Decision CRTC 2001-355

Ottawa, 15 June 2001

Timothy Paul, on behalf of a society to be incorporated
Fredericton Centre, Devon and Nashwasis, New Brunswick 2000-1909-3 

26 March 2001 Public Hearing in Montréal

New native FM radio programming undertaking

The Commission approves the application for a new Type B English- and Native-language FM radio station to serve Fredericton Centre, Devon and Nashwasis. The terms and conditions of licence are set out in the appendix to this decision.

The new station will broadcast 126 hours of local programming each week. It will offer 10 hours of talk shows. Forty hours of programming will be in the Maliseet-language and 35% of the music broadcast will be performed or composed by natives.

The applicant proposed to orient its programming to the native population and to address their specific needs and concerns. It will endeavour to strengthen native culture and preserve native languages. The station will also promote pow wows and events, discuss native issues, host talk shows, and inform natives about their rights.

The approval of this application reflects Public Notice CRTC 2001-70 also released today. As indicated in the notice, the Commission no longer imposes limits on the advertising broadcast by native radio stations and networks. However, it requires that they broadcast a Canadian content level of at least 35% in popular (category 2) music. A condition of licence in this regard is set out in the appendix.

In PN 2001-70, the Commission further encourages native radio stations that wish to broadcast wrap-around programming after their daily sign-off, to use programming from another native radio station or network.

Related CRTC documents

. Public Notice 2001-70 - Changes to conditions of licence for certain native radio undertakings

. Public Notice 2000-14 - Revised content categories and subcategories for radio

. Public Notice 1990-89 - Native broadcasting policy

Secretary General

This decision is to be appended to the licence. It is available in alternative format upon request, and may also be examined at the following Internet site: www.crtc.gc.ca

Appendix to Decision CRTC 2001-355

Terms of licence for the native FM radio programming undertaking serving Fredericton Centre, Devon and Nashwasis

The Commission will only issue the licence, and it will only be effective at such time as:

· it receives documentation establishing that an eligible Canadian corporation has been incorporated in accordance with the application in all material respects and that this corporation may be issued a licence.

· the licensee confirms in writing that it is ready to begin operation. This must take place within 12 months of today's date. Any request for an extension to that deadline requires Commission approval and must be made in writing within that period.

· the Department of Industry, having advised that the application is conditionally technically acceptable, has determined that there is no unacceptable interference with NAV/COM services and indicated that it will issue a broadcasting certificate (section 22(1) of the Broadcasting Act).

The Commission will issue a licence for a native FM radio programming undertaking (Type B), expiring 31 August 2007.

As proposed, the station will operate on the frequency 95.7 MHz, channel 239LP, with an effective radiated power of 50 watts.

The technical parameters approved in this decision are for a low-power unprotected FM service. The applicant would have to select another frequency for the operation of the service if required to do so to permit the best use of the frequency band.

Conditions of licence

The licence will be subject to the conditions specified below and to any other condition specified in the licence to be issued.

1. The licensee must ensure that a minimum of 35% of Category 2 musical selections broadcast each broadcast week are Canadian selections.

2. The licensee must adhere to the provisions of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters' (CAB) Broadcast code for advertising to children, as amended from time to time and approved by the Commission.

3. The licensee must adhere to the guidelines on gender portrayal set out in the CAB's Sex-role portrayal code for television and radio programming, as amended from time to time and approved by the Commission.