ARCHIVED - Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2015-94

PDF version

Route reference: 2014-441

Ottawa, 17 March 2015

Fort McKay Radio Society
Fort McKay, Alberta

Application 2014-0546-5, received 13 June 2014
Public hearing in the National Capital Region
28 October 2014

Type B Native FM radio station in Fort McKay

The Commission approves an application for a broadcasting licence to operate a low-power, English- and Aboriginal-language Type B Native FM radio station in Fort McKay, Alberta.

Application

1. Fort McKay Radio Society filed an application for a broadcasting licence to operate an English- and Aboriginal-language low-power Type B Native FM radio station in Fort McKay, Alberta. The Commission did not receive any interventions in connection with this application.
2. Fort McKay Radio Society is a not-for-profit corporation controlled by its board of directors.
3. The station would operate at 106.3 MHz (channel 292LP) with an effective radiated power of 50 watts (non-directional antenna with an effective height of antenna above average terrain of 6.6 metres).^{Footnote 1}
4. Fort McKay Radio Society indicated that it intends to broadcast each broadcast week 34 hours of spoken-word programming, 92 hours of musical content, a minimum of 116 hours devoted to local (station-produced) programming and a total of 26 hours devoted to Aboriginal-language programming (Cree/Dene).
5. The applicant submitted that its programming would include coverage of local news, weather, sports and community events as well as content that relates to the community’s traditional values and social issues.
6. The station would also offer programming relating to the culture and heritage of the First Nation community as well as the promotion of health, wellness and addictions services in the Fort McKay region.
7. The music programming would feature a mix of pop, rock, dance, country and Aboriginal music.
8. Fort McKay Radio Society submitted that 15% of the music broadcast would be performed or composed by Aboriginal talent. The applicant indicated its commitment to establishing Aboriginal talent development initiatives, including the development of a recording studio accessible to local artists and community members, an annual scholarship for Aboriginal youth broadcasting and musical talent and specialty programming for the enhancement of Aboriginal artist airplay.

Commission’s decision

9. 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 Fort McKay Radio Society for a broadcasting licence to operate a low power, English- and Aboriginal-language Type B Native FM radio programming undertaking in Fort McKay, Alberta. 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 2015-94

Terms, conditions of licence and encouragement for the low-power, English- and Aboriginal- language Type B Native FM radio programming undertaking in Fort McKay, Alberta

Terms

The licence will expire on 31 August 2021.

The station will operate at 106.3 MHz (channel 292LP) with an effective radiated power of 50 watts (non-directional antenna with an effective height of antenna above average terrain of 6.6 metres).

The Commission reminds the applicant that the licence for this undertaking will be issued once it 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 17 March 2017. In order to ensure that such a request is processed in a timely manner, it should be submitted in writing at least 60 days before this date.

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 meanings as those set out in the Radio Regulations, 1986.
2. If the licensee originates 42 or more hours of programming in any broadcast week, the licensee shall adhere to the Canadian Association of Broadcasters’ Equitable Portrayal Code, as amended from time to time and approved by the Commission and to the Broadcast Code for Advertising to Children, as amended from time to time and approved by the Commission.

Encouragement

Where the licensee intends on carrying wrap-around programming, the Commission encourages it to use programming from another Aboriginal station or network with a focus on additional Aboriginal-language programming (Cree/Dene/Chipewyan) or current Aboriginal music.

Date modified:

2015-03-17