ARCHIVED - Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2013-667
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Route reference: 2013-335
Ottawa, 10 December 2013
Stephen Guay
Barriere, British Columbia
Application 2013-0413-8, received 23 February 2013
Public hearing in the National Capital Region
12 September 2013
Low-power commercial FM radio station in Barriere
The Commission approves an application for a broadcasting licence to operate a low-power, English-language commercial FM radio station in Barriere, British Columbia.
The application
1. Mr. Stephen Guay filed an application for a broadcasting licence to operate a low-power, English-language commercial FM radio station in Barriere, British Columbia. The Commission did not receive any interventions in connection with this application.
2. The station would operate at 93.1 MHz (channel 226LP) with an average effective radiated power of 13.5 watts (non-directional antenna with an effective height of antenna above average terrain of -144.5 metres).[1]
3. The applicant proposed to offer a music format consisting primarily of pop, light rock, country and standard hits, targeting an all-inclusive audience (i.e., men and women, from three to 93 years of age). The applicant also proposed to broadcast world beat, experimental, acoustic, easy listening, folk, and jazz and blues music, as well as special music programming catering, for example, to youth and new genre music.
4. The applicant indicated that the station would broadcast 126 hours of local programming in each broadcast week. This would include 10 hours of spoken word programming in a talk show format, and two hours of local and regional news.
Commission’s analysis and decisions
5. Barriere is a community of approximately 1,800 residents. It is currently served by the English-language commercial radio station CIFM-FM Kamloops and by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s Radio One service originating from Kelowna, British Columbia, both through rebroadcasting transmitters. Given that there are currently no originating radio stations in Barriere, the proposed station would become the first local radio station in that community.
6. Furthermore, the Commission considers that the proposed service would benefit not only the audience for the local radio station, but also local businesses in Barriere and neighbouring communities, providing them with a local medium to reach their potential customers.
7. Finally, the Commission considers that the approval of this application would bring other significant benefits to Barriere listeners. In addition to providing a greater diversity of voices for the community, the new station would provide increased musical diversity through the proposed blend of pop, light rock, country and standard hits music, a format not currently available in the market.
8. In light of all of the above, the Commission approves the application by Mr. Stephen Guay for a broadcasting licence to operate a low-power, English-language commercial FM radio programming undertaking in Barriere, British Columbia. The terms and conditions of licence are set out in the appendix to this decision.
Other matters
9. It the application, Mr. Guay stated that it may at a future time wish to enhance the proposed station’s coverage area to fully service both Barriere and the surrounding areas. The Commission notes that in order to do so, the applicant would need to file a separate application for an appropriate amendment to the technical parameters granted in the present decision. In the event that such an application is received, it would be assessed by the Commission on its own merits.
Secretary General
* This decision is to be appended to the licence.
Appendix to Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2013-667
Terms, conditions of licence and encouragement for the low-power, English-language commercial FM radio programming undertaking in Barriere, British Columbia
Terms
The licence will expire 31 August 2020.
The station will operate at 93.1 MHz (channel 226LP) with an average effective radiated power of 13.5 watts (non-directional antenna with an effective height of antenna above average terrain of -144.5 metres).
The Commission reminds the applicant that, pursuant to section 22(1) of the Broadcasting Act, no licence may be issued until the Department of Industry (the Department) notifies the Commission that its technical requirements have been met and that a broadcasting certificate will be issued.
Given that the technical parameters approved in this decision are for a low-power unprotected FM undertaking, the Commission also reminds the applicant that it will have to select another frequency if the Department so requires.
Furthermore, the licence for this undertaking will be issued once the applicant has informed the Commission in writing that it is prepared to commence operations. The undertaking must be operational at the earliest possible date and in any event no later than 24 months from the date of this decision, unless a request for an extension of time is approved by the Commission before 10 December 2015. In order to ensure that such a request is processed in a timely manner, it should be submitted at least 60 days before this date.
Conditions of licence
- The licensee shall adhere to the conditions set out in Conditions of licence for commercial AM and FM radio stations, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2009-62, 11 February 2009.
Encouragement
In accordance with Implementation of an employment equity policy, Public Notice CRTC 1992-59, 1 September 1992, the Commission encourages the applicant to consider employment equity issues in its hiring practices and in all other aspects of its management of human resources.
[1] These technical parameters reflect those approved by the Department of Industry.
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