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Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2023-263 and Broadcasting Orders CRTC 2023-264 and 2023-265

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References: 2023-6, 2023-6-1, 2023-6-2 and 2023-6-3

Ottawa, 21 August 2023

Parrsboro Radio Society
Parrsboro, Nova Scotia

Public record: 2022-0316-5
Public hearing in the National Capital Region
3 May 2023

CICR-FM Parrsboro – Licence renewal and issuance of mandatory orders

Summary

The Commission renews the broadcasting licence for the English-language community radio station CICR-FM Parrsboro, Nova Scotia, from 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2026. This short-term licence renewal will allow for an earlier review of the licensee’s compliance with regulatory requirements.

Further, pursuant to subsection 12(2) of the Broadcasting Act, the Commission re-imposes mandatory orders requiring Parrsboro Radio Society, licensee of CICR-FM, to comply at all times with subsection 8(1) and paragraph 9(3)(b) of the Radio Regulations, 1986.

Application

  1. The Commission has the authority, pursuant to subsections 9(1) and 9.1(1) of the Broadcasting Act, to issue and renew licences and to make orders imposing conditions on the carrying on of a broadcasting undertaking that it considers appropriate for the implementation of the broadcasting policy set out in subsection 3(1) of the Broadcasting Act.
  2. On 10 June 2022, the Commission issued Broadcasting Notice of Consultation 2022-152,Footnote 1 which listed radio stations for which the broadcasting licences would expire 31 August 2023 and therefore needed to be renewed to continue their operations. In that notice of consultation, the Commission requested that the licensees of those stations submit renewal applications for their licences.
  3. In response, Parrsboro Radio Society (Parrsboro) filed an application to renew the broadcasting licence for the English-language community radio station CICR-FM Parrsboro, Nova Scotia, which expires 31 August 2023.Footnote 2 The Commission did not receive any interventions in regard to this application.

Background

  1. Parrsboro was originally licensed in 2008. The Commission has found the licensee in non-compliance in each of its subsequent licence renewal decisions and, each case, renewed the licence for CICR-FM for a short term. The decisions are summarized below.
  2. In each instance, the Commission expressed concerns over the licensee’s ability and commitment to operate the station in a compliant manner given the licensee’s apparent lack of cooperation with Commission staff requests, and in the 2018 and 2020 renewals the Commission further noted that should the licensee again breach regulatory requirements, including the mandatory orders, it would consider the suspension, non-renewal or revocation of the broadcasting licence for CICR-FM under sections 9 and 24 of the Broadcasting Act.

2015 short-term renewal

  1. In Broadcasting Decision 2015-473, the Commission renewed the broadcasting licence for CICR-FM for a short term from 1 January 2016 to 31 August 2017. In that decision, the Commission determined that the licensee had failed to comply with the following:
    • paragraph 8(1)(c) and subsections 8(4) and 8(6) of the Radio Regulations, 1986 (the Regulations) relating to the provision of a complete and accurate program log or record and a clear and intelligible audio recording;
    • subsections 9(3) and 9(4) of the Regulations regarding the obligation to provide a complete and accurate self-assessment report and music list as well as respond to the Commission’s requests for information; and
    • subsection 9(2) of the Regulations relating to the filing of complete annual returns.
  2. To address the general absence of details provided by the licensee in regard to the station’s policies and plans to ensure future compliance, the Commission directed Parrsboro to file, pursuant to subsection 9(4) of the Regulations, a report (Report on Internal Policies and Procedures) setting out the station’s internal policies and procedures regarding the following:
    • mechanisms for dealing with complaints;
    • responsibilities for the implementation of regulatory requirements;
    • the recruitment of volunteers;
    • the training of volunteers; and
    • access to the station’s studios by volunteers.
  3. The Commission noted that this report would allow it to assess any future complaints received regarding the station’s operations and would be used to evaluate the licensee’s ability to comply with its regulatory requirements and with Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2010-499 during the next licence term.

2018 short-term renewal

  1. In Broadcasting Decision 2018-110, the Commission renewed the broadcasting licence for CICR-FM for a short term from 1 September 2018 to 31 August 2020, due to the licensee’s non-compliance with the following:
    • paragraph 8(1)(c), subsections 8(4) and 8(6) and paragraph 9(3)(b) of the Regulations relating to the keeping, retaining and furnishing of a complete and accurate program log, audio recording and music list to the Commission; and
    • subsection 9(2) of the Regulations relating to the filing of complete annual returns.
  2. In regard to the Report on Internal Policies and Procedures that the licensee was directed to file in Broadcasting Decision 2015-473, the Commission noted that the report that was submitted was incomplete as it did not provide detailed internal policies and procedures. It added that the licensee seemed to have failed to implement its business strategy to improve its internal procedures in order to comply with its regulatory obligations. Consequently, the Commission required the licensee to file a new and complete Report on Internal Policies and Procedures and imposed a condition of licence to that effect.
  3. The Commission also imposed a condition of licence requiring the licensee to broadcast an announcement regarding its non-compliance. Finally, pursuant to subsection 12(2), the Commission imposed mandatory orders requiring the licensee to comply at all times with subsections 8(1), 8(4) and 8(6) of the Regulations as well as with subsection 9(2) of the Regulations (see Broadcasting Mandatory Orders 2018-111 and 2018-112, set out in Appendices 3 and 4, respectively, to Broadcasting Decision 2018-110).

2020 short-term renewal

  1. In Broadcasting Decision 2020-272, the Commission renewed the broadcasting licence for CICR-FM for a short term from 1 September 2020 to 31 August 2022, due to the licensee’s non-compliance with the following:
    • subsections 8(1) and 8(2) and paragraphs 9(3)(a) and 9(3)(b) of the Regulations relating to the provision of a complete and accurate program log, self-assessment report and music list;
    • condition of licence 2 set out in Appendix 1 to Broadcasting Decision 2018-110, relating to the filing of a report setting out the station’s internal policies and procedures by 31 October 2018, as well as subsection 9(4) of the Regulations relating to the requirement to provide information regarding compliance with regulatory requirements; and
    • Broadcasting Mandatory Order 2018-111 relating to the requirement to comply at all times with subsections 8(1), 8(4) and 8(6) of the Regulations.
  2. Pursuant to subsection 12(2) of the Broadcasting Act, the Commission also issued Broadcasting Orders 2020-273, 2020-274 and 2020-275 requiring the licensee to comply at all times with subsection 8(1) of the Regulations, paragraph 9(3)(b) of the Regulations, and condition of licence 2 set out in Appendix 1 to Broadcasting Decision 2020-272, pursuant to subsection 9(4) of the Regulations. This condition of licence required the licensee, again, to file a Report on Internal Policies and Procedures.

Non-compliance

  1. In Broadcasting Notice of Consultation 2023-6, the Commission indicated that the licensee appeared to be in non-compliance with the following:
    • subsection 8(1) and paragraphs 9(3)(a) and 9(3)(b) of the Regulations relating to the provision of a complete and accurate program log or record, self-assessment report and music list for the 3 to 9 October 2021 broadcast week. Therefore, the licensee was also in apparent non-compliance with Broadcasting Orders 2020-273 and 2020-274, which required it to comply with subsection 8(1) and paragraph 9(3)(b) of the Regulations;
    • condition of licence 2 set out in Appendix 1 to Broadcasting Decision 2020-272 and Broadcasting Order 2020-275 relating to the licensee’s requirement to file, pursuant to subsection 9(4) of the Regulations, a report setting out the station’s internal policies and procedures;
    • subsection 9(4) of the Regulations relating to the provision of information regarding compliance with regulatory requirements; and
    • condition of licence 3 set out in Appendix 1 to Broadcasting Decision 2020-272 relating to the broadcast of an announcement following non-compliance with certain requirements.
  2. In that notice of consultation, the Commission called the licensee to the 3 May 2023 public hearing to discuss these serious and, in some cases, repeated instances of apparent non-compliance. The Commission noted that should it once again find the licensee in non-compliance, this would be the fourth consecutive licence term in which it will have been found in non-compliance with regulatory requirements.
  3. Given the warning set out in Broadcasting Decision 2020-272 relating to the possible measures the Commission could take in the context of the next licence renewal, the Commission reiterated that it may consider the possibility of suspending, not renewing or revoking the broadcasting licence for CICR-FM pursuant to sections 9 and 24 of the Broadcasting Act.

Program logs and radio monitoring materials

  1. Paragraph 10(1)(i) of the old Broadcasting Act, which was in effect while the licensee’s application was being considered, granted the Commission the authority, in furtherance of its objects, to make regulations requiring licensees to submit to the Commission such information regarding their programs and financial affairs or otherwise relating to the conduct and management of their affairs as the regulations may specify.
  2. Pursuant to this authority, the Commission made subsection 8(1) of the Regulations, which set out requirements relating to filing complete program logs.
  3. Pursuant to this authority, the Commission also made paragraph 9(3)(a) of the Regulations, which specifies that a licensee shall submit the information required by the Station Self-assessment Report when requested by the Commission, and paragraph 9(3)(b) of the Regulations, which sets out the requirements regarding the information on musical selections that licensees must include in their lists of musical selections for any period specified by the Commission.
  4.  Subsection 49(2) of the Online Streaming Act, which made a number of amendments to the Broadcasting Act when it came into force on 27 April 2023, stipulates that any regulation made pursuant to paragraph 10(1)(i) of the old Broadcasting Act is deemed to be an order made under section 9.1 of the new Broadcasting Act. Accordingly, subsection 8(1) of the Regulations and paragraphs 9(3)(a) and 9(3)(b) are considered to be conditions of service pursuant to paragraph 9.1(1)(o) of the new Broadcasting Act, and licensees continue to be subject to these requirements.
  5. According to Commission records, the licensee appeared to be in non-compliance with subsection 8(1) and paragraphs 9(3)(a) and 9(3)(b) of the Regulations relating, respectively, to the filing of program logs, a self-assessment report and a music list for CICR-FM for the 3 to 9 October 2021 broadcast week. In regard to subsection 8(1) and paragraph 9(3)(b), the licensee also appears to have violated Broadcasting Orders 2020-273 and 2020-274.
  6. Specifically, the licensee did not provide a complete and accurate program log for the week in question, the self-assessment report did not contain accurate totals of the number of musical selections played, and the music lists were unsuitable for analysis.
  7. The licensee indicated that it had initially thought that all required documents had been submitted and that everything was in order. The licensee noted that October and November were busy months for the station with many tasks to be completed.
  8. The licensee stated that it had been in communication with Commission staff and had received clarifications on requirements related to logging and self assessments. It also indicated that it had installed new equipment and was training volunteers. As well, the licensee submitted that it was working with the National Campus and Community Radio Association (NCRA) to ensure compliance.
  9. In light of the above, the Commission finds Parrsboro in non-compliance with subsection 8(1) and paragraphs 9(3)(a) and 9(3)(b) of the Regulations relating to the provision of a complete and accurate program log or record, self-assessment report and music list for the 3 to 9 October 2021 broadcast week. In regard to subsection 8(1) and paragraph 9(3)(b), the Commission also finds that the licensee has violated Broadcasting Orders 2020-273 and 2020-274.

Filing a report setting out the station’s internal policies and procedures, and responding to Commission requests

  1. Pursuant to subsection 9(1) of the old Broadcasting Act, the Commission had the authority to issue and renew licences for such terms not exceeding seven years and subject to such conditions related to the circumstances of the licensee as it deemed appropriate for the implementation of the broadcasting policy set out in subsection 3(1) of that Act. Consistent with that authority, in Broadcasting Decision 2020-272, the Commission imposed the following condition of licence on CICR-FM:

    The licensee shall file, pursuant to section 9(4) of the Radio Regulations, 1986, a report setting out the station’s internal policies and procedures, by no later than 16 October 2020, including:

    • mechanisms for dealing with complaints;
    • responsibilities for the implementation of regulatory requirements;
    • the recruitment of volunteers;
    • the training of volunteers; and
    • access to the station’s studios by volunteers
  2. The licensee submitted the report four months past the deadline. It acknowledged that it had sent the report after the deadline that the Commission imposed.
  3. Accordingly, the Commission finds Parrsboro in non-compliance with condition of licence 2 set out in Broadcasting Decision 2020-272. The Commission also finds that the licensee has violated Broadcasting Order 2020-275.

Requests for information

  1. Pursuant to the authority in paragraph 10(1)(i) of the old Broadcasting Act, the Commission also made subsection 9(4) of the Regulations which requires a licensee to respond to any request for information regarding the licensee’s adherence to the conditions of its licence, the Act, the Regulations, industry standards, practices or codes or any other self-regulatory mechanism of the industry.
  2. Over the course of the licence term, the Commission tried unsuccessfully on a number of occasions to obtain information from Parrsboro relating to its adherence to its regulatory obligations.
  3. Specifically, on 14 October 2021, as part of the performance evaluation done in anticipation of the 2023 renewal, the licensee was asked to file, by 28 October 2021, the audio recording and related documents pertaining to the programming broadcast during the week of 3 to 9 October 2021. The licensee failed to meet this deadline and Commission staff granted an extension to 11 November 2021. On 10 November 2021, the Commission received incomplete material and Commission staff immediately advised the licensee. On 18 November 2021, Commission staff received the missing self-assessment report but without a music list. On 23 November 2021, even after being advised by phone that the music list was missing, the licensee did not provide the necessary information.
  4. On 5 October 2022, consistent with its usual practice for dealing with a licence renewal application, Commission staff sent the licensee a request for information with a deadline to respond by 17 October 2022. The licensee replied on 24 October 2022, one week after the deadline, stating that the lateness was due to staffing issues. In its reply, the licensee failed to follow the instructions and to properly respond to certain questions.
  5. When asked to explain the circumstances that led to the apparent non‐compliance with respect to the provision of information in these instances, the licensee indicated that:
    • a lack of clarity in the requests led the licensee to misinterpret Commission staff instructions and, as a result, the licensee provided the wrong or insufficient information;
    • there was a technical failure that led to a loss of the audio recordings for a period; and
    • the Commission had misplaced information, which compounded the workload for the licensee, since it had to resend information twice.
  6.  With regard to the measures that have been or will be put in place to ensure future compliance with the Regulations, the licensee indicated that that it was budgeting funds to purchase upgraded equipment to further reduce technical failures and down time.
  7. Alain Couture and Ross Robinson, who appeared for the licensee, indicated in their introductory remarks at the hearing that they believed they had submitted all the documents and that everything was in order. However, as the hearing progressed, they acknowledged that they were confusing the programming evaluation conducted in 2019 with the evaluation done in 2021 in preparation for the current renewal.
  8. They confirmed they had communicated with Commission staff to get more details on the requirements and had received the requested information. They submitted that new equipment that they had purchased will help the station become compliant, but it takes time to learn how to operate the equipment. They indicated that training would be implemented and monitored and that they would attempt to recruit more volunteers to help keep track of everything.
  9. In light of the above, the Commission finds the licensee in non-compliance with subsection 9(4) of the Regulations.

On-air announcement

  1. Pursuant to subsection 9(1) of the old Broadcasting Act, as indicated above, in Broadcasting Decision 2020-272, the Commission imposed the following condition of licence as a remedial measure in respect of the previous instances of non-compliance:

    3. a) The licensee shall broadcast the following announcement three times a day, distributed in a reasonable manner, between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. or between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., for five consecutive business days, within the 14-day period immediately following the beginning of the new licence term (1 September to 15 September 2020):

    Radio frequencies are a limited public resource. Holding a broadcasting licence is a privilege, and broadcasters are required to abide by a number of regulations and conditions of licence in order to operate a radio station. In Broadcasting Decision 2020-272, the CRTC determined that this station is in non-compliance with the Radio Regulations, 1986. The instances of non-compliance are a recurring issue. CICR-FM has put measures in place to ensure that the instances of non-compliance in question do not reoccur.

    b) The licensee shall provide to the Commission the audio recordings for the broadcast days during which the announcement was broadcast, and file a completed and signed Attestation as to the broadcast of the non-compliance announcement on CICR-FM Parrsboro, set out in Appendix 2 to CICR-FM Parrsboro – Licence renewal and issuance of mandatory orders, Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2020-272, 17 August 2020, by no later than 14 days following the final broadcast of the announcement.

  2. The licensee broadcast the announcements between 14 September and 18 September rather than during the 14 days immediately following the beginning of the new licence term (i.e., 1 September to 15 September). As well, the licensee broadcast some of the announcements outside of the time periods set out in the condition of licence. Further, the audio recordings and attestation were to be filed with the Commission no later than 29 September 2020, but the Commission received them on 9 October 2020.
  3. The licensee stated that it did not understand the specific instructions in relation to broadcasting the announcement. It submitted that the delay in sending the recordings were due to a scheduling mistake.
  4. In light of the above, the Commission finds Parrsboro in non-compliance with condition of licence 3 set out in Broadcasting Decision 2020-274.

Regulatory measures

  1. The Commission’s approach to non-compliance by radio stations is set out in Broadcasting Information Bulletin 2014-608. Under that approach, each instance of non-compliance is evaluated in its context and in light of factors such as the quantity, recurrence and seriousness of the non-compliance. The circumstances leading to the non-compliance, the arguments provided by the licensee, and the actions taken to rectify the situation are also considered.
  2. As set out in Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2014-554, for stations that are in non-compliance, and depending on the nature of the non-compliance, the Commission may apply, on a case-by-case basis, measures such as renewing the licence for a short term; imposing additional conditions of licence (conditions of service); calling the licensee to a public hearing to respond to and discuss apparent non-compliance; issuing a mandatory order requiring the licensee to comply with regulatory requirements; or suspending, not renewing, or revoking the licence.
  3. This is the fourth consecutive licence term in which Parrsboro has been found in non-compliance with subsections 8(1) and 9(3) of the Regulations. Parrsboro has also been found to be in non-compliance with subsection 9(4) on multiple occasions. Further, this is the second licence term in which Parrsboro has the violated mandatory orders imposed pursuant to subsection 12(2) of the Broadcasting Act.
  4. Moreover, due to the non-compliance with radio monitoring materials, the licensee has impeded the Commission’s ability to properly evaluate the station’s programming and to assess compliance with the regulatory requirements related to programming. The Commission has therefore been unable to fulfill its mandate to supervise the Canadian broadcasting system.
  5. While most stations that are found to be in non-compliance implement measures and work to improve their compliance record, the Commission is concerned that Parrsboro’s list of non-compliance lengthens with every new licence term, with little improvement. Despite assistance being available through the NCRA and offers of assistance and clarification from Commission staff, the licensee has demonstrated an unwillingness to take the necessary steps to bring itself into compliance.
  6. Given the licensee’s responses to the many instances of non-compliance, the Commission is concerned that Parrsboro does not understand its obligations or that it does not care to understand them. Carrying on a broadcasting undertaking comes with responsibilities. It is the licensee’s responsibility to know its regulatory obligations to ensure compliance. Further, the Commission considers that under the circumstances, including numerous warnings regarding the possible consequences of the repeated non-compliance as well as being subject to a variety of mandatory orders, a responsible licensee would have understood the seriousness of the situation and would have promptly taken all the necessary steps to correct the situation.
  7. In light of this history of non-compliance, the Commission continues to be concerned about the licensee’s understanding of the station’s conditions of service and the regulations with which it has been found in non-compliance, as well as its capacity to bring the station into compliance in the next licence term.
  8. However, the Commission is cognizant that Parrsboro is a small community that is underserved by local media. As a result, CICR-FM is one of the few sources of local information for the community. Non-renewal of CICR-FM’s licence would therefore have a significant impact on the community’s access to local information. Given the size of the market, it is unlikely that another station would step in should CICR-FM be removed from the market. Accordingly, in the absence of an alternative source of community radio programming for Parrsboro, the Commission is disinclined to remove the community’s access to CICR-FM.
  9. The Commission further notes that CICR-FM is a small, low-power community station with minimal impact on the broader broadcasting industry. The Commission acknowledges the efforts required to operate such a community radio station on a limited budget and the challenges faced by CICR-FM in regard to the training and use of volunteers to produce programming. The Commission discussed the importance of compliance with regulatory obligations extensively with the licensee at the 3 May 2023 public hearing and urges the licensee to take all measures necessary to operate CICR-FM in compliance going forward.
  10. In renewing the licence, the Commission again impresses upon the licensee the importance of complying with its regulatory obligations and expects the licensee to take steps necessary to bring itself into compliance. Further, the Commission urges the licensee to seek out and make use of the resources that are available for community radio stations and to seek out additional volunteers to support its operations.
  11. Given the seriousness of the various instances of non-compliance and the recurrence of the licensee’s non-compliance with regulatory requirements, the Commission finds that it would be appropriate to renew the broadcasting licence for CICR-FM for a short-term period, which will allow for an earlier review of the licensee’s compliance with its regulatory requirements.
  12. Finally, in light of the recurring nature of the non-compliance and to stress the importance of complying with regulatory obligations, the Commission re-imposes mandatory orders for CICR-FM under subsection 12(2) of the Broadcasting Act requiring Parrsboro to comply at all times with subsection 8(1) and paragraph 9(3)(b) of the Regulations. It will not re-impose the mandatory order requiring the submission of a report on internal policies and procedures given that the licensee has filed the report, albeit late. The order requiring compliance by CICR-FM with subsection 8(1) of the Regulations is set out in Appendix 2 to this decision, and the order requiring compliance by CICR-FM with paragraph 9(3)(b) of the Regulations is set out in Appendix 3. In addition, pursuant to section 13 of the Broadcasting Act, these orders will be filed with the Federal Court and will be treated as orders of that court.

Conclusion

  1. In light of all of the above, the Commission renews the broadcasting licence for the English-language community radio programming undertaking CICR-FM Parrsboro, Nova Scotia, from 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2026.
  2. Pursuant to subsection 49(1) of the Online Streaming Act, the conditions of licence that existed prior to the date of royal assent of that Act are deemed to be conditions imposed under an order made pursuant to section 9.1 of the new Broadcasting Act, or subsection 11.1(2) in the case of expenditure requirements. As such, the conditions of licence for this licensee became conditions of service and continue to apply to the licensee.
  3. In light of paragraphs 1 and 55 of this decision, the Commission has set out conditions of service for this licensee in the appendix to this decision. Further, the formal broadcasting licence document issued to a licensee may set out additional requirements for the undertaking, relating to, for example, technical parameters or prohibitions on transfer. The licensee shall also adhere to any such requirements set out in the broadcasting licence for the undertaking.

Reminders

Radio monitoring materials

  1. The Commission is charged with the supervision and regulation of the Canadian broadcasting system. The submission of complete and accurate radio monitoring materials enables the Commission to conduct an analysis of a station’s programming to verify compliance with the Regulations and conditions of licence. The retention of these radio monitoring materials makes it possible for the Commission to investigate a station’s programming in the case of complaints. As such, any licensee that does not file the requested material in a timely manner, files material that is incomplete or does not file the material at all, affects the ability of the Commission to adequately perform its duty to independently confirm the licensee’s adherence to its regulatory obligations. These filings also become important indicators of whether the licensee has the willingness, ability and knowledge necessary to bring itself into compliance and maintain such compliance.
  2. The Commission reminds the licensee that it must comply at all times with the requirements set out in the Broadcasting Act, the Regulations, its licence and its conditions of service. Should the licensee continue to be in non-compliance with regulatory requirements, the Commission may consider recourse to additional measures, including the issuance of a mandatory order, or the revocation, non-renewal or suspension of the licence pursuant to sections 9 and 24 of the Broadcasting Act.

Force and effect of the broadcasting licence

  1. Pursuant to section 22 of the Broadcasting Act, the broadcasting licence renewed in this decision will cease to have any force or effect should the broadcasting certificate issued by the Department of Industry (also known as Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada) lapse.

Practical guide for radio licence renewals

  1. To learn more about the Commission’s review of compliance with requirements relating to radio licences, and about the radio renewal process, please consult the Commission’s Practical guide to radio licence renewals.

Secretary General

Related documents

This decision is to be appended to the licence.

Appendix 1 to Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2023-263

Terms, conditions of service, expectations and encouragement for the English-language community radio programming undertaking CICR-FM Parrsboro, Nova Scotia

Terms

The licence will expire on 31 August 2026.

Conditions of service

  1. The licensee shall adhere to the conditions of service set out in Standard conditions of licence for campus and community radio stations, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2012-304, 22 May 2012. Further, the licensee shall adhere to the requirements set out in the broadcasting licence for the undertaking.
  2. The licensee shall adhere to all applicable requirements set out in the Radio Regulations, 1986 that were made under paragraph 10(1)(a) or under paragraph 10(1)(i) of the old Broadcasting Act.Footnote 3

Expectations

Cultural diversity

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

Update on the board of directors for campus and community radio stations

The Commission expects all community and campus licensees to file yearly updates on the composition of their boards of directors. These annual updates can be submitted at the time of submission of annual returns, following annual board of directors’ elections or at any other time. Such information may be submitted through the Commission’s website.

Encouragement

The Commission considers that community radio stations should pay particular attention to employment equity in order to reflect fully the communities they serve. It encourages the licensee to consider employment equity in its hiring practices and in all other aspects of its management of human resources.

Appendix 2 to Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2023-263

Broadcasting Mandatory Order CRTC 2023-264

Pursuant to subsection 12(2) of the Broadcasting Act, the Commission hereby orders Parrsboro Radio Society, licensee of CICR-FM Parrsboro, to comply at all times during the term of the licence granted in CICR-FM Parrsboro – Licence renewal and issuance of mandatory orders, Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2023-263, 21 August 2023, with the requirements set out in subsection 8(1) of the Radio Regulations, 1986, which read as follows:

8(1) Except as otherwise provided under a condition of its licence, a licensee shall:

(a) keep, in a form acceptable to the Commission, a program log or a record of the matter broadcast by the licensee;

(b) retain the log or record for a period of four weeks after the date on which the matter was broadcast; and

(c) cause to be entered in the log or record each day the following information:

Appendix 3 to Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2023-263

Broadcasting Mandatory Order CRTC 2023-265

Pursuant to subsection 12(2) of the Broadcasting Act, the Commission hereby orders Parrsboro Radio Society, licensee of CICR-FM Parrsboro, to comply at all times during the term of the licence granted in CICR-FM Parrsboro – Licence renewal and issuance of mandatory orders, Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2023-263, 21 August 2023, with the requirement set out in paragraph 9(3)(b) of the Radio Regulations, 1986, which reads as follows:

9(3) At the request of the Commission, a licensee shall submit for any period specified by the Commission in its request

(b) a list of the musical selections in the order in which they are broadcast by the licensee during that period that includes the title and performer of each musical selection and a legend that identifies

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