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Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2007-368
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Ottawa, 12 October 2007
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CTV Limited Vancouver, British Columbia
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Application 2007-0486-8, received 30 March 2007
Public Hearing in the National Capital Region
27 August 2007
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Acquisition of assets
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The Commission approves the application by CTV Limited to acquire the assets of the radio programming undertaking CFBT-FM Vancouver from The Beat Broadcasting Corporation.
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Introduction
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1.
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The Commission received an application by CTV Limited1 to acquire the assets of the radio programming undertaking CFBT-FM Vancouver from The Beat Broadcasting Corporation and for a new broadcasting licence to continue the operation of the undertaking under the same terms and conditions as those in effect under the current licence.
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2.
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The Commission received many interventions in support of this application.
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Commission's analysis and determinations
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3.
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The Commission has carefully examined the application and has identified the following two issues to be addressed in its determinations:
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- Is the proposed value of the transaction reasonable and the associated value of the tangible benefits package adequate?
- Is the proposed allocation of the tangible benefits package acceptable?
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Is the proposed value of the transaction reasonable and the associated value of the tangible benefits package adequate?
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4.
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Because the Commission does not solicit competing applications for authority to transfer the ownership or control of radio, television and other programming undertakings, the onus is on the applicant to demonstrate that the tangible benefits proposed in the application are adequate and that the proposed value of the transaction is acceptable and reasonable. In this regard, the Commission generally expects applicants to make commitments to tangible benefits representing a financial contribution of 6% of the value of the transaction for radio undertakings.
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5.
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The applicant submitted that the value of the transaction is $45 million. Consistent with its practice for the purpose of calculating the tangible benefits package, the Commission added the assumed operating lease commitments and the assumed consulting fees. As a result, the Commission determines that the value of the transaction amounts to $46,006,717.
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Is the proposed allocation of the tangible benefits package acceptable?
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6.
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Consistent with the Commission's tangible benefits policy outlined in Broadcasting Public Notice 2006-158, CTV Limited proposed a tangible benefits package equal to 6% of the proposed $45 million value of the transaction ($2.7 million). CTV Limited proposed to allocate the following amounts per broadcast year:
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- $192,857 to the Radio Starmaker Fund (Starmaker);
- $128,571 to FACTOR;
- $50,000 to Aboriginal Voices Radio (AVR);
- $14,286 to the "Beat Boot Camp" to be held at the New Music West music festival.
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7.
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Funding to Starmaker and FACTOR are required by the current tangible benefits policy and is therefore considered appropriate. Moreover, the Commission considers funding to AVR to be an eligible expense because it will aid in the development of Aboriginal audio content for broadcast. The Commission also approves of the funding to the "Beat Boot Camp" given its intention to support and train Canadian musical talent.
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8.
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Considering the Commission's determination of the value of the transaction, the value of the proposed tangible benefits package will increase from the proposed $2.7 million to $2.76 million (i.e. 6% of the revised amount of $46,006, 717).
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9.
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In light of the amendment to the value of the transaction and consequently to the amount of the tangible benefits package, the Commission expects CTV Limited to file, within 30 days of the date of this decision, an amended tangible benefits package reflecting these changes to the proposed initiatives.
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Conclusion
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10.
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The Commission approves the application by CTV Limited to acquire the assets of the radio programming undertaking CFBT-FM Vancouver from The Beat Broadcasting Corporation and for a new broadcasting licence to continue the operation of the undertaking under the same terms and conditions as those in effect under the current licence.
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11.
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Upon surrender of the current licence, the Commission will issue a new licence to CTV Limited that will expire on the same date as that of the current licence. The licence will be subject to the terms and conditions set out in the appendix to this decision.
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Secretary General
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Related documents
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CFBT-FM Vancouver - Licence renewal, Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2007-275, 3 August 2007
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Commercial Radio Policy 2006, Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2006-158, 15 December 2006
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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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