ARCHIVED - Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2012-276

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Route reference: 2011-675

Additional references: 2011-675-1 and 2011-675-3

Ottawa, 9 May 2012

Wasauksing Communications Group
Wasauksing First Nation, Ontario

Application 2011-1044-4, received 5 July 2011
Public hearing in Miramichi, New Brunswick
16 January 2012

Type B Native FM radio station at Wasauksing First Nation

The Commission approves an application for a broadcasting licence to operate an English- and Ojibwa-language Type B Native FM radio station at Wasauksing First Nation, Ontario.

The application

1.      The Commission received an application by Wasauksing Communications Group (WCG) for a broadcasting licence to operate an English- and Ojibwa-language Type B Native FM radio programming undertaking at Wasausking First Nation, Ontario. The Commission did not receive any interventions in connection with this application.

2.      WCG is a not-for-profit corporation controlled by its board of directors.

3.      The station would operate at 91.3 MHz (channel 217A1) with an effective radiated power of 60 watts (effective height of antenna above average terrain of -1 metre).

4.      The applicant indicated that, during each broadcast week, the station would broadcast 126 hours of station-produced programming. This programming would include music and spoken word content, and would provide a cultural focus for the community through news, the coverage of local events, and the overall presentation style based on a Native perspective. WCG further indicated that for every broadcast hour, it would broadcast at least two selections that contain Native talent, most of which would be by Canadian aboriginal artists.

5.      The applicant indicated that the perpetuation of the Anishinabemowin language continues to be a priority and that it would therefore incorporate Anishinabemowin into its broadcast schedule. This would include Anishinabemowin in the introduction and conclusion of weather reports, and in its community bulletin. The applicant further indicated that it would use Anishinabemowin to introduce the station at the beginning of each broadcast day.

6.      In regard to local talent development, WCG indicated that it plans to promote cultural and musical events that showcase Native talent, and to assist members of the youth community who aspire to a career in journalism. As an example, WCG noted that it has hosted a musical event known as the Story Teller Benefit, which raises funds for a bursary. WCG further noted that it would make this an annual event.

Commission’s decision

7.      The Commission is satisfied that the application is consistent with the provisions for Type B Native radio stations set out in Native Broadcasting Policy, Public Notice CRTC 1990-89, 20 September 1990. Accordingly, the Commission approves the application by Wasauksing Communications Group for a broadcasting licence to operate an English- and Ojibwa-language Type B Native FM radio programming undertaking at Wasauksing First Nation, Ontario. The terms and conditions of licence are set out in the appendix to this decision.

Secretary General

*This decision is to be appended to the licence.

Appendix to Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2012-276

Terms and conditions of licence for the English- and Ojibwa-language Type B Native FM radio programming undertaking at Wasauksing First Nation, Ontario

Terms

The licence will expire 31 August 2018.

The station will operate at 91.3 MHz (channel 217A1) with an effective radiated power of 60 watts (effective height of antenna above average terrain of -1 metre).

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.

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.

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 May 2014. 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.

The applicant must file an executed copy of the amended constitution bylaws of Wasauksing Communications Group no later than 90 days following the publication of this decision.

Conditions of licence

1.      The licensee shall devote, in each broadcast week, not less than 35% of its musical selections from content category 2 (Popular Music) to Canadian selections broadcast in their entirety.

For the purposes of this condition of licence, the terms “broadcast week,” “Canadian selection,” content category” and “musical selection” shall have the same meaning as that set out in the Radio Regulations, 1986.

2.      The licensee shall adhere to the Equitable Portrayal Code, as amended from time to time and approved by the Commission.

3.      The licensee shall adhere to the Broadcast Code for Advertising to Children, as amended from time to time and approved by the Commission.

Date modified:

2012-05-09