Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2020-86

PDF version

Reference: 2019-303

Ottawa, 4 mars 2020

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
Kuujjuaq, Inukjuaq, Kuujjuarapik, Puvirnituq, and Salluit, Quebec; and Iqaluit, Nunavut

Public record for these applications: 2019-0396-4 and 2019-0390-7
Public hearing in the National Capital Region
5 November 2019

New English-language FM radio station in Kuujjuaq and licence amendment for CFFB Iqaluit

1. The Commission approves the application (2019-0396-4) by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) for a broadcasting licence to operate a new English-language FM radio programming undertaking in Kuujjuaq, Quebec, and to operate the following rebroadcasting transmitters under that broadcasting licence: CFFB-FM-4 Kuujjuarapik, CFFB-FM-6 Inukjuaq, CFFB-FM-7 Salluit and CFFB-FM-8 Puvirnituq, Quebec. These transmitters are currently operating as rebroadcasting transmitters for the English-language radio station CFFB Iqaluit, Nunavut (Radio One). The terms and conditions of licence are set out in the appendix to this decision. The broadcasting licence for the new station will expire 31 August 2020, which corresponds to the expiry date of the broadcasting licence for the CBC’s audio and audiovisual services, as noted in Notice of Hearing, Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2019-379, 25 November 2019.
2. The new station will operate at 103.5 MHz (channel 278LP) with an effective radiated power of 50 watts (non-directional antenna with an effective height of antenna above average terrain of 10 metres), the current technical parameters for CFFB-FM-5 Kuujjuaq, also currently operating as a rebroadcasting transmitter for CFFB-FM. All of the rebroadcasting transmitters for the new station will operate in accordance with their current technical parameters.
3. In light of the above, the Commission also approves an application (2019-0390-7) by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation to amend the broadcasting licence for CFFB Iqaluit by deleting its rebroadcasting transmitters CFFB-FM-4 Kuujjuarapik, CFFB-FM-5 Kuujjuaq, CFFB-FM-6 Inukjuaq, CFFB-FM-7 Salluit, and CFFB-FM-8 Puvirnituq.
4. The Commission did not receive any interventions regarding these applications.
5. According to the CBC, it is appropriate that the transmitter in Iqaluit, as well as the four rebroadcasting transmitters in Northern Quebec, broadcast distinct programming originating from the city of Québec, which is better suited to the communities these transmitters serve. In order to do so, the CBC indicated that a new originating station with associated broadcasting transmitters must be created. Further, the CBC stated that approval of this application will allow it to maintain its current programming schedule in the market.

Secretary General

This decision is to be appended to the licence.

Appendix to Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2020-86

Terms and conditions of licence for the English-language FM radio programming undertaking in Kuujjuaq, Quebec, and its rebroadcasting transmitters in Kuujjuarapik, Inukjuaq, Salluit and Puvirnituq

Terms

The licence will expire 31 August 2020.
The station will operate at 103.5 MHz (channel 278LP) with an effective radiated power of 50 watts (non-directional antenna with an effective height of antenna above average terrain of 10 metres).
The rebroadcasting transmitters will operate in accordance with their current technical parameters.
Pursuant to section 22(1) of the Broadcasting Act, this authority will only be effective when the Department of Industry (the Department) notifies the Commission that its technical requirements have been met and that broadcasting certificates will be issued.
The Department’s BPR-3: Application Procedures and Rules for FM Broadcasting Undertakings specifies that a low-power FM radio rebroadcasting transmitter is considered a secondary assignment operating on an unprotected channel. Should an FM station or transmitter with protected status be granted a frequency that is incompatible with that used by the low-power transmitter considered in this decision, the licensee may need to cease the operation of that low-power transmitter or file an application to change its frequency and/or technical parameters.
Furthermore, the Commission will only issue a licence for this undertaking once the applicant has informed the Commission in writing that it is prepared to commence operations. The undertaking, as well as the rebroadcasting transmitters to be operated under the undertaking’s broadcasting licence, must be in operation by no later than 4 mars 2022. To request an extension, the applicant must submit a written request to the Commission at least 60 days before that date, using the form available on the Commission’s website.

Conditions of licence

1. The licensee shall, in each broadcast week, devote at least 50% of its musical selections from content category 2 (Popular Music) to Canadian selections.
2. The licensee shall, in each broadcast week, devote at least 20% of its musical selections from content category 3 (Special Interest Music) to Canadian selections.
3. The licensee shall, in each broadcast week, devote at least 25% of its musical selections from content subcategory 31 (Concert) to Canadian selections.
4. The licensee shall, in each broadcast week, devote at least 20% of its musical selections from content subcategory 34 (Jazz and blues) to Canadian selections.
5. The licensee’s national news and information programming shall reflect the country’s regions and Official Language Minority Communities, and promote respect and understanding between them.
6. The licensee shall adhere to the Equitable Portrayal Code, as amended from time to time and approved by the Commission. However, the application of the foregoing condition of licence will be suspended if the licensee becomes and remains a member in good standing of the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council.
7. By 30 November of each year, the licensee shall provide a report, in a form acceptable to the Commission, containing results of an English-language Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs) audience perception survey on how well the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s English-language television and radio services are reflecting the OLMCs.
8. The licensee shall not broadcast any advertising (content category 5) except:
   • during programs available to the network only on a sponsored basis; or
   • as required to fulfill the requirements of the legislation of the Parliament of Canada pertaining to elections.

Date modified:

2020-03-04