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Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2025-162

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Reference: 2025-18

Gatineau, 30 June 2025

My Broadcasting Corporation
Tillsonburg and Smiths Falls, Ontario

Public record: 2024-0603-2
Public hearing in the National Capital Region
27 March 2025

Three radio stations in Ontario – Change in ownership and effective control

Summary

The Commission approves an application by My Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), on behalf of Rogers Media Inc. (RMI) for authority to change the ownership and control of the English-language commercial radio programming undertakings operating the radio stations CKOT-FM and CJDL-FM Tillsonburg, Ontario, as well as CJET-FM Smiths Falls, Ontario. Through this transaction, MBC will acquire from RMI the assets related to the operation of these stations.

The Commission also approves MBC’s request for new broadcasting licences to continue the operation of the stations.

The Commission finds that approving this transaction is in the public interest, as it will help ensure that the stations continue serving the communities of Tillsonburg and Smiths Falls, by providing local programming to the communities.

Application

  1. On 22 November 2024, the Commission received an application from My Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), on behalf of Rogers Media Inc. (RMI) for authority to change the ownership and effective control of the English-language commercial radio programming undertakings CKOT-FM and CJDL-FM Tillsonburg, Ontario as well as CJET-FM Smiths Falls, Ontario. Through this transaction, MBC will acquire from RMI the assets related to the operation of these stations.
  2. MBC also requested new broadcasting licences to continue the operation of the stations under the same terms and conditions as those currently in effect.
  3. MBC is incorporated in Ontario. Its voting interests are owned by 2695872 Ontario Inc. (50%) and 2695873 Ontario Inc. (50%). Effective control of MBC is exercised by Jon Pole and Andrew Dickson, both of whom are Canadians.
  4. RMI is a corporation wholly-owned and controlled by Rogers Communications Canada Inc. (RCCI). The effective control of RCCI is exercised by Rogers Communications Inc.
  5. On 20 November 2024, MBC entered into an agreement with RMI to acquire the assets of CKOT-FM Tillsonburg, CJDL-FM Tillsonburg, and CJET-FM Smiths Falls.
  6. MBC proposed a value of the transaction of $675,000, which includes the purchase price. There are no liabilities being assumed nor working capital transferred at closing. MBC also proposed a tangible benefits package of $40,500, which represents 6% of the proposed value of the transaction.

Interventions

  1. The Commission received an intervention from the Forum for Research and Policy in Communications (FRPC). The intervention and reply are addressed below.

Regulatory framework

  1. The review of ownership transactions is an essential element of the Commission’s regulatory and supervisory mandate under the Broadcasting Act (the Act). Obtaining a licence to operate a broadcasting undertaking (in this case, radio stations) is a regulatory privilege granted by the Commission. A licensee does not have the authority to transfer a licence to a new operator as they see fit.
  2. For this reason, licensees must obtain the Commission’s approval before entering into any action, agreement, or transaction that changes, directly or indirectly, the effective control of the radio station. This requirement is set out in subsection 11(4) of the Radio Regulations, 1986 (the Regulations).
  3. When seeking the Commission’s approval, the applicant must demonstrate that the benefits of the transaction are commensurate with the size and nature of the transaction and that the application represents the best possible proposal under the circumstances. The Commission will consider the application on its merits and will approve the transaction if the change in ownership and effective control is in the public interest. The public interest is reflected in the Canadian broadcasting and regulatory policy set out in subsections 3(1) and 5(2) of the Act.
  4. Under subsection 18(1) of the Act, the Commission must conduct a public hearing for the issuance of a broadcasting licence. Broadcasting Information Bulletins 2011-222 and 2008-8-2 outline that the Commission generally reviews applications for asset purchases through public hearings, either appearing or non-appearing. Applications are non-appearing where the Commission is satisfied that the applicant and interested parties had an opportunity to present their views and that the written record is sufficient and further discussion is not necessary.

Issues

  1. After examining the record for this application in light of applicable regulations and policies, the Commission considers that it must address the following issues:
    • whether the applicant’s ownership structure satisfies the requirements for Canadian ownership and control;
    • whether the proposed transaction is consistent with the Commission’s Common Ownership Policy for radio;
    • whether the proposed transaction is in the public interest;
    • the value of the transaction and tangible benefits;
    • the allocation of tangible benefits; and
    • whether the proposed transaction fulfills the regulatory requirements.

Canadian ownership and control

  1. Pursuant to paragraph 3(1)(a) of the Act, the Canadian broadcasting system shall be effectively owned and controlled by Canadians. As required by the Direction to the CRTC (Ineligibility of Non-Canadians)Footnote 1 (the Direction), no broadcasting licence can be issued to a non-Canadian.
  2. MBC is owned and effectively controlled by Jon Pole and Andrew Dickson, both Canadians, and its Chief Executive Officer and board of directors are all Canadians. As such, the proposed transaction satisfies the eligibility criteria set out in the Direction.

Common Ownership Policy for radio

  1. The Revised Commercial Radio PolicyFootnote 2 has modified the Common Ownership Policy for radio. It stipulates that in marketsFootnote 3 with eight commercial radio stations or more operating in a given language, a person may be permitted to own or control as many as four stations operating, with a maximum of three stations within one frequency band (FM or AM) in that language. However, there are two exceptions to this stipulation, under which a station may be excluded from counting towards the number of stations a person controls in a market.
  2. First, some partially overlapping stations may be excluded from the market into which they overlap. Broadcasting Information Bulletin 2010-341 (the Bulletin) states that stations whose markets overlap the market under evaluation must be counted in the number of stations present in that market. However, stations will generally be excluded from counting towards the number a person controls in a market if the population in the overlapping area represents less than 5% of the market under evaluation. Further, if the population of the overlapping area represents between 5% and 15% of the market, the overlapping station can be excluded if it does not accept advertising from local businesses that are located in the market under evaluation, the competitive balance of the market is maintained and the direction of news and public affairs coverage is not affected.
  3. Second, and more generally, the Revised Commercial Radio Policy and the Bulletin state that the Commission may grant an exception to the Common Ownership Policy for radio if a person exceeds the maximum number of stations allowed in the market when it concludes that the exception is in the public interest because it provides clear benefits to Canadians and the broadcasting system or is based on serious economic or technical circumstances.
  4. MBC currently owns the commercial stations CHCD-FM and CKNC-FM in Simcoe, and CKZM-FM in St. Thomas. The only markets involved in this transaction that could raise issues under the Common Ownership Policy are the footprints created by CHCD-FM Simcoe’s and CKOT-FM Tillsonburg’s 3 mV/m contours, respectively.
CHCD-FM Simcoe’s 3 mV/m contour
  1. With regard to MBC’s CHCD-FM Simcoe, whose footprint already includes two other stations (MBC’s CKNC-FM and CKOT-FM, one of the stations to be transferred), the Commission notes the adjacent radio station CJDL-FM Tillsonburg (another of the three stations to be transferred) encroaches slightly, creating an overlap. However, this overlap represents less than 5% of the population of the CHCD-FM market. Accordingly, CJDL-FM should be excluded from the number of stations that would be operated by MBC in the market defined by CHCD-FM’s footprint, if the transaction is approved.
  2. Therefore, if this transaction is approved, MBC would own three English-language commercial FM stations in CHCD-FM’s Simcoe market (CHCD-FM, CKNC-FM, and CKOT-FM), which is consistent with the Common Ownership Policy for radio. Its ownership of CJDL-FM Tillsonburg would not be taken into account.
CKOT-FM Tillsonburg’s 3 mV/m contour
  1. The 3 mV/m contours of CKOT-FM Tillsonburg and of CJDL-FM Tillsonburg, both proposed to be transferred to MBC, overlap substantially. They also overlap with the 3 mV/m contours of two adjacent radio stations both already owned by MBC, CHCD-FM Simcoe and CKZM-FM St. Thomas. However, the overlap of each of these two MBC-owned stations represents less than 5% of the population of the CKOT-FM footprint. Accordingly, these two stations should be excluded from the number of stations that would be operated by MBC, post-transfer, in the CKOT-FM market, in accordance with the Bulletin.
  2. Therefore, if this transaction is approved, MBC would own two English-language commercial FM stations in the market defined by CKOT-FM’s 3 mV/m contour, centred in Tillsonburg: CKOT-FM and CJDL-FM. This is consistent with the Common Ownership Policy for radio. Neither of MBC’s relevant existing stations, CHCD-FM or CKZM-FM, would count towards this total, as their overlap is below the 5% threshold.

Public interest of the proposed transaction

  1. When the Commission evaluates whether a proposed transaction is in the public interest, it examines the extent to which the transaction improves the Canadian broadcasting system and contributes to meeting the policy objectives of the Act. Section 3 of that Act describes a broadcasting system that contributes to the creation and presentation of Canadian programming, and through its programming reflects the multicultural and multiracial nature of Canadian society. Furthermore, the programming that the system provides should be drawn from local and regional sources and should ensure that a diversity of news voices is offered to the public.
  2. In its application, MBC stated that it entered into a purchase agreement with RMI for the three stations based on the belief that MBC, a company focused on small and medium-sized markets in Ontario, is best positioned to ensure the long-term financial health and operations of these stations.
  3. MBC submitted that following approval of the transaction, the stations in Tillsonburg and Smiths Falls will immediately benefit from additional resources to the newsrooms, leading to an increase in local news and content. MBC also stated that journalist positions will be reinstated in the Tillsonburg and Smiths Falls markets, and local news will be featured on-air. The additional journalists would cover local events, including school boards, sports, hospitals, government services, and political issues. Furthermore, local news web hubs would be launched to provide the audience with “anytime” access to updates.
  4. MBC also emphasized its long-standing commitment to community service. It stated that both Tillsonburg and Smiths Falls would see a significant increase in community engagement, with the stations participating in local organizations.
  5. Finally, MBC stated that it has been a strong supporter of music development in Ontario for over 20 years, making substantial financial contributions to local festivals, concerts, and artists. This commitment would continue with the newly acquired stations, benefiting the broader community.
  6. The Commission is of the view that the proposed transaction would have no impact on the diversity of voices in the market of Tillsonburg as it would replace one operator with another.Footnote 4 It would also increase the diversity of voices in the Smiths Falls market as it would allow for an independent broadcaster to enter this market and offer a new voice to this community.
  7. The Commission notes MBC’s intention to increase coverage of local news and events with the proposed addition of journalists.
  8. Finally, the transaction would generate tangible benefits (discussed further in the sections below). As a result, different funds, programs, and various initiatives will receive funding, which would benefit Canadian artists, the radio sector, and the broadcasting system.
  9. In light of the above, the Commission finds that approval of this transaction is in the public interest.

Value of the transaction and tangible benefits

  1. The Commission’s approach is that the public interest is served by requiring that the person or the qualified corporation acquiring the assets and effective control make financial contributions to Canadian content development (CCD) that are proportionate to the size and nature of the transaction. These contributions are known as “tangible benefits.” The Commission’s policy on tangible benefits is set out in the Tangible Benefits Policy.Footnote 5 Tangible benefits serve the public interest because they increase the quantity and quality of Canadian programming and support the creation, distribution and promotion of such programming. Since the Commission does not solicit competing applications for changes to the ownership or effective control of broadcasting undertakings, the Commission requires that applicants propose tangible benefits when they seek the Commission’s approval to change the effective control of radio and television programming services.
  2. The amount of tangible benefits payable depends on the value of the transaction. In the case of radio stations, tangible benefits represent at a minimum 6% of the value of the transaction. The Commission looks at the value of the transaction as a whole, including the value of gross debt, working capital to be transferred at the close of the transaction, ancillary agreements, and any leases assumed by the purchaser for real property (buildings, studios and offices) and transmission facilities. The value of leases is calculated over a period of five years. These elements, if applicable, are added to the purchase price.
  3. MBC proposed a value of the transaction of $675,000. No working capital would be transferred at closing, and MBC confirmed that it would not assume any debt or liabilities.
  4. On that basis, MBC also proposed a tangible benefits package of $40,500, which represents the minimum of 6% of the proposed value of the transaction.
  5. As part of the share purchase agreement, MBC would enter into a lease agreement for the use of the transmitters previously used by the vendor for these stations. Therefore, the applicant explained that no leases are assumed, as they are new leases, with the assets continuing to be owned by RMI.
  6. The Commission notes that, although MBC submitted that no leases were to be assumed, it is the Commission’s general practice to include leases in the valuation of a transaction, for the reasons described in the Tangible Benefits Policy. The lease agreements with RMI are included in the share purchase agreement.Footnote 6 According to the Tangible Benefits Policy, such agreements must be included in the value of the transaction for the purpose of calculating the tangible benefits. Accordingly, the Commission finds it would be appropriate to include the value of these leases over a five-year period in the value of the transaction.
  7.  In light of the above, the Commission finds that the value of the transaction is $1,095,000, itemized as follows:
    Purchase Price $675,000
    Debt $0
    Assumed leases over five years $420,000
    Working capital $0
    Value of the transaction $1,095,000

Allocation of tangible benefits

  1. As per the Revised Commercial Radio Policy, tangible benefits amounts are to be paid over seven consecutive broadcasting years and be allocated as follows:
    • 3% to the Canadian Starmaker Fund and Fonds RadioStar;
      • 60% to Canadian Starmaker Fund and 40% to Fonds RadioStar
    • 1.5% to FACTOR and Musicaction;
      • 60% to FACTOR and 40% to Musicaction
    • 1% to any eligible CCD initiative at the discretion of the purchaser; and
    • 0.5% to the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Positions of parties
  1. MBC agreed to allocate the funds according to the Tangible Benefits Policy, including the revised allocation in the Revised Commercial Radio Policy.
  2. MBC confirmed that if the Commission determines a value of the transaction different from the one proposed in the application, it would make contributions to tangible benefits based on the revised value of the transaction.
  3. In its intervention, the FRPC submitted that MBC should allocate the discretionary component of their tangible benefits package to the Broadcasting Participation Fund (BPF), which is experiencing uncertainty as to its funding. The FRPC added that should MBC disagree with this proposal, it should allocate the discretionary funding in whole, or in part, to the Broadcasting Accessibility Fund.
  4. In its reply, MBC responded that while it appreciated the FRPC’s suggestions regarding the allocation of the discretionary component of the tangible benefits, it was satisfied with its current allocation plans for the discretionary funds.
Commission’s decision
  1. In Broadcasting Decision 2024-169, the Commission encouraged broadcasting ownership transaction applicants to favourably consider directing any future tangible benefits packages to the BPF. Conversely, the current allocation of the tangible benefits was revised in 2022 to take into consideration the needs of diverse beneficiaries, whether they are organizations or initiatives supporting Canadian artists and their work; and to establish guidance for acceptable uses of discretionary tangible benefits consistent with these needs.
  2. Under the Tangible Benefits Policy, it is the responsibility of the applicants to propose tangible benefits that are proportionate to the size and nature of the transaction and that yield measurable improvements to the communities served by the broadcasting undertaking to be acquired, as well as to the Canadian broadcasting system as a whole. While Broadcasting Decision 2024-169 encouraged applicants as to how to exercise their discretion, it did not suggest replacing or eliminating that discretion.
  3. The Commission is of the view that the public record does not demonstrate sufficient policy reasons to depart from the Tangible Benefits Policy and the Revised Commercial Radio Policy with respect to this transaction, as the proposed allocations are consistent with these policies. As a result, the Commission will not require the reallocation of the discretionary component of the tangible benefits. The Commission notes the importance of public participation in its proceedings. As part of its Regulatory plan to modernize Canada’s broadcasting framework, the Commission launched a consultation and is exploring new ways to fund the participation of groups that represent the public interest to better facilitate their participation in Commission proceedings. The Commission encourages all interested persons and groups to participate.
  4. In light of the above, the Commission finds that, based on the revised value of the transaction, MBC should be required to allocate $65,700 in tangible benefits, which is consistent with the Tangible Benefits Policy and Revised Commercial Radio Policy.
  5. The modernized Act now includes express provisions relating to the imposition of expenditure requirements. As a result, tangible benefits are imposed by order made pursuant to subsection 11.1(2) of the Act. Accordingly, the Commission considers it appropriate to order MBC to allocate $65,700 in tangible benefits, to be paid in equal instalments over seven consecutive broadcast years, consistent with the Tangible Benefits Policy and Revised Commercial Radio Policy.
  6. Further, the Commission considers it appropriate to order MBC to report, as part of its Annual Return required under section 9(2) of the Regulations, on its progress in making these payments.

Regulatory requirements

Programming
  1. Local programming is important to the broadcasting system, and the Commission expects radio stations to reflect the communities they serve through the programming they broadcast. As an incentive to broadcast local programming, commercial FM radio stations that do not serve a single-station market can only solicit or accept local advertising if they devote at least one-third of their programming (equivalent to 42 hours weekly) to local programming, which can include both spoken word and musical content. A standard condition of service to that effect is set out in the appendix to Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2022-334.
  2. The Revised Commercial Radio Policy does not specify, as part of its definition of local programming, a minimum level of weekly news to be broadcast. However, 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, licensees must incorporate, in their local programming, spoken word material of direct and particular relevance to the communities served, and this programming must include local news, weather, sports coverage, and the promotion of local events and activities. In addition, the Commission encourages licensees to ensure that a reasonable amount of daily local news and information is made available to those communities.
  3. In its application, MBC indicated that it would broadcast 126 minutes of local programming per week, and committed to enhancing the news presence in both the Tillsonburg and Smiths Falls markets to ensure that they are both provided with strong local radio news content. MBC stated that it would broadcast 2 hours and 30 minutes of local and regional news per week on CKOT-FM, CJDL-FM, and CJET-FM, respectively. It also committed to broadcasting 18 minutes of national news per week on each of the stations.
  4. In its intervention, the FRPC noted that MBC does not plan to broadcast any international news. In its view, this decision is related to the fact that the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s (CBC) CBCL-FM London, Ontario station serves Tillsonburg. The FRPC requested that MBC undertake to provide significant international news when such stories break.
  5. MBC noted that its focus is to ensure that its local audience is informed on what is important to them. While its newsrooms cover international news when it is appropriate and relevant to the market, MBC’s primary focus is on local news.
  6. The Commission notes that MBC’s proposed level of news represents an increase compared to the levels of news that RMI had committed to broadcast on CKOT-FM, CJDL-FM, and CJET-FM in its last licence renewal applications for the three stations.
  7. In light of the above, the Commission finds that MBC’s proposal meets the local programming requirements and is satisfied with MBC’s proposal regarding news.
CKOT-FM and CJDL-FM Tillsonburg –Tangible benefits stemming from Broadcasting Decision 2017-251
  1. As set out in Broadcasting Decision 2017-251, RMI, the current licensee of CKOT-FM and CJDL-FM, was directed to contribute a tangible benefits package amounting to $249,720 over seven consecutive broadcast years, starting from broadcast year 2017-2018 to broadcast year 2023-2024. These tangible benefits were to be allocated as follows:
    • $124,860 to Radio Starmaker Fund or Fonds Radiostar;
    • $62,430 to FACTOR or Musicaction;
    • $20,810 to eligible discretionary initiatives; and
    • $41,620 to the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
  2. In Broadcasting Decision 2021-274, the Commission provided regulatory relief for private Canadian broadcasters in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the flexibility provided in that decision applied only to expenditures and contributions that were normally required to have been made in the 2019-2020 broadcast year. In the decision, the Commission required that any licensee that incurred contribution shortfalls for the 2019-2020 broadcast year to pay 50% of the contribution shortfall by no later than 31 August 2022 and pay the remaining 50% of the contribution shortfall by no later than 31 August 2023.
  3. According to Commission records, RMI contributed $0 to eligible discretionary initiatives in the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022 broadcast years, where a minimum of $2,972 should have been contributed annually, for a total of $8,919 over those three years. However, according to the Commission’s records, the licensee contributed $14,865 to eligible discretionary initiatives during the 2022-2023 broadcast year to fulfil the above-noted requirements. All other required contributions were made on time.
  4. In the present case, since RMI has paid the shortfall, and given the applicant’s commitment to meet their requirements for CCD contributions, the Commission finds that imposing an additional measure on the new licensee is not necessary.
Licence terms
  1. The licences expire on 31 August 2030 for CKOT-FM, 31 August 2027 for CJDL-FM, and 31 August 2027 for CJET-FM.
  2. Under subsection 9(1) of the Act, the Commission has the authority to grant licences to operate a broadcasting undertaking, and to amend licences. The Commission is of the view it would be appropriate to harmonize the end of licence periods for all three stations to minimize the administrative burden of the licence renewal process and simplify the process for both the buyer and the Commission.
  3. In light of the above, the Commission determines that the new licence term for CKOT-FM, CJDL-FM, and CJET-FM will expire on 31 August 2030.

Conclusion

  1. In light of all of the above, the Commission approves the application by My Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), on behalf of Rogers Media Inc. (RMI), for authority to change the ownership and effective control of the English-language commercial radio programming undertakings CKOT-FM and CJDL-FM Tillsonburg, Ontario, as well as CJET-FM Smiths Falls, Ontario. The Commission will issue new broadcasting licences to MBC to continue the operation of these undertakings.
  2. Upon surrender of the licences currently held by RMI, the Commission will issue new broadcasting licences to MBC, which will expire on 31 August 2030. This licensee will be subject to the terms and conditions of service set out in the appendix to this decision.

Conditions of service

  1. Given that the applicant proposed to operate CKOT-FM, CJDL-FM, and CJET-FM under the same terms and conditions as those in effect under the current licences, the Commission makes the following orders consistent with the existing conditions of service as amended by this decision.
  2. The Commission notes that it updated the standard conditions of service for commercial FM radio stations in Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2022-334. As a result, the Commission considers it appropriate to require MBC to adhere to these updated standard conditions so that those for the three stations are consistent with the conditions of service for other FM stations.
  3. Further, pursuant to subsection 49(2) of the Online Streaming Act, any regulation made under paragraphs 10(1)(a) or 10(1)(i) of the old Broadcasting Act is deemed to be an order made under section 9.1 of the new Broadcasting Act. As a result, the Commission considers it appropriate to require that the licensee adhere to these requirements as conditions of service.
  4. Accordingly, pursuant to subsection 9.1(1) of the Act, the Commission orders My Broadcasting Corporation to adhere to the standard conditions of service for commercial FM radio stations set out in the appendix to Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2022-334, as well as to all applicable requirements set out in the Regulations, that were made under paragraphs 10(1)(a) or 10(1)(i) of the old Act.
  5. Further, pursuant to subsection 11.1(2) of the Act, the Commission orders My Broadcasting Corporationto pay tangible benefits in the amount of $65,700, to be paid in equal instalments over seven consecutive broadcast years and allocated in a manner consistent with the Tangible Benefits Policy and the Revised Commercial Radio Policy. In addition, pursuant to subsection 9.1(1) of the Act, the Commission orders My Broadcasting Corporation to file all proof of payment and eligibility regarding these contributions each year in a form deemed acceptable by the Commission consistent with subsection 9(2) of the Regulations.
  6. Finally, pursuant to subsection 9.1(1) of the Act, the Commission orders My Broadcasting Corporation to comply with the requirements related to the implementation of the National Public Alerting System, as set out in subsection 16(2) of the Regulations, and in Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2014-444, and in Broadcasting Orders 2014-445, 2014-446, 2014-447 and 2014-448.
  7. The specifics of these orders will be reflected in the conditions of service for the undertaking.
  8. The Commission notes that the formal broadcasting licence document issued to a licensee may set out additional requirements for the undertaking, relating to, for example, technical parameters or prohibition on transfer. The licensee shall, therefore, also adhere to any such requirements set out in the broadcasting licences for the undertakings.
  9. The terms as well as the conditions of service are set out in the appendix to this decision.
  10. Finally, the Commission notes that this application, including the matters set out in the above orders, were subject to a public proceeding that provided both the applicant and other interested parties notice of and an opportunity to make representations with respect to the proposed orders. 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 subsections 9.1(4) and 11.1(7) of the Act.

Reminders

Force and effect of broadcasting licences

  1. Pursuant to section 22 of the Act, the broadcasting licences will cease to have any force or effect if the broadcasting certificates issued by the Department of Industry (also known as Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada) lapse.

Local news

  1. 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.
  2. Although the Revised Commercial Radio Policy 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 stations, in their 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

  1. The Commission has implemented obligations in respect of the broadcast of emergency alerts. For reference, see section 16 of the Regulations as well as Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2014-444. The licensee must implement the public alerting system for each of its transmitters, and ensure that any alert broadcast decoders (e.g., ENDEC) used for the purposes of broadcasting emergency alert messages be installed and programmed to properly account for the applicable contour (as set out in paragraph 16(2)(b) of the Regulations) of the stations as well as that of any rebroadcasting transmitter that may appear on the licence for those stations.

Employment equity

  1. Because this licensee is subject to the Employment Equity Act and files reports concerning employment equity with the Department of Employment and Social Development (also known as Employment and Social Development Canada), its employment equity practices are not examined by the Commission.
  2. The amendments to the Broadcasting Act resulting from the Online Streaming Act place greater emphasis on the inclusion 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 has announced consultations on diversity and inclusion in its Regulatory plan to modernize Canada’s broadcasting framework. In the meantime, the Commission expects the licensee to reflect this emphasis in its operational decisions.

Secretary General

Related documents

This decision is to be appended to each licence.

Appendix to Broadcasting Decision 2025-162

Terms, conditions of service, and expectations for the English-language commercial radio programming undertakings CKOT-FM and CJDL-FM Tillsonburg, Ontario and CJET-FM Smiths Falls, Ontario

Terms

The licences will expire 31 August 2030.

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 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.

  3. In order to fulfill its commitment relating to tangible benefits, the licensee shall expend, in equal payments over seven consecutive years and by no later than 31 August of each year, a total amount of $65,700, allocated as set out in paragraphs 4 and 48 in Simplified approach to tangible benefits and determining the value of the transaction, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2014-459, 5 September 2014 and paragraph 160 in Revised Commercial Radio Policy, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2022-332, 7 December 2022.

    The licensee shall file all proof of payment and eligibility regarding these contributions each year, and shall do so in a form deemed acceptable by the Commission consistent with subsection 9(2) of the Radio Regulations, 1986.

  4. The licensee shall implement the National Public Alerting System in the manner set out in subsection 16(2) of the Radio Regulations, 1986, and in Amendments to various regulations, the standard conditions of licence for video-on-demand undertakings and certain exemption orders – Provisions requiring the mandatory distribution of emergency alert messages, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2014-444 and Broadcasting Orders CRTC 2014-445, 2014-446, 2014-447 and 2014-448, 29 August 2014.

Expectations

Diversity

The Broadcasting Act places significant emphasis on the inclusion and reflection of Indigenous persons as well as 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.

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