Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2026-12

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Reference: Part 1 application posted on 27 June 2025

Gatineau, 15 January 2026

Radio 1540 Limited
Toronto, Ontario

Public record: 2024-0644-6

CHIN Toronto – Technical amendments

Summary

The Commission approves the application by Radio 1540 Limited (Radio 1540) to amend the technical parameters of the ethnic commercial specialty AM radio programming undertaking CHIN Toronto, Ontario.

The Commission acknowledges the challenges Radio 1540 has faced and its effort to find an appropriate technical solution to restore CHIN’s radio signal to the community it is authorized to serve. The Commission also notes that interveners emphasized the historical significance of CHIN and its importance to Toronto’s multilingual population.

As such, the Commission also authorizes Radio 1540 to simulcast its programming on AM frequency 1540 kHz for a period of up to 12 months, following the commencement of operations on the AM frequency 900 kHz.

Background

1. On 12 February 2024, Radio 1540 Limited (Radio 1540) filed a letter with the Commission indicating that the City of Toronto (the City) ordered it to remove the transmitter for the ethnic commercial specialty AM radio station CHIN Toronto, Ontario, from its permanent site on Toronto Island. Radio 1540 also indicated that it would relocate to a temporary site and was developing plans to establish new permanent transmitting facilities for CHIN. Finally, Radio 1540 advised that it would file an application to amend CHIN’s authorized contours.
2. In June 2024, Radio 1540 began operating CHIN from a temporary location in Halton Hills, Ontario, with the technical approval of the Department of Industry (also known as Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, herein after referred to as the Department). The contours of this temporary transmitter are mostly outside of Radio 1540’s originally authorized market. Radio 1540 had not filed an application with the Commission prior to this change.

Application

3. On 21 December 2024, the Commission received an application from Radio 1540 to amend CHIN’s originally authorized technical parameters. Specifically, Radio 1540 requested to move CHIN’s transmitter to another new location in Toronto. In addition to amending the coordinates of the transmitter site, Radio 1540 proposed to change the AM frequency from 1540 kHz to 900 kHz, decrease the daytime transmitter power from 50,000 to 425 watts, and decrease the nighttime transmitter power from 30,000 to 300 watts. These changes would partially reestablish coverage within CHIN’s originally licensed market and would restore CHIN’s daytime coverage in both the downtown Toronto area and most of the Greater Toronto Area, as well as reestablish the nighttime coverage.
4. In its application, Radio 1540 explained that in November 2018, the City advised that it would begin renovations on Toronto Island requiring that CHIN’s transmitter facilities be removed by June 2024. Between 2019 and 2023, Radio 1540 brought forward proposals suggesting how it could continue to coexist with the City and operate during construction, but the City deemed the proposals unfeasible. Radio 1540 was unsuccessful in finding a transmitter site with similar coverage to its originally authorized contours in the dense Toronto market, which led to its temporary relocation to Halton Hills.
5. In addition, Radio 1540 requested the authority to simulcast CHIN’s programming on AM frequency 1540 kHz from its temporary site in Halton Hills until the re-launch of this station on 900 kHz is firmly established among its listeners.

Interventions

6. The Commission received six interventions and one comment regarding this application. Interveners in support emphasized the historical significance of CHIN and its importance to the Toronto multilingual population. One intervention included 30 supporting letters from various members of the Ontario provincial government and local businesses and organizations. Rogers Communications Canada Inc., Toronto Police Service, Toronto City Council, and Melia Hotels International also supported the application.
7. In the comment, the intervener suggested that Radio 1540 move from the AM to the FM band. Radio 1540 filed a reply to this comment, explaining that this proposal was not a viable option.

Legal framework

8. The Commission has the authority, pursuant to subsection 9(1) of the Broadcasting Act (the Act), to issue licences for the carrying on of broadcasting undertakings and to amend those licences. The Commission also has the authority, pursuant to subsection 9.1(1) of the Act, to make orders imposing conditions on the carrying on of broadcasting undertakings.
9. When a licensee files an application for technical amendments, the Commission requires the licensee to present compelling technical or economic evidence justifying the requested amendments.

Issues

10. After examining the record for this application in light of the applicable regulations and policies, the Commission considers that it must address the following issues:
    • whether the applicant has demonstrated a compelling technical need for the proposed amendments;
    • whether the proposed amendments represent an appropriate technical solution;
    • whether the use of the proposed frequency represents an appropriate use of spectrum;
    • whether simulcasting on frequencies 1540 kHz and 900 kHz should be allowed and for how long; and
    • how to address Radio 1540’s use of the current non-approved contours.

Technical need

11. Radio 1540 indicated that the requested amendments were necessary to partially restore daytime and nighttime coverage to its originally authorized market following the removal of CHIN’s transmitter on Toronto Island due to renovations by the City.
12. Radio 1540 indicated that changing the frequency and transmitter location will not entirely compensate for the lost coverage. However, given the limited availability of sites to house a transmitter in Toronto, it was unable to find a site for relocation more closely aligned with its originally licensed market.
13. The Commission notes the circumstances beyond Radio 1540’s control that have caused the loss of its transmitter site, in addition to Radio 1540’s various submissions^{Footnote 1} demonstrating its inability to provide service to its originally authorized market or to find a better site for relocation.
14. In light of the above, the Commission is satisfied that the licensee has demonstrated a compelling technical need for the requested amendments.

Technical solution

15. Radio 1540 stated that broadcasting on the 900 kHz frequency would restore CHIN’s daytime coverage in both the downtown Toronto area and most of the Greater Toronto Area, as well as reestablish nighttime coverage.
16. The Commission notes that Radio 1540’s amended contours would be significantly smaller than its originally licensed area. The population served would decrease by 80% in the primary contour and 55% in the secondary contour. However, since CHIN’s temporary location only overlaps very slightly with its originally licensed market, the proposed contours would re-establish CHIN’s service in an area more aligned with the originally licensed service market of Toronto.
17. In light of the above, the Commission considers that the applicant’s proposal represents an appropriate technical solution for re-establishing partial coverage to its originally licensed market.

Appropriate use of spectrum

18. The Department has granted conditional technical acceptability for Radio 1540’s use of the 900 kHz frequency. As such, the applicant’s proposal adheres to the Department’s regulations governing AM spectrum coordination.
19. The 900 kHz frequency in the Toronto market was previously used by Corus Radio Inc.’s station CHML Hamilton, Ontario. This frequency has become available following the revocation of CHML’s licence in Broadcasting Decision 2025-12. The Commission notes that the use of the frequency in Toronto would preclude potential applicants from using it in Hamilton if this application were to be approved.
20. Radio 1540 submitted a technical report regarding available AM frequencies in Hamilton that indicated that there remains at least one other AM frequency available. The Commission has reviewed the report and agrees with this conclusion.
21. In light of the above, the Commission finds that the use of the 900 kHz frequency represents a balanced approach between service continuity and appropriate use of spectrum.

Simulcasting on frequencies 1540 kHz and 900 kHz

22. In Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2025-265, the Commission introduced a one-year trial period to allow licensees to simulcast their AM station on the FM band in the same market, provided that the programming the FM station broadcasts is consistent with the programming it is permitted to broadcast.
23. While the Commission did not implement measures specifically for AM stations, it stated that it would consider AM stations’ needs in its regulatory approach now and going forward.
24. As noted above, Radio 1540 requested to simulcast its programming on both frequencies, 1540 kHz and 900 kHz, until such time as frequency 900 kHz is firmly established among its listeners.
25. The Commission notes that Radio 1540 is requesting to simulcast on frequency 1540 kHz from the temporary transmitter located in Halton Hills, which is almost entirely outside of its originally licensed market and to which it moved without prior approval from the Commission.
26. However, the Commission acknowledges Radio 1540’s efforts to find an appropriate technical solution to restore the radio signal to the community it is authorized to serve, despite the challenges it has faced. The Commission also notes that informing listeners when a station is changing its frequency is crucial to forming new listening habits. Finally, the Commission notes that no interventions on the record raised concerns regarding the use of the non-approved technical parameters.
27. As such, while it would not be appropriate to allow simulcasting for an indefinite period in these circumstances, the Commission is of the view that it would be appropriate to allow Radio 1540 to simulcast on both frequencies 1540 kHz and 900 kHz for up to 12 months.
28. Accordingly, the Commission makes an order pursuant to subsection 9.1(1) of the Act authorizing Radio 1540 Limited to simulcast its programming on both AM frequencies 1540 kHz and 900 kHz for a transition period of up to 12 months following the commencement of operations on the AM frequency 900 kHz. The order setting out this condition is set out in the appendix to this decision.^{Footnote 2}

Licensee’s use of the current non-approved contours

29. To relocate a transmitter to another site, or to amend the technical parameters, a licensee must first obtain approval from the Commission, in accordance with subsection 9(1) of the Act. As set out in the appendix to Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2022-334,^{Footnote 3} undertakings shall be operated on the basis of the contours and particulars contained in the approved application, subject to any other conditions of service specified in the most recent renewal decision or any subsequent written authorizations.
30. In this case, Radio 1540 advised the Commission in writing of its challenges and of the need for a technical solution. Radio 1540 also obtained the Department’s authorization to operate the temporary transmitter in Halton Hills.
31. However, as indicated above, CHIN has implemented this change without an official Commission approval and has been operating under non-approved contours.
32. The Commission acknowledges the challenges that have affected Radio 1540. Its lease termination, inability to find a solution with the landowner, and difficulty finding a suitable site for relocation have all created obstacles to providing service to the originally licensed market.
33. The Commission further notes that Radio 1540 has operated in the Toronto market for over four decades. The record of this application contains substantial evidence of CHIN’s importance and value to Toronto community members. Moreover, CHIN’s compliance record has been strong over the years. The Commission also notes that no interveners took issue with Radio 1540’s use of the temporary transmitter in Halton Hills and there is no evidence of other licensees in this market raising concerns about this matter.
34. In light of the above, the Commission finds that while Radio 1540 breached its regulatory obligations relocating its transmitter to Halton Hills, it recognizes that the circumstances were extraordinary and that similar problems are not likely to recur.
35. The Commission reminds Radio 1540 that it must respect its standard conditions of service and the approved contours of its station. In addition, the Commission expects Radio 1540 to respect its approved technical parameters at all times.

Conclusion

36. In light of all the above, the Commission approves the application by Radio 1540 to amend the technical parameters of the ethnic commercial specialty AM radio programming undertaking CHIN.
37. The Commission also approves Radio 1540’s request to simulcast its programming on AM frequency 1540 kHz and authorizes Radio 1540 to simulcast for a period of up to 12 months to ensure that the relaunch of this station on 900 kHz is firmly established among its listeners.
38. Pursuant to subsection 22(1) of the Act, this authority will only be effective when the Department notifies the Commission that its technical requirements have been met and that a broadcasting certificate will be issued.
39. The licensee must implement the technical amendments by no later than 15 January 2028. To request an extension, the licensee must submit a written request to the Commission at least 60 days before that date, using Form 300 available on the Commission’s website.
40. The Commission notes that this application, including the question of simulcasting, was subject to a public proceeding that provided both the applicant and other interested parties with notice and an opportunity to make representations with respect to the subject matter of the order that the Commission is making.
41. In light of the above, the Commission is satisfied that, in this case, the public proceeding was sufficient to achieve the purposes of the publication and consultation requirement set out in subsection 9.1(4) of the Act.
42. This decision is to be appended to the licence.

Reminders

Regulatory requirements

43. The Commission reminds the licensee that it must comply at all times with the requirements set out in the Act, the Radio Regulations, 1986 (the Regulations), its licence and its conditions of service, as well as approved contours. Should the licensee be found 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 Act.

Local news

44. Radio stations are an important daily source of local news and information for communities. Carrying on a broadcasting undertaking 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.
45. Although the Revised Commercial Radio Policy^{Footnote 4} 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 regulatory policy, the Commission reminds the licensee that its station, in its 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.

National Public Alerting System

46. As set out in section 16 of the Regulations, licensees have obligations relating to the broadcast of emergency alert messages received from the National Alert Aggregation and Dissemination System. The implementation of the technical amendments approved in this decision could result in changes to CHIN’s authorized contours. The Commission reminds the licensee that continued compliance with section 16 of the Regulations may require that any alert broadcast decoders (e.g., ENDEC) used for the purposes of broadcasting emergency alert messages on CHIN, or on any rebroadcasting transmitters that may appear on the broadcasting licence for that station, be reprogrammed to properly account for the new authorized contours.

Secretary General

Related documents

• Modernization of radio processes, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2025-265, 10 October 2025
• CHML Hamilton – Revocation of licence, Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2025-12, 17 January 2025
• Revised conditions of licence for commercial AM and FM radio stations, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2022-334, 7 December 2022
• Revised Commercial Radio Policy, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2022-332, 7 December 2022

Appendix to Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2026-12

Terms, conditions of service, and expectations for the commercial AM ethnic specialty radio programming undertaking CHIN Toronto, Ontario

Terms

The licence will expire 31 August 2027.

Conditions of service

1. The licensee shall adhere to the conditions of service set out in Revised conditions of licence for commercial AM and FM radio stations, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2022-334, 7 December 2022, as well as to the conditions set out in the broadcasting licence for the undertaking.
2. The licensee shall provide programming directed to at least 23 cultural groups in at least 17 different languages.
3. The licensee is authorized to simulcast the programming of CHIN Toronto, Ontario, on AM frequency 1540 kHz for a transition period of up to 12 months, following the commencement of operations on the 900 kHz frequency.

Expectations

Technical parameters

The broadcasting licence issued for a specific undertaking and decisions related to that undertaking set out the regulatory requirements for licensees. Technical parameters are a part of these requirements. The Commission expects licensees to respect the approved technical parameters set out in their licence and in relevant decisions, at all times.

Diversity

The Broadcasting Act places significant emphasis on the inclusion and reflection of Indigenous persons, Canadians from Black or other racialized communities, and Canadians of diverse ethnocultural backgrounds, socio-economic status, abilities and disabilities, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and ages, in the Canadian broadcasting system. The Commission expects the licensee to take concrete measures to ensure it contributes to this inclusion and reflection in both its programming and employment practices.

Canadian emerging artists

Consistent with the Commission’s determination set out in Revised Commercial Radio Policy, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2022-332, 7 December 2022 (Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2022-332), the Commission expects the licensee to devote, in each broadcast week, at least 5% of the station’s musical selections to selections from Canadian emerging artists broadcast in their entirety. The licensee should report annually on how it has met this expectation, including the percentage of selections from Canadian emerging artists out of the total number of musical selections that were aired, and the number of distinct artists whose music has been aired. The licensee should also be able to provide, upon request, information such as a list of all titles, artists, and International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) numbers.

For the purposes of the above paragraph, the definition of “Canadian emerging artist” is the same as that set out in paragraph 346 of Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2022-332.

Indigenous musical selections

Consistent with the Commission’s determination set out in Revised Commercial Radio Policy, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2022-332, 7 December 2022 (Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2022-332), the Commission expects the licensee to include Indigenous musical selections on the station’s playlist. The licensee should report annually on the amount of Indigenous content aired on the station throughout the broadcast year (i.e., from 1 September to 31 August), including the percentage of Indigenous musical selections out of the total number of musical selections that were aired, and the number of distinct artists whose music has been aired. The licensee should also be able to provide, upon request, information such as a list of all titles, artists, and International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) numbers.

For the purposes of the above paragraph, the licensee may use the provisional definition of “Indigenous-Canadian musical selection” set out in paragraph 441 of Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2022-332 to determine whether a musical selection can be considered an Indigenous musical selection.

Date modified:

2026-01-15