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Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2005-80
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Ottawa, 28 February 2005
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Global Communications Limited
Kelowna, British Columbia
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Application 2004-0745-4
Public Hearing in the National Capital Region
10 January 2005
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CHBC-TV Kelowna - Licence amendment
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The Commission approves the application by Global Communications Limited (Global) to amend the broadcasting licence for CHBC-TV Kelowna in order to delete the condition of licence affiliating CHBC-TV with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's (CBC) English-language television network. Global may only disaffiliate from the CBC at such time as the CBC implements the new transmitters approved in CBUT Vancouver - New transmitters in Kelowna, Braeloch, Penticton, Vernon, Oliver, Salmon Arm, Enderby and Celista, Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2005-79, of today's date.
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The application
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1.
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The Commission received an application by Global Communications Limited (Global) to amend the broadcasting licence for the television programming undertaking CHBC-TV Kelowna, in order to delete the condition of licence requiring that the station be operated as an affiliate of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's (CBC) English-language television network.
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2.
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Global made a commitment that, upon disaffiliation from the CBC, it will continue to broadcast, in each broadcast week, a minimum of 18.5 hours of local programming on CHBC-TV, consistent with Licence renewal for CHBC-TV, Decision CRTC
2001-458-13, 2 August 2001 (Decision 2001-458-13). In addition, Global stated that it would accept a condition of licence requiring that it close caption 90% of all programs aired during the broadcast day, and 100% of all category 1 News programming.
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Interventions
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3.
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The Commission received interventions in connection with this application, the majority of which were in support. Opposing interveners receive CHBC-TV over the air and indicated concern about losing the CBC programming currently available on CHBC-TV.
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The applicant's response
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4.
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In response to the concerns expressed by the opposing interveners, Global noted that the CBC has filed an application with the Commission to implement transmitters in Kelowna, Braeloch, Penticton, Vernon, Oliver, Salmon Arm, Enderby and Celista to broadcast programming received from CBUT Vancouver. Global stated that these new transmitters would provide the full CBC English-language television network service, including regional programming, to residents of these communities. At the same time, CHBC-TV would, in each broadcast week, provide a full schedule of programming including 18.5 hours of local programming and 8 hours of Canadian priority programming in the drama, documentary, variety and dance and music categories.
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The Commission's analysis and determination
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5.
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The Commission notes that Global filed the present application following notification by the CBC that it would not renew its affiliation agreement with Global with respect to CHBC-TV after 31 August 2005. The CBC plans to replace CHBC-TV's affiliated service with new CBC owned-and-operated transmitters located in several British Columbia communities.
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6.
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In CBUT Vancouver - New transmitters in Kelowna, Braeloch, Penticton, Vernon, Oliver, Salmon Arm, Enderby and Celista, Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2005-79, also issued today (Decision 2005-79), the Commission approves the CBC's application to amend the broadcasting licence for CBUT Vancouver in order to add eight new transmitters, which will provide the full CBC English-language television network and regional service to residents of Kelowna, Braeloch, Penticton, Vernon, Oliver, Salmon Arm, Enderby and Celista. The Commission notes that these new CBC transmitters will replace the CBC programming services formerly provided by CHBC-TV.
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7.
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The Commission is satisfied that these new CBC transmitters will adequately address the concerns of the interveners regarding the possible loss of CBC programming on CHBC-TV. With these new transmitters, the residents of Kelowna, Braeloch, Penticton, Vernon, Oliver, Salmon Arm, Enderby and Celista should receive the full CBC English-language television network and regional service.
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8.
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In light of the above, the Commission approves the application by Global Communications Limited to amend the broadcasting licence for the television programming undertaking CHBC-TV Kelowna, in order to delete the condition of licence requiring that the station be operated as an affiliate of the CBC's English-language television network.
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9.
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This licence amendment, however, will take effect, and the authority may only be implemented by Global, at such time as the CBC commences operation of the transmitters approved in Decision 2005-79.
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10.
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Consistent with Global's application, the Commission is imposing the following condition of licence:
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The licensee shall provide closed captioning for not less than 90% of all programs aired during the broadcast day, and not less than 100% of all category 1 News programming.
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11.
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The Commission has noted Global's commitment to continue to broadcast at least 18.5 hours of local programming in each broadcast week, as decribed in Decision 2001-458-13, as well as its commitment to continue to broadcast at least 8 hours of priority programming in the drama, documentary, variety and dance and music categories in each broadcast week.
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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: 2005-02-28
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