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Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2003-613
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Ottawa, 19 December 2003
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Miramichi Fellowship Center, Inc.
Blackville, New Brunswick
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Application 2003-0505-4
Public Hearing in the National Capital Region
20 October 2003
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Christian music FM radio station
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The Commission approves the application for a low-power, English-language specialty FM radio programming undertaking at Blackville that will broadcast Christian music.
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The application
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1.
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The Commission received an application by Miramichi Fellowship Center, Inc. (MFC), a not-for-profit organization, for a broadcasting licence to carry on a low-power, English-language specialty FM radio programming undertaking at Blackville, New Brunswick, operating within the Specialty format.
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2.
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The Commission received no intervention in connection with this application.
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3.
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MFC proposed a station that would offer a predominantly Christian music service. At least 70% of all music would be drawn from subcategory 35 (non-classic religious). The station would broadcast 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and would provide 90 hours per week of local programming.
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4.
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Local news, weather and sports and other spoken word programming would be broadcast throughout the day, Monday to Friday. Weekend segments would consist primarily of voice automation. Community-related programming would include broadcasts from community fairs, fundraisers and other local events. MFC stated that it would broadcast no more than two hours per week of block religious programming consisting of a weekly Sunday morning service.
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5.
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The applicant did not propose to take part in the Canadian talent development funding plan (the Plan) established by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB). Instead, MFC committed to exceed the minimum requirement of the Plan by making annual contributions of $1,000 to a talent contest. Each year, the top two finalists in the contest would each receive $500 towards the costs of producing a CD in a local studio.
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The Commission's analysis and determination
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6.
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The Commission notes that the applicant's proposal fulfils the requirements for a service of this nature with respect to the provision of local programming. It encourages the applicant to increase the level of local programming, as resources permit.
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7.
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As regards MFC's plans to air up to two hours per week of block religious programming, the Commission reminds the applicant that it must adhere to the guidelines on ethics for religious programming, as set out in section IV of the Commission's policy on religious broadcasting, as amended from time to time (see Religious Broadcasting Policy, Public Notice CRTC 1993-78, 3 June 1993).
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8.
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The Commission is satisfied with the applicant's commitment to Canadian talent development, and notes that its proposed contribution in this area exceeds the minimum requirement established by the CAB in its Plan. The Commission reminds MFC that all direct cost expenditures related to Canadian talent development must comply with the criteria set out in An FM policy for the nineties, Public Notice CRTC 1990-111, 17 December 1990, which describes initiatives generally accepted by the Commission.
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9.
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Taking the above into account, and in light of the increased musical diversity the station will make available to listeners in the Blackville area, the Commission approves the application by MFC for a licence to carry on an English-language specialty FM radio programming undertaking in Blackville, operating at 107.5 MHz (channel 298LP) with an effective radiated power of 45 watts1.
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Issuance of the licence
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10.
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The licence will expire 31 August 2010. It will be subject to the conditions set out in New licence form for commercial radio stations, Public Notice CRTC 1999-137, 24 August 1999, with the exception of condition of licence 5 contained in that document. The licence will also be subject to the conditions set out in the appendix to this decision.
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11.
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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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12.
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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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13.
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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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14.
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Furthermore, the licence for this undertaking will be issued once the applicant 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 19 December 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.
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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: www.crtc.gc.ca
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Appendix to Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2003-613
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Conditions of licence
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1. The station shall be operated within the Specialty format as defined in A Review of certain matters concerning radio,Public Notice CRTC 1995-60, 21 April 1995, and Revised content categories and subcategories for radio, Public Notice CRTC 2000-14, 28 January 2000, as amended from time to time.
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2. A minimum of 70% of all musical selections broadcast during each broadcast week shall be devoted to selections drawn from subcategory 35 - non-classic religious.
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3. The licensee shall broadcast, in any broadcast week, no more than 45% hit material as defined in Revised policy on the use of hits by English-language FM radio stations, Public Notice CRTC 1997-42, 23 April 1997.
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4. The licensee shall ensure that a minimum of 12% of musical selections from category 3 - special interest music broadcast during each broadcast week are Canadian selections.
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5. The licensee shall devote a minimum of $1,000 per year to support Canadian talent development. The Commission reminds the applicant that all direct cost expenditures related to Canadian talent development must comply with the criteria set out in An FM policy for the nineties, Public Notice CRTC 1990-111, 17 December 1990, which describes initiatives generally accepted by the Commission.
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Footnote:
The Department of Industry has advised that the undertaking would be permitted to operate at an effective radiated power of 45 watts, rather than the 50 watts indicated in Broadcasting Notice of Public hearing 2003-8, 21 August 2003.
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Date Modified: 2003-12-19
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