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Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2003-529
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Ottawa, 30 October 2003
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Metromedia CMR Broadcasting Inc.
Montréal, Quebec
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Application 2002-0718-5
Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2002-68
5 November 2002
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CINW Montréal and its shortwave transmitter CFCX Montréal - Licence renewal
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The Commission renews the broadcasting licence for the radio programming undertaking CINW Montréal and its shortwave transmitter CFCX Montréal, from 1 December 2003 to 31 August 2010.
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The application
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1.
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The Commission received an application by Metromedia CMR Broadcasting Inc. (Metromedia) to renew the broadcasting licence for the radio programming undertaking CINW Montréal (formerly CIQC Montréal) and its shortwave transmitter CFCX Montréal, which expires on 30 November 2003.
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Intervention
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2.
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The Association québécoise de l'industrie du disque, du spectacle et de la vidéo (ADISQ) filed an intervention concerning the application. ADISQ made general comments regarding the streamlined process set forth by the Commission in The CRTC Streamlines Radio Renewals Process, Broadcasting Circular CRTC 2002-448, 7 June 2002 (Circular 2002-448). The intervener also commented on the renewal of the CINW licence.
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3.
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ADISQ stated that it was not opposed in principle to the streamlined process adopted by the Commission for renewal applications that do not raise any significant concerns, but it was concerned about the use of the streamlined process for this application. ADISQ submitted that there were not enough evaluations of the station's compliance for it to determine whether or not to support the licence renewal for a seven-year term. Although it stated that it did [translation] "not necessarily believe that the stations are in non-compliance with their existing licences or with Commission regulations," ADISQ asked that the Commission:
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- hold a full public proceeding on the CINW renewal application; or
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- require that CINW file annual compliance reports with the Commission on Canadian content, French-language vocal music, and Canadian talent development (CTD) contributions, as a condition of eligibility for the streamlined renewal process.
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The licensee's reply
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4.
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Metromedia stated that this is the first licence renewal for CINW since the station's change of frequency and its change to an all-news format. The licensee noted that its format change was the subject of a public hearing and that all concerns related to the previous licence were resolved.
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The Commission's analysis and determination
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5.
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The Commission stated in Circular 2002-448 that the streamlining initiatives it has adopted in recent years in order to lighten the regulatory burdens have not only assisted the licensees of broadcasting undertakings but have also allowed the Commission to direct its limited resources to priority sectors. The Commission added that, while it has adopted these new initiatives, it would continue to carry out its supervisory role through its ongoing compliance monitoring activities. These monitoring activities currently include checking logger tapes, playlists, logs and a sampling of the programming broadcast by the stations.
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6.
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The Commission has noted ADISQ's comments regarding the streamlined renewal process for radio licences. As stated in Circular 2002-448, the Commission will assess the effectiveness of this streamlining measure after the 2003 radio renewal round has been completed.
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7.
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The Commission notes that CINW is now an all-news service and agrees that all concerns relating to the previous licence were resolved during the public hearing that addressed the change of ownership of the station, as well as its format change.
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8.
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The Commission considers that CINW is in compliance with Commission policies and regulations. It further notes that ADISQ did not allege or demonstrate that the station was not in compliance. The Commission is therefore of the view that the streamlined renewal process is appropriate under the circumstances and that the renewal of the licence for a seven-year term is justified.
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9.
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Accordingly, the Commission renews the broadcasting licence for the radio programming undertaking CINW Montréal (formerly CIQC Montréal) and its shortwave transmitter CFCX Montréal, from 1 December 2003 to 31 August 2010. The licence will be subject to the conditions set out in New licence form for commercial radio stations, Public Notice CRTC 1999-137, 24 August 1999, as well as to the condition of licence set out in the appendix to this decision.
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10.
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Because this licensee is subject to the Employment Equity Act and files reports concerning employment equity with Human Resources Development Canada, its employment equity practices are not examined by the Commission.
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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: 2003-10-30