Broadcasting Order CRTC 2013-621

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Route reference: 2013-279

Ottawa, 21 November 2013

Exemption order for low-power radio stations that provide programming from houses of worship

The Commission sets out an exemption order for low-power radio stations that provide programming that is derived solely from houses of worship.

The exemption order set out in Appendix 1 to this document comes into effect immediately. Licensees of radio programming undertakings that consider their operations to be eligible for exemption under the order may file a simple statement asking that the Commission revoke their licences.

Introduction

1. In Broadcasting Notice of Consultation 2013-279, the Commission called for comments on a proposed exemption order for low-power radio programming undertakings that provide programming derived solely from houses of worship.

2. The Commission received one comment from the National Campus and Community Radio Association (NCRA). The public record for this proceeding is available on the Commission’s website at www.crtc.gc.ca under “Public Proceedings.”

3. The NCRA submitted that the Commission should continue to licence low-power radio undertakings associated with houses of worship as described in the proposed exemption order. It was of the view that eliminating the requirement for licensing could result in a scarcity in the frequencies available for campus and community groups that wish to establish low-power radio stations, particularly in larger communities with few remaining frequencies or small communities close to urban areas. The NCRA noted that the current licensing requirement makes provision for community groups interested in establishing stations to submit interventions. The NCRA’s view was that houses of worship could use the Internet to provide their services.

Commission’s analysis and decisions

4. The Commission considers that the usual spectrum management process will ensure that proposals for campus and community radio stations have a fair chance to be implemented. It is of the view that the easiest solution for a group wishing to launch a community or campus station in an area where frequencies are scarce is to apply to operate the station on a protected frequency. The Commission notes that the cost to implement a station with a power slightly more than 50 watts, which would enjoy protected status, would not be significantly more than that to implement a low-power station.

5. In light of the above, and in absence of other comments, the Commission finds that it is appropriate to adopt the proposed exemption order for low-power radio programming undertakings that provide programming from houses of worship.

Implementation

6. The exemption order set out in Appendix 1 to this document comes into effect immediately.

7. Appendix 2 sets out a list of low-power stations licensed to provide programming solely from houses of worship. Licensees of radio programming undertakings that consider their operations to be eligible for exemption under the order may file a simple statement asking that the Commission revoke their licences.

Secretary General

Related documents

• Call for comments regarding the exemption of low-power radio programming undertakings that provide programming derived solely from houses of worship from licensing requirements and associated regulations, Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2013-279, 7 June 2013

Appendix 1 to Broadcasting Order CRTC 2013-621

Terms and conditions of the exemption order for low-power radio programming undertakings providing programming that is derived solely from houses of worship

By this order, pursuant to subsection 9(4) of the Broadcasting Act (the Act), the Commission exempts from the requirements of Part II of the Act and any regulations made thereunder those persons carrying on broadcasting undertakings of the class defined by the criteria set out below.

Purpose

The purpose of these radio programming undertakings is to provide live local broadcasts of religious services, weddings, funerals, and other such religious celebrations and ceremonies.

Description

1. The undertaking meets all technical requirements of the Department of Industry (the Department) and has acquired all authorizations or certificates prescribed by that Department.

2. The low-power undertaking operates between 525 kHz and 1705 kHz in the AM frequency band or between 88 MHz and 107.5 MHz in the FM frequency band. The undertaking broadcasts with a transmitter power of less than 100 watts in the AM band, and with a maximum effective radiated power of 50 watts with a maximum transmitting antenna height of 60 metres in the FM band as defined by the Department in Parts II and III of its Broadcasting Procedures and Rules.

3. The Commission would not be prohibited from licensing the undertaking by virtue of any Act of Parliament or any direction to the Commission by the Governor in Council.

4. The programming provided by the undertaking consists solely of live local broadcasts of religious services, weddings, funerals, and other such religious celebrations and ceremonies.

5. The programming provided by the undertaking contains no advertising material.

6. The undertaking does not broadcast the programming of any other programming undertaking.

7. The undertaking does not broadcast any musical selections unless they form an integral part of the religious ceremony being broadcast.

8. The undertaking’s programming complies with the guidelines on ethics for religious programming set out in section IV of Religious Broadcasting Policy, Public Notice CRTC 1993-78, 3 June 1993, regarding tolerance, integrity, social responsibility and the solicitation of funds.

9. The undertaking’s programming complies with the guidelines on gender portrayal set out in the Canadian Association of Broadcasters’ (CAB) Equitable portrayal code, as amended from time to time and approved by the Commission.