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Decision
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Ottawa, 28 June 1985
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Decision CRTC 85-491
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Radio Cornwall-Hawkesbury Inc.
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Hawkesbury, Ontario - 850459900 - 850460700
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Following a Public Hearing in Hull, Quebec on 30 April 1985, the Commission approves the applications for the renewal of the broadcasting licences for CHPR from 1 July 1985 to 30 September 1988, and for the low-power FM station licensed to provide service to Hawkesbury from 1 July 1985 to 30 June 1986, subject to the conditions specified in this decision and in the licences to be issued.
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CHPR is a 250 watt day-time only French-language AM radio station; it was first licensed by the Commission in 1976 to rebroadcast CFIX Cornwall. In Decision CRTC 83-499 dated 30 June 1983, the Commission approved the transfer of the assets of CFIX and CHPR to Radio Cornwall-Hawkesbury Inc., owned by Mr. Guy Vaillancourt of Lachute, Quebec. Mr. Vaillancourt also owns Radio Lachute (1980) Inc., which is the licensee of CJLA Lachute.
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AM frequencies in the Cornwall-Hawkesbury area are subject to serious technical constraints, particularly after nightfall, due primarily to the proximity of these communities to the American border and the need to provide adequate signal protection to stations operating in the U.S. in accordance with the Canada/United States of America Bilateral Agreement for AM Broadcasting.
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In view of these technical restrictions, in Decision CRTC 83-499 the Commission also approved the applicant's proposal to establish low-power AM stations in Cornwall and Hawkesbury which would simulcast the programming of CFIX during the day, and provide listeners in this area with a local French-language night-time service.
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Taking into account the technical constraints on available frequencies and the cultural characteristics of this region, the Commission authorized the licensee of CFIX Cornwall and CHPR Hawkesbury to continue the operation of these stations for an interim period of two years, subject to the condition that both AM stations simulcast the programming of the Cornwall FM station once it commenced operation. The Commission also approved the licensee's proposal to broadcast on the Cornwall and Hawkesbury FM stations part of the programming originating from CJLA Lachute (Decision CRTC 83-499).
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Prior to the 30 April 1985 Public Hearing, the applicant advised the Commission that, for economic reasons, it would not seek renewal of the licences for CFIX and the low-power FM station in Cornwall. In this regard, the Commission notes that the applicant's authority to establish the two low-power FM services was not implemented, and that the CFIX transmitter has not been operational since December 1983.
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In considering whether to renew the AM and FM stations in Hawkesbury, the Commission has taken into account the special circumstances of the licensee, the economic and linguistic situation of this market and the financial resources and efforts expended by the applicant to ensure the continued availability of a private radio service for the French-speaking population of the Eastern Ontario counties of Stormont-Glengarry and Prescott-Russell. The Commission has further taken into consideration the benefits to the community to be derived from the early implementation of the FM station in Hawkesbury and the consequent phasing out of the day-time only AM radio station.
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The applicant also applied to change the program source of CHPR and the FM station serving Hawkesbury from studios located in Cornwall and Lachute to new studios to be located in Hawkesbury and Lachute. In support of its position that French-language radio service in Hawkesbury would not be feasible without the program feed from Lachute, the applicant spoke of the natural affinity between the two communities despite the fact that they are located in different provinces.
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The Commission notes the licensee's commitment to provide 20 hours a week of local programming on CHPR during peak listening hours and 32 hours a week of local programming on the new FM station when it will be operational.
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The Commission approves the requested changes of program source and notes that in Decision CRTC 85-492, of today's date, the Commission has approved an application by Radio Lachute (1980) Inc. for a new French-language FM station in Lachute to replace CJLA, the existing AM station.
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The Commission notes the decision of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's not to allow CHPR Hawkesbury to have access to the CBC's weekly half-hour program "Ontario 30" on the grounds that this program is already available to listeners in the Hawkesbury area. Nevertheless, the licensee is reminded that it has a continuing obligation to serve the varied information needs of the region's francophone community.
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The Commission denies the applicant's proposal to reduce the broadcast of French-language vocal music from 65% to 60%. In accordance with the Commission's policy, French-language radio stations are generally required to broadcast a minimum of 65% of all vocal music selections in the French language.
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The Commission acknowledges, however, the concerns raised by some French-language radio broadcasters during the 25 March 1985 Montreal public hearing regarding their difficulties in meeting this 65% level due to the limited availability of quality French-language vocal music, particularly in some categories. In this regard, the Commission has stated in Public Notice 1985-100 dated 22 May 1985, that it is setting up a Task Force that will examine the most effective ways in which francophone broadcasters can stimulate and promote new French-language music talent.
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Under the circumstances, the Commission has decided not to authorize changes in the minimum levels of French-language vocal music now in effect, and requires the applicant to comply with the 65% level.
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With respect to the Hawkesbury FM station, the Commission notes that the licensee proposes to operate the station within the "Group I" music format, defined in Public Notice 1984-151 on the Review of Radio.
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As discussed at the hearing, the licensee is expected to submit a detailed plan and timetable for the implementation of the Hawkesbury FM station as soon as possible, before expiry of its renewed term of licence. This plan will be an important factor in the Commission's determination on whether a further renewal of this licence beyond 30 June 1986 is warranted.
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Fernand Bélisle Secretary General
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