, and cultural and Native groups, to help them promote awareness of their situations.
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6.
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The station currently has six volunteers, four of whom have on-air responsibilities. The volunteers participate in researching, planning and producing programs, and in the administrative day-to-day business operations of the station. The station also provides community access to its airwaves by promoting opportunities for volunteer participation and providing training for volunteers who wish to participate in the station's activities.
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7.
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In the area of local talent development, the applicant stated that the station will air recordings of community artists and groups, and will record talent shows and church concerts, as well as school music and drama presentations. The station will also record or broadcast live local talent shows and festivals whose purpose is to generate funds for community projects.
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8.
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The station will operate at 93.7 MHz (channel 229LP) with an effective radiated power of 50 watts.
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9.
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The Commission did not receive any interventions in connection with this application.
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10.
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The licence of this community station will be held by a not-for-profit organization without share capital whose structure provides for membership, management, operation and programming by members of the community at large. The board of directors will ultimately control the undertaking and be responsible for adherence to the Radio Regulations, 1986 and the station's conditions of licence.
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11.
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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.
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12.
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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.
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13.
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The Commission reminds the applicant 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.
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14.
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Given that the technical parameters approved in this decision are for a low-power unprotected FM service, the Commission also reminds the applicant that it will have to select another frequency if the Department so requires.
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15.
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The Commission considers that community radio stations should be particularly sensitive to employment equity issues in order to reflect fully the communities they serve. It encourages the licensee to consider these issues in its hiring practices and in all other aspects of its management of human resources.
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Secretary General
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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
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Date Modified: 2003-08-28