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Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2003-614
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Ottawa, 19 December 2003
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Frog Lake Cowboys Club
Frog Lake, Alberta
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Application 2003-0499-9
Public Hearing in the National Capital Region
20 October 2003
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Native FM radio station at Frog Lake
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The Commission approves a new native Type B FM radio station at Frog Lake.
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The application
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1.
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The Commission received an application by Frog Lake Cowboys Club for a broadcasting licence to operate a Cree- and English-language native Type B FM radio programming undertaking in Frog Lake, Alberta.
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2.
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Frog Lake Cowboys Club is a not-for-profit corporation incorporated under provincial jurisdiction and controlled by its board of directors. The proposed station would broadcast 20 hours of station-produced programming in each broadcast week. The applicant indicated that it would promote an Aboriginal perspective and preserve the Cree language and culture by providing a minimum of 15 hours of this weekly amount of station-produced programming in the Cree language. Spoken word programming would include round table discussions, story telling, language and cultural teachings as well as local news and events. The applicant also proposed to promote and develop Aboriginal musical talent by including traditional Aboriginal music throughout the schedule, and by ensuring that at least 55% of the music aired on the station is performed or composed by Aboriginal artists.
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3.
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The Commission received no intervention in connection with this application.
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The Commission's analysis and determination
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4.
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The Commission is satisfied that the applicant will provide a valuable new radio service to its intended audience, namely the residents of the Frog Lake First Nation. The Commission is further satisfied that the applicant meets the requirements set out in Native Broadcasting Policy, Public Notice CRTC 1990-89, 20 September 1990, in that it is owned and controlled by a not-for-profit organization whose structure provides for board membership by the native population of the region served by the proposed undertaking.
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5.
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Accordingly, the Commission approves the application for a Cree- and English-language native Type B FM radio programming undertaking at Frog Lake, operating at 89.9 MHz (channel 210VLP) with an effective radiated power of 10 watts.
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6.
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The Commission notes the applicant's statement in response to a Commission question during the deficiency process that it would modify its by-laws immediately to require that 100% of its members and board of directors be Canadian citizens residing in Canada. The applicant is required to file an executed copy of its revised by-laws reflecting this commitment by 19 January 2004.
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7.
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The Commission reminds the applicant of its requirement that native radio programming undertakings and networks broadcast a Canadian content level of at least 35% for category 2 music. A condition of licence to this effect is set out in the appendix to this decision.
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8.
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The Commission encourages the applicant, should it wish to broadcast wrap-around programming after its daily sign-off, to use programming obtained from another native radio station or network.
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Issuance of the licence
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9.
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The Commission will issue a licence expiring 31 August 2010, subject to the conditions specified therein, as well as to the conditions set out in the appendix to this decision.
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10.
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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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11.
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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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12.
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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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13.
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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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Date Modified: 2003-12-19