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Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2005-264
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Ottawa, 28 June 2005
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Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
Toronto and Huntsville, Ontario
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Application 2004-0905-4
Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2005-12
7 February 2005
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CBL-FM Toronto and its transmitter CBL-FM-1 Huntsville - Technical change
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The Commission approves the application by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation to change the frequency of its transmitter CBL-FM-1 Huntsville.
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Background
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1.
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In CBL-FM Toronto - New transmitters, Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2002-456, 18 December 2002, the Commission approved an application by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) to amend the broadcasting licence of CBL-FM Toronto, in order to add a transmitter at Huntsville to operate on frequency 104.7 MHz (channel 284C1).
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2.
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When the Huntsville transmitter CBL-FM-1 began operation in the Fall of 2003, interference was identified between the signal of that transmitter and that of CFBK-FM Muskoka-Parry Sound, owned by Muskoka-Parry Sound Broadcasting Limited, which operates on 105.5 MHz. The CBC was unable to reach an agreement with the licensee of CFBK-FM to resolve the interference, and the CBC consequently decided to apply for a new frequency.
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The application
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3.
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The Commission received an application by the CBC to amend the broadcasting licence for the radio programming undertaking CBL-FM Toronto, in order to change the frequency of its transmitter CBL-FM-1 Huntsville from 104.7 MHz (channel 284C1) to 106.9 MHz (channel 295C1).
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4.
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The CBC indicated that this application involves a proposal to change the frequency of CBL-FM-1 only. All other technical parameters and the coverage contours of CBL-FM-1 would remain unchanged.
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Intervention
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5.
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The Commission received one intervention in opposition to this application, from Muskoka-Parry Sound Broadcasting Limited.
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6.
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The intervener stated that it opposes the frequency change of the CBL-FM-1 Huntsville transmitter and considers the transmitter's effective radiated power (ERP) of 70,000 watts as excessive, unnecessary and unwarranted. The testing of the transmitter on 104.7 MHz, even at reduced power, had caused severe interference to the CFBK-FM signal, and resulted in numerous complaints from CFBK-FM listeners.
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7.
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Muskoka-Parry Sound Broadcasting Limited stated that, if the CBC continued to use the same transmitter configuration, the proposed change of frequency to 106.9 MHz with an ERP of 70,000 watts would create interference with the CFBK-FM signal.
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8.
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The intervener expressed the opinion that an ERP of 5,000 watts is sufficient for the CBL-FM-1 transmitter.
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CBC's reply
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9.
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In its reply, the CBC noted that the intervener is not necessarily opposed to the frequency change, but rather to the transmitter power.
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10.
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CBC stated that the proposed frequency with an ERP of 70,000 watts is fully compliant with the Department of Industry's (the Department) Broadcast Procedures and Rules, that the proposed change of frequency would eliminate interference with CFBK-FM, and that it is the most efficient solution to the problem.
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11.
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The CBC further noted that the proposed frequency change is consistent with the CBC's mandate, which is to be accessible to as many Canadians as possible using the most cost-effective methods.
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The Commission's analysis and determination
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12.
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The Commission notes that the CBC proposed this change in frequency as a means of correcting the problems of interference and poor reception currently experienced by CFBK-FM.
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13.
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The Department has confirmed that this proposal is conditionally technically acceptable, and the Commission considers that the proposed frequency change offers an effective means to solve the current interference problem. In addition, the previously approved ERP of 70,000 watts would allow the CBC to serve the Huntsville area effectively, whereas a power reduction would likely cause a loss of Radio Two service to potential listeners in that area.
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14.
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Accordingly, the Commission approves the application by the CBC to amend the broadcasting licence for the radio programming undertaking CBL-FM Toronto, in order to change the frequency of its transmitter CBL-FM-1 Huntsville from 104.7 MHz (channel 284C1) to 106.9 MHz (channel 295C1).
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15.
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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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16.
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The Commission reminds the licensee that, pursuant to section 22(1) of the Broadcasting Act, this authority will only be effective when the Department notifies the Commission that its technical requirements have been met, and that a broadcasting certificate will be issued.
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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 in PDF format or in HTML at the following Internet site: www.crtc.gc.ca
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Date Modified: 2005-06-28