Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2020-167

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References: Part 1 licence renewal applications posted on 3 December 2019

Ottawa, 26 May 2020

Maritime Broadcasting System Limited
Various locations in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island

Public record for these applications: 2019-0868-3, 2019-0871-6, 2019-0869-1, 2019-0872-4, 2019-0873-2 and 2019-0874-0

Various commercial radio stations – Licence renewals

1. The Commission renews the broadcasting licences for the English-language commercial radio programming undertakings listed below from 1 September 2020 to 31 August 2027. The Commission did not receive any interventions in regard to these applications. The licensee shall adhere to the conditions of licence set out in Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2009-62, as well as to the conditions set out in the broadcasting licence for each station.

   Call sign and location	Application
   CFQM-FM Moncton, New Brunswick	2019-0869-1
   CIOK-FM Saint John, New Brunswick	2019-0872-4
   CKCW-FM Moncton, New Brunswick	2019-0873-2
   CKNB Campbellton, New Brunswick	2019-0874-0
   CHNS-FM Halifax, Nova Scotia	2019-0871-6
   CFCY-FM Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island	2019-0868-3

Reminders

Local programming (all stations)

2. Local radio stations are an important daily source of local news and information for communities. Holding a broadcasting licence comes with conditions, regulatory obligations and responsibilities, which include contributing to the Canadian broadcasting system by ensuring that Canadians have access to local programming that reflects their needs and interests and informs them of important current issues.
3. The licensee proposed for the following stations to broadcast the following weekly levels of news:
   • CFQM-FM Moncton, New Brunswick – 1 hour, 10 minutes;
   • CIOK-FM Saint John, New Brunswick – 1 hour;
   • CKCW Moncton, New Brunswick – 1 hour;
   • CKNB Campbellton, New Brunswick – 1 hour, 20 minutes;
   • CHNS-FM Halifax, Nova Scotia – 1 hour;
   • CFCY-FM Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island – 1 hour, 15 minutes.
4. Although Broadcasting Public Notice 2006-158 does not specify a minimum level of weekly news to be broadcast, it does specify the type of spoken word material that must be included as part of a station’s local programming. In accordance with that public notice, the Commission reminds the licensee that the above-noted stations, in their local programming, must incorporate spoken word material of direct and particular relevance to the communities served, and that this programming must include local news, weather, sports coverage, and the promotion of local events and activities. In addition, the Commission encourages the licensee to ensure that a reasonable amount of daily local news and information is made available to those communities.

Force and effect of broadcasting certificates

5. Pursuant to section 22 of the Broadcasting Act, the broadcasting licences renewed in this decision will cease to have any force or effect if the broadcasting certificates issued by the Department of Industry lapse.

Employment equity

6. Because this licensee is subject to the Employment Equity Act and files reports concerning employment equity with the Department of Employment and Social Development, its employment equity practices are not examined by the Commission.

Cultural diversity

7. The Commission expects the licensee to reflect the cultural diversity of Canada in its programming and employment practices.

CIOK-FM Saint John and the solicitation of advertising

8. In regard to CIOK-FM Saint John, the Commission expects the licensee not to solicit advertising in either the Fredericton or Moncton, New Brunswick, markets.

Secretary General

Related documents

• Conditions of licence for commercial AM and FM radio stations, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2009-62, 11 February 2009
• Commercial Radio Policy 2006, Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2006-158, 15 December 2006

This decision is to be appended to each licence.

Date modified:

2020-05-26