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Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2005-37
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Ottawa, 3 February 2005
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Golden West Broadcasting Ltd.
Swift Current, Saskatchewan
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Application 2004-0477-3
Public Hearing in the National Capital Region
29 November 2004
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English-language FM radio station in Swift Current
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In this decision, the Commission approves an application for a broadcasting licence to operate a new English-language radio station in Swift Current, Saskatchewan.
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The application
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1.
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The Commission received an application by Golden West Broadcasting Ltd. (Golden West) for a broadcasting licence to operate an English-language FM radio programming undertaking at Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Golden West is the licensee of CKSW and CIMG-FM Swift Current. The proposed station would operate at 97.1 MHz (channel 246C1) with an effective radiated power of 100,000 watts.
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2.
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The licensee proposed to operate the station in a Contemporary Rock music format with emphasis on material by local Prairie artists, and indicated that it would "use 40% Canadian music".
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3.
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The applicant indicated that it would participate in the Canadian talent development (CTD) plan created by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters. 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 (Public Notice 1995-196), licensees serving markets the size of Swift Current are required to contribute, through eligible third parties, a minimum yearly amount of $400 to the development of Canadian talent. Golden West proposed to exceed the minimum contribution as set out in Public Notice 1995-196, by contributing an additional $600 annually towards the development of Canadian talent. In accordance with the licensee's commitment, the Commission has imposed a condition of licence, set out below.
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Interventions
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4.
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The Commission received one intervention in support of this application, submitted by the Candian Independent Record Production Association (CIRPA), and one intervention in opposition, submitted by Mr. George Kushner of Swift Current.
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5.
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CIRPA indicated its support of Golden West's intention to broadcast a greater percentage of Canadian music than the 35% level required under the Radio Regulations, 1986.
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6.
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Mr. Kushner suggested that an additional station which is "virtually identical" to the existing stations in Swift Current is not needed but that the community does need "in-depth, mature and investigative news coverage." He noted that the applicant did not plan to provide open-line programs or access "for free and balanced expressions of opinions and viewpoints."
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The applicant's reply
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7.
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In reply to Mr. Kushner's concerns, the applicant indicated that the new station would provide more diversity to the community, stating that "We are committed to having a totally different music format on this new proposed FM station . . . designed specifically for the younger demographic." Also, the licensee indicated that it has found that most small communities want reports on events in the community rather than investigative reporting. Golden West maintained that it would provide access to "civic officials, industry, sports, and farm operations," and air special events and open-line shows "when situations warrant."
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The Commission's analysis and determination
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8.
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The Commission notes the licensee's commitment to the use of a music format directed to a younger age group than is currently served by the other stations in the market. The Commission notes also the licensee's policy regarding news coverage and access programming.
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9.
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Based on these factors, the Commission is satisfied that Golden West will bring greater programming diversity to the Swift Current radio market and therefore approves this application.
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10.
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The licence will expire 31 August 2011 and will be subject to the conditionsset outin New licence form for commercial radio stations, Public Notice CRTC 1999-137, 24 August 1999 (Public Notice 1999-137), as well as to the following condition of licence:
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In addition to the amount required under condition of licence number 5 set out in Public Notice 1999-137, the licensee shall devote $600 annually towards the development of Canadian talent.
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11.
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The station will operate at 97.1 MHz (channel 246C1) with an effective radiated power of 100,000 watts.
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Issuance of the licence
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12.
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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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13.
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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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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 3 February 2007. 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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Employment equity
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15.
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Because this applicant is subject to the Employment Equity Act and files reports concerning employment equity with the Department of Human Resources and Skills Development, 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: www.crtc.gc.ca
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Date Modified: 2005-02-03