Search

ARCHIVED - Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2004-200

This page has been archived on the Web

Information identified as archived on the Web is for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. Archived Decisions, Notices and Orders (DNOs) remain in effect except to the extent they are amended or reversed by the Commission, a court, or the government. The text of archived information has not been altered or updated after the date of archiving. Changes to DNOs are published as “dashes” to the original DNO number. Web pages that are archived on the Web are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats by contacting us.

Archived

This page has been archived on the Web.

 

Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2004-200

  Ottawa, 9 June 2004
  Western Singh Sabha Association
Williams Lake, British Columbia
  Application 2003-0149-0
Public Hearing in the National Capital Region
19 April 2004
 

Low-power specialty FM (ethnic and religious) radio station in Williams Lake

1.

The Commission approves the application by Western Singh Sabha Association (WSSA) to operate a low-power specialty FM (ethnic and religious) radio station in Williams Lake, British Columbia. The station will operate at 94.3 MHz (channel 232LP) with an effective radiated power of 35 watts. WSSA is a non-profit, charitable organization.

2.

WSSA will operate a specialty (ethnic and religious) radio station primarily targeting the Sikh and Hindu communities of Williams Lake. The station will be run by volunteers, with revenues being generated through listener donations. The applicant confirmed that it will adhere to a condition of licence requiring that it broadcast no commercial messages.

3.

Approximately 90% of all programming broadcast will be ethnic programming, as defined in Ethnic broadcasting policy, Public Notice CRTC 1999-117, 16 July 1999 (the Ethnic Policy). The new station will also broadcast 60 hours per week of religious spoken word programming, as described in Religious Broadcasting Policy, Public Notice CRTC 1993-78, 3 June 1993 (the Religious Policy).

4.

Local programming will include news, weather and reporting of local events in Williams Lake. The applicant noted that, while the main purpose of the station will be the provision of programming to the Sikh and Hindu communities in Williams Lake, it will also offer airtime to other community organizations and faith groups in Williams Lake.

5.

At least 50% of the music broadcast by the new station will be drawn from subcategory 35 (non-classic religious). The applicant also indicated that it will not broadcast any hit material as defined in Revised Policy on the Use of Hits by English-Language FMRadio Stations, Public Notice CRTC 1997-42, 23 April 1997.

6.

The Commission did not receive any interventions in connection with this application.
 

Balance in programming

7.

In the Religious Policy, the Commission stated that stations that broadcast religious programming have an obligation to offer differing views on matters of general public concern, including religious matters. The Commission expects all applicants for such stations to provide details of how they propose to ensure balance in their programming, and how they would respond to complaints from the public about balance in programming.

8.

WSSA stated that it would adhere to a condition of licence requiring that the station broadcast 15 hours per week of balanced programs. These programs will originate from other churches, organizations and interested groups. The station will also promote opportunities for other faith groups and organizations to produce programming for the new station. As part of its plans for balanced programming, WSSA also indicated that, on a weekly basis, a guest speaker will discuss both community and world news.

9.

The applicant submitted letters from various multi-faith representatives indicating their interest in producing programming for the new station. Those representatives will also participate in the station's Evaluation Committee, which will ensure that balanced programming is broadcast.

10.

In the event of the station not receiving programs produced by other faith groups, the applicant will broadcast self-produced programming related to multi-faith music and discussions on a range of religious matters. Given the station's limited coverage, and the size of Williams Lake, the Commission will accept multi-faith music programs as forming part of the station's balance programs.

11.

With respect to the requirements of the guidelines on ethics set out in the Religious Policy, the applicant indicated that it would undertake a formal review of all programs, prior to their broadcast. Documents provided to other faith and community groups have fully outlined the conditions under which programs will be accepted for broadcast. A written commitment to adhere to these requirements will be obtained before any acquired program is broadcast.
 

Ethnic programming

12.

In view of the ethnic programming to be offered, the applicant provided its plans related to the fulfillment of the objectives set out in the Ethnic Policy.

13.

The applicant identified the Sikh and Hindu communities as the primary targets for the new station's programming. By condition of licence, in each broadcast week, the station will broadcast programming targeting at least two cultural groups, using at least two different languages. The applicant indicated that it has attempted to generate interest by other local ethnic communities but, given the station's limited service area and the limited presence of other cultural groups, no other groups have expressed interest. The applicant expressed its confidence that, once the new station is launched, it will attract attention from additional ethnic communities.

14.

Recognizing the limited coverage area of the new station and the ethnic make-up of the community, the Commission is satisfied that the religious and ethnic programming to be offered by the applicant is appropriate, given the low power nature of the station. Nevertheless, the Commission encourages the applicant to seek out additional multi-faith contributors and new ethnic communities in its programming.
 

Canadian talent development

15.

The applicant will participate in the Canadian talent development (CTD) plan created by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB). Under the plan, accepted by the Commission in Contributions by radio stations to Canadian talent development - A new approach, Public Notice CRTC 1995-196, 17 November 1995, licensees serving markets the size of Williams Lake are required to contribute, through eligible third parties, a minimum yearly amount of $400 to the development of Canadian talent.
 

Issuance of the licence

16.

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 conditions 8 and 10, and to the conditions set out in the appendix to this decision.

17.

The Commission reminds the applicant that it must comply with all aspects of the Commercial Radio Policy 1998, Public Notice CRTC 1998-41, 30 April 1998 and with the Radio Regulations, 1986.

18.

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.

19.

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.

20.

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.

21.

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 9 June 2006. 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.
  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: www.crtc.gc.ca
 

Appendix to Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2004-200

 

Conditions of licence

 

1. 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, with the exception of conditions of licence 8 and 10, as well as to the following conditions:

 

2. 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, as amended from time to time.

 

3. The licensee shall ensure that a minimum of 50% of all musical selections broadcast during each broadcast week shall be devoted to selections drawn from music subcategory 35 (non-classical religious).

 

4. The licensee shall not broadcast any 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.

 

5. The licensee shall not broadcast or solicit commercial messages.

 

6. During each broadcast week, the licensee shall broadcast, at a minimum, 15 hours of balanced programs, which may include programs of non-classical religious music reflecting a variety of faiths.

 

7. The licensee shall adhere to the guidelines on ethics in religious programming as set out in section IV of Religious Broadcasting Policy, Public Notice CRTC 1993-78, 3 June 1993, as amended from time to time

 

8. During each broadcast week, the licensee shall direct programming to a minimum of two cultural groups, in a minimum of two different languages.

Date Modified: 2004-06-09

Date modified: