Source: https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2003/n2003-11.htm
Timestamp: 2019-05-20 23:51:43
Document Index: 739712737

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 2003', 'Application No. 2003', 'Application No. 2003', 'Application No. 2003', 'Application No. 2003', 'Application No 2003', 'Application No. 2003', 'Application No. 2003', 'Application No. 2003', 'Application No. 2003', 'Application No. 2003', 'Application No. 2003', 'Application No. 2003', 'Application No. 2003', 'Application No. 2003', 'Application No. 2003', 'Application No. 2003', 'Application No. 2003', 'Application No. 2003', 'Application No. 2003', 'Application No. 2003', 'Application No. 2003', 'Application No. 2003', 'Application No. 2003', 'Application No. 2003', 'Application No. 2003']

ARCHIVED - Broadcasting Notice of Public Hearing CRTC 2003-11 | CRTC
ARCHIVED - Broadcasting Notice of Public Hearing CRTC 2003-11
Broadcasting Notice of Public Hearing CRTC 2003-11
See also: 2003-11-1, 2003-11-2, 2003-11-3
The Commission will hold a public hearing commencing on 16 February 2004 at 9:30 a.m., at the Congress Center, 900 Honoré-Mercier Avenue, Québec, Quebec to consider the following applications. The intervention deadline is 22 January 2004.
TVA Group Inc. (CFCM-TV)
TVA Group Inc. (CJPM-TV)
TVA Group Inc. (CHEM-TV)
TVA Group Inc. (CFER-TV)
TVA Group Inc. (CHLT-TV)
Astral Radio inc. certain AM radio programming undertakings in Quebec and
Passmore, British-Columbia
PREAMBLE (for items 1 to 21)
FRENCH LANGUAGE LOCAL AND REGIONAL TELEVISION STATIONS
The Commission will hold a Public Hearing beginning on 16 February 2004 to examine among other things the renewal applications of local and regional French-language television stations owned or affiliated to la Société Radio-Canada, TVA and TQS.
In Public Notice CRTC 1999-97 dated 11 June 1999, Building on Success : A policy framework for Canadian television, the Commission stated it would examine the renewal of all the conventional television licences held or controlled by a group.
Also the Commission stated that at the next licence renewal for conventional, local television stations, it would not require applicants to make quantitative commitments with respect to local news programs. However, all licensees would be required to demonstrate, in their applications, how they will meet the demands and reflect the particular concerns of their local audiences, whether through local news or other local programming.
As in the past, should the Commission determine that licensees have failed to respond to legitimate community needs, it will take appropriate action on a case-by-case basis. Such action could include, among others, imposing specific conditions of licence.
In Decision CRTC 2001-385, dated 5 July 2001, which renewed the French-language national television network TVA and the French-language television programming undertaking CFTM-TV Montréal, the Commission stated it would examine the upcoming TVA network regional stations licences as a group.
While la Société Radio-Canada, TVA and TQS network originating stations are not currently being considered for licence renewals, the Commission intends to discuss a number of issues with network representatives within the framework of the Public Hearing process to be held in Québec. Such issues would include :
· the scope of collaboration with networks with respect to local programming produced in Québec or elsewhere in the province for network broadcast;
· the extent of the flexibility provided by network availabilities to permit affiliates to break away for the broadcast of local programming;
· the availability of prime time segments to broadcast local programming other than news in the regions;
· the implications of regional independent production on the network's production activities;
· the extent of contributions and commitments including an appraisal of the evolution of the various methods of providing closed captioning for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing;
· the initiatives taken to reflect cultural diversity in their programming, and the development and implementation strategies pertaining to descriptive video services.
· violence on television: the policies and practices with respect to the selection, promotion and scheduling of violent programming content.
Application No. 2003-1443-5
Application by the CANADIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION to renew the licence of television programming undertaking CBVT Québec and its transmitters: CBGAT Matane, CBGAT-1 Mont-Climont, CBGAT-2 Murdochville, CBGAT-3 Grande-Vallée, CBGAT-4 Mont-Louis, CBGAT-5 Causapscal, CBGAT-6 Cap-Chat, CBGAT-7 Saint-René-de-Matane, CBGAT-8 Marsoui, CBGAT-9 Gros-Morne, CBGAT-10 Mont-Louis-en-Haut, CBGAT-11 Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, CBGAT-13 Rivière-à-Claude, CBGAT-14 Carleton, CBGAT-15 Chandler, CBGAT-16 Cloridorme, CBGAT-17 Gaspé, CBGAT-18 Anse-à-Valleau, CBGAT-19 Lac-Humqui, CBGAT-20 Percé, CBGAT-21 Port-Daniel-Gascons, CBGAT-22 Rivière-au-Renard, CBGAT-23 Les Méchins, CBST Sept-Îles, CBST-1 Havre-St-Pierre, CBST-6 Rivière-au-Tonnerre, CBST-7 Aguanish-Natashquan, CBST-8 Baie-Johan-Beetz, CBST-9 Gethsémanie/La Romaine, CBST-11 Harrington Harbour, CBST-12 Tête-à-la-Baleine, CBST-13 La Tabatière, CBST-14 Saint-Augustin (Saguenay), CBST-15 Old Fort Bay, CBST-16 Rivière-Saint-Paul, CBST-17 Blanc Sablon, CBST-18 Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan, CBST-19 Baie-Comeau, CBVT-2 Sainte-Famille, CBVT-3 Lac-Mégantic, CBVT-4 Lac-Etchemin, CBVT-5 Saint-Fabien-de-Panet, CBVT-6 Beauceville, CBVT-7 Tewkesbury, CBVT-8 Stoneham, CBVT-9 Thetford Mines, CJBR-TV Rimouski, and CJBR-TV-1 Latour, Quebec expiring 31 August 2004.
The Commission notes that CBVT performance evaluation has been based on the program logs submitted by the licensee. However, because the program logs contain a number of discrepancies, the accuracy of the statistics generated from program logs may be unreliable. In order to better assess the undertaking's compliance with the Regulations and/or conditions of licence, the licensee has been authorized to further correct its program logs. The corrected program logs must be submitted no later than 5 January 2004.
The Commission notes that during the current licence term the licensee apparently did not meet its commitment with respect to local news programming.
The licensee was also in apparent non-compliance with its condition of licence relating to close-captioning of the local news and public affairs program "Québec ce soir" during the broadcast years 2000-2001, 2001-2002 and 2002-2003.
The Commission notes that some matters are still outstanding and that the Commission may add documents or letters to the public file.
Fax: (613) 724-5679
273 St-Jean Baptiste Street West
350 Smith Street, Room 30
Sept-Îles, Quebec, and
at the local Post office of each of the other locations.
Application No. 2003-1466-7
Application by TVA GROUP INC. to renew the licence of television programming undertaking CFCM-TV (TVA) Québec expiring 31 August 2004.
The Commission notes that CFCM-TV's performance evaluation has been based on the program logs submitted by the licensee. However, because the program logs contain a number of discrepancies, the accuracy of the statistics generated from program logs may be unreliable. In order to better assess the undertaking's compliance with the Regulations and/or conditions of licence, the licensee has been authorized to further correct its program logs. The corrected program logs must be submitted no later than 5 January 2004.
The Commission notes that during the 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 broadcast years the licensee apparently did not meet its commitment with respect to local news programming and other programming.
Fax: (514) 598-6075
E-Mail: belleroses@tva.ca
Application No. 2003-1470-9
Application by TVA GROUP INC. to renew the licence of television programming undertaking CJPM-TV Saguenay (Chicoutimi) and its transmitter CJPM-TV-1 Chambord expiring 31 August 2005.
The Commission notes that CJPM-TV's performance evaluation has been based on the program logs submitted by the licensee. However, because the program logs contain a number of discrepancies, the accuracy of the statistics generated from program logs may be unreliable. In order to better assess the undertaking's compliance with the Regulations and/or conditions of licence, the licensee has been authorized to further correct its program logs. The corrected program logs must be submitted no later than 5 January 2004.
Application No. 2003-1467-5
Application by TVA GROUP INC. to renew the licence of television programming undertaking CHEM-TV Trois-Rivières expiring 31 August 2005.
The Commission notes that CHEM-TV's performance evaluation has been based on the program logs submitted by the licensee. However, because the program logs contain a number of discrepancies, the accuracy of the statistics generated from program logs may be unreliable. In order to better assess the undertaking's compliance with the Regulations and/or conditions of licence, the licensee has been authorized to further correct its program logs. The corrected program logs must be submitted no later than 5 January 2004.
Application No. 2003-1469-1
Application by TVA GROUP INC. to renew the licence of television programming undertaking CFER-TV (TVA) Rimouski and its transmitter CFER-TV-2 Gaspé-Nord expiring 31 August 2005.
The Commission notes that CFER-TV's performance evaluation has been based on the program logs submitted by the licensee. However, because the program logs contain a number of discrepancies, the accuracy of the statistics generated from program logs may be unreliable. In order to better assess the undertaking's compliance with the Regulations and/or conditions of licence, the licensee has been authorized to further correct its program logs. The corrected program logs must be submitted no later than 5 January 2004.
Application No 2003-1468-3
Application by TVA GROUP INC. to renew the licence of television programming undertaking CHLT-TV Sherbrooke expiring 31 August 2005.
The Commission notes that CHLT-TV's performance evaluation has been based on the program logs submitted by the licensee. However, because the program logs contain a number of discrepancies, the accuracy of the statistics generated from program logs may be unreliable. In order to better assess the undertaking's compliance with the Regulations and/or conditions of licence, the licensee has been authorized to further correct its program logs. The corrected program logs must be submitted no later than 5 January 2004.
Application No. 2003-1783-5
Application by TQS INC. to renew the licence of television programming undertaking CKTM-TV (CBC) Trois-Rivières expiring 31 August 2005.
The Commission notes that CKTM-TV's performance evaluation has been based on the program logs submitted by the licensee. However, because the program logs contain a number of discrepancies, the accuracy of the statistics generated from program logs may be unreliable. In order to better assess the undertaking's compliance with the Regulations and/or conditions of licence, the licensee has been authorized to further correct its program logs. The corrected program logs must be submitted no later than 5 January 2004.
612 St Jacques Street
Fax: (514) 390-6279
E-Mail: mprovost@tqs.ca
141 St-Jean Boulevard
Application No. 2003-1780-2
Application by TQS INC. to renew the licence of television programming undertaking CFKM-TV (TQS) Trois-Rivières expiring 31 August 2005.
The Commission notes that CFKM-TV's performance evaluation has been based on the program logs submitted by the licensee. However, because the program logs contain a number of discrepancies, the accuracy of the statistics generated from program logs may be unreliable. In order to better assess the undertaking's compliance with the Regulations and/or conditions of licence, the licensee has been authorized to further correct its program logs. The corrected program logs must be submitted no later than 5 January 2004.
The Commission notes that, during the 1999-2000 to 2002-2003 broadcast years, the licensee was in apparent breach of subsection 4(6) and paragraph 4(7)(b) of the Television Broadcasting Regulations, 1987 that require a licensee to devote not less than 60% of the broadcast year, and not less than 50% of the evening broadcast period, to the broadcasting of Canadian programming.
Application No. 2003-1784-3
Application by TQS INC. to renew the licence of television programming undertaking CKSH-TV (CBC) Sherbrooke expiring 31 August 2005.
The Commission notes that CKSH-TV's performance evaluation has been based on the program logs submitted by the licensee. However, because the program logs contain a number of discrepancies, the accuracy of the statistics generated from program logs may be unreliable. In order to better assess the undertaking's compliance with the Regulations and/or conditions of licence, the licensee has been authorized to further correct its program logs. The corrected program logs must be submitted no later than 5 January 2004.
Application No. 2003-1781-9
Application by TQS INC. to renew the licence of television programming undertaking CFKS-TV (TQS) Sherbrooke expiring 31 August 2005.
The Commission notes that CFKS-TV's performance evaluation has been based on the program logs submitted by the licensee. However, because the program logs contain a number of discrepancies, the accuracy of the statistics generated from program logs may be unreliable. In order to better assess the undertaking's compliance with the Regulations and/or conditions of licence, the licensee has been authorized to further correct its program logs. The corrected program logs must be submitted no later than 5 January 2004.
Application No. 2003-1782-7
Application by TQS INC. to renew the licence of television programming undertaking CFRS-TV (TQS) Saguenay (Jonquière) expiring 31 August 2005.
The Commission notes that CFRS-TV's performance evaluation has been based on the program logs submitted by the licensee. However, because the program logs contain a number of discrepancies, the accuracy of the statistics generated from program logs may be unreliable. In order to better assess the undertaking's compliance with the Regulations and/or conditions of licence, the licensee has been authorized to further correct its program logs. The corrected program logs must be submitted no later than 5 January 2004.
2303 Sir Wilfrid Laurier Street
Application No. 2003-1785-1
Application by TQS INC. to renew the licence of television programming undertaking CKTV-TV (CBC) Saguenay (Jonquière) and its transmitter CKTV-TV-1 Saint-Fulgence expiring 31 August 2005.
The Commission notes that CKTV-TV's performance evaluation has been based on the program logs submitted by the licensee. However, because the program logs contain a number of discrepancies, the accuracy of the statistics generated from program logs may be unreliable. In order to better assess the undertaking's compliance with the Regulations and/or conditions of licence, the licensee has been authorized to further correct its program logs. The corrected program logs must be submitted no later than 5 January 2004.
The Commission notes that during the 2000-2001 to 2002-2003 broadcast years the licensee apparently did not meet its commitment with respect to local news programming.
Application No. 2003-1482-3
Application by C.K.R.T.-TV LTÉE to renew the licence of television programming undertaking CKRT-TV (CBC) Rivière-du-Loup and its transmitters CKRT-TV-1 Baie-Saint-Paul, CKRT-TV-2 Dégelis, CKRT-TV-3 Rivière-du-Loup, CKRT-TV-4 Cabano, CKRT-TV-5 Saint-Urbain and CKRT-TV-6 Trois-Pistoles expiring 31 August 2005.
15 de la Chute Street
E-Mail: sgregoire.vpf@videotron.ca
6 St-Jean Baptiste Street
989 Saint-Édouard Street
Application No. 2003-1437-8
Application by CHAU-TV COMMUNICATIONS LTÉE to renew the licence of television programming undertaking CHAU-TV (TVA) Carleton and its transmitters : CHAU-TV-1 Sainte-Marguerite-Marie, CHAU-TV-3 Port-Daniel, CHAU-TV-4 Chandler, CHAU-TV-5 Percé, CHAU-TV-6 Gaspé, CHAU-TV-7 Rivière-au-Renard, CHAU-TV-8 Cloridorme and
CHAU-TV-9 l'Anse-à-Valleau, Quebec,
CHAU-TV-2 Saint-Quentin, CHAU-TV-10 Tracadie and CHAU-TV-11 Kedgwick, New-Brunswick expiring 31 August 2005.
Fax: (418) 364-7168
E-Mail: pharvey@chautva.com
137, Route 132 West
City Hall of Grand-Gaspé
Municipality of county of Cloridorme
1 St-Jacques Street North
10 Dechêsne Street
Town of Kedgwick
114 Notre-Dame Street
Application No. 2003-1438-6
Application by TÉLÉ INTER-RIVES LTÉE to renew the licence of television programming undertaking CIMT-TV (TVA) Rivière-du-Loup and its transmitters CIMT-TV-1 Edmunston (New Brunswick), CIMT-TV-2 Trois-Pistoles, CIMT-TV-4 Baie-Saint-Paul, CIMT-TV-5 Saint-Urbain, CIMT-TV-6 Rivière-du-Loup, CIMT-TV-7 Les Escoumins and CIMT-TV-8 Cabano, Quebec expiring 31 August 2004.
7 Canada Street
Municipality of Escoumins
2 Sirois Street
Application No. 2003-1436-0
Application by TÉLÉVISION MBS INC. to renew the licence of television programming undertaking CFTF-TV (TQS) Rivière-du-Loup and its transmitters CFTF-TV-1 Edmunston, New Brunswick, CFTF-TV-2 Trois-Pistoles, CFTF-TV-3 Cabano, CFTF-TV-4 Forestville, CFTF-TV-5 Baie-Comeau, CFTF-TV-6 Rivière-du-Loup, CFTF-TV-7 Sept-Îles, CFTF-TV-8 Les Escoumins, CFTF-TV-9 Gaspé, CFTF-TV-10 Baie-Saint-Paul and CFTF-TV-11 Carleton, Quebec expiring 31 August 2004.
19 Markette Avenue
546 De Queen Avenue
Application No. 2003-1544-1
Application by RADIO NORD COMMUNICATIONS INC. to renew the licence of television programming undertaking CHOT-TV (TVA) Gatineau expiring 31 August 2005.
The Commission notes that CHOT-TV's performance evaluation has been based on the program logs submitted by the licensee. However, because the program logs contain a number of discrepancies, the accuracy of the statistics generated from program logs may be unreliable. In order to better assess the undertaking's compliance with the Regulations and/or conditions of licence, the licensee has been authorized to further correct its program logs. The corrected program logs must be submitted no later than 5 January 2004.
E-Mail: rparent@radionord.com
Application No. 2003-1543-3
Application by RADIO NORD COMMUNICATIONS INC. to renew the licence of television programming undertaking CFGS-TV (TQS) Gatineau expiring 31 August 2004.
The Commission notes that CFGS-TV's performance evaluation has been based on the program logs submitted by the licensee. However, because the program logs contain a number of discrepancies, the accuracy of the statistics generated from program logs may be unreliable. In order to better assess the undertaking's compliance with the Regulations and/or conditions of licence, the licensee has been authorized to further correct its program logs. The corrected program logs must be submitted no later than 5 January 2004.
Application No. 2003-1566-5
Application by RADIO NORD COMMUNICATIONS INC. to renew the licence of television programming undertaking CKRN-TV (CBC) Rouyn-Noranda and its transmitters CKRN-TV-2 Ville-Marie, CKRN-TV-3 Fabre, CJDG-TV Val d'Or, CJDG-TV-2 Lebel-sur-Quevillon, CJDG-TV-3 Joutel and CJDG-TV-4 Matagami expiring 31 August 2004.
The Commission notes that CKRN-TV's performance evaluation has been based on the program logs submitted by the licensee. However, because the program logs contain a number of discrepancies, the accuracy of the statistics generated from program logs may be unreliable. In order to better assess the undertaking's compliance with the Regulations and/or conditions of licence, the licensee has been authorized to further correct its program logs. The corrected program logs must be submitted no later than 5 January 2004.
The Commission notes that, during the 2002-2003 broadcast year, the licensee was in apparent breach of subsection 4(6) and paragraph 4(7)(b) of the Television Broadcasting Regulations, 1987 that require a licensee to devote not less than 60% of the broadcast year, and not less than 50% of the evening broadcast period, to the broadcasting of Canadian programming.
The Commission notes that during the 2002-2003 broadcast year the licensee apparently did not meet its commitment with respect to local news programming and other programming.
Fax: (819) 762-5343
E-Mail: gbeaulieu@radionord.com
Municipality of Ville-Marie
9 Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes Street
Municipal Corporation of Fabre
500 Place Quevillon
Application No. 2003-1564-9
Application by RADIO NORD COMMUNICATIONS INC to renew the licence of television programming undertaking CFEM-TV (TVA) Rouyn and its transmitter CFEM-TV-1 Val d'Or expiring 31 August 2004.
The Commission notes that CFEM-TV's performance evaluation has been based on the program logs submitted by the licensee. However, because the program logs contain a number of discrepancies, the accuracy of the statistics generated from program logs may be unreliable. In order to better assess the undertaking's compliance with the Regulations and/or conditions of licence, the licensee has been authorized to further correct its program logs. The corrected program logs must be submitted no later than 5 January 2004.
The Commission notes that, during the 2000-2001 and 2002-2003 broadcast years, the licensee was in apparent breach of subsection 4(6) and paragraph 4(7)(b) of the Television Broadcasting Regulations, 1987 that require a licensee to devote not less than 60% of the broadcast year, and not less than 50% of the evening broadcast period, to the broadcasting of Canadian programming.
Val d'Or , Quebec
Application No. 2003-1565-7
Application by RADIO NORD COMMUNICATIONS INC. to renew the licence of television programming undertaking CFVS-TV (TQS) Val d'Or and its transmitter CFVS-TV-1 Rouyn-Noranda expiring 31 August 2004.
The Commission notes that CFVS-TV's performance evaluation has been based on the program logs submitted by the licensee. However, because the program logs contain a number of discrepancies, the accuracy of the statistics generated from program logs may be unreliable. In order to better assess the undertaking's compliance with the Regulations and/or conditions of licence, the licensee has been authorized to further correct its program logs. The corrected program logs must be submitted no later than 5 January 2004.
The Commission notes that, during the 2000-2001 to 2002-2003 broadcast years, the licensee was in apparent breach of subsection 4(6) and paragraph 4(7)(b) of the Television Broadcasting Regulations, 1987 that require a licensee to devote not less than 60% of the broadcast year, and not less than 50% of the evening broadcast period, to the broadcasting of Canadian programming.
The Commission notes that during the 1998-1999 and 2002-2003 broadcast years the licensee apparently did not meet its commitment with respect to local news programming.
Application No. 2003-1399-0
Application by GENEX COMMUNICATIONS INC. to renew the licence of the commercial radio programming undertaking CHOI-FM expiring 31 August 2004.
The licensee also proposes to amend its licence in order to be relieved of the following conditions of licence enumerated in Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2002-189:
· The licensee shall comply with the CHOI-FM Code of Ethics set out in Appendix II to Broadcasting Decision 2002-189, 16 July 2002.
· The licensee shall create and ensure the ongoing operation of an advisory committee, the mandate, operation and composition of which must be approved by the Commission.
· The licensee shall not broadcast more than three (3) English-language montages, each with a maximum duration of 15 minutes, per day.
· The licensee shall keep logger tapes of the programming broadcast by CHOI-FM for at least 90 days following the date of broadcast.
In Decision 2002-189, renewing CHOI-FM's licence for a two year period, the Commission, by condition of licence, required the station to adhere to the CHOI-FM Code of Ethics.
In Decision 2002-189, the Commission stated the following: "At the same time if, in the future, it considers that Genex has again failed to comply with the Radio Regulations or any of the conditions attached to CHOI-FM's licence, including the code of ethics in Appendix II to this decision, the Commission may call Genex to a public hearing to show cause why the Commission should not issue such an order or apply any of its enforcement measures including revocation or suspension of the licence of CHOI-FM."
During the current licence term, the Commission has received complaints about the station's spoken-word programming. As a result of complaints, the Commission notes the apparent failure of the licensee in several instances during the licence term to comply with various provisions of the CHOI-FM Code of Ethics, including particularly sections 2, 3, 6, 17 and 18. The Commission also notes the apparent failure of the licensee to comply with section 3 of the Radio Regulations, 1986 (the Regulations).
The Commission expects the licensee to show cause at this hearing why a mandatory order under section 12 of the Broadcasting Act (the Act), requiring the licensee to conform to the Regulations and to the condition of licence that requires the licensee to comply with the CHOI-FM Code of Ethics should not be issued.
Additional information may be found in the public examination file of this licensee, including the exchange of correspondence on complaints, together with copies of reports of its advisory committee, abridged to remove certain personal information. These may be discussed at the hearing.
The Commission notes that some matters are still outstanding. Further, should the licensee be found in apparent violation of the Act, the Regulations or the CHOI-FM Code of Ethics, particulars of the sections involved will be set out in the correspondence and CHOI-FM will be given notice of any enforcement measures the Commission proposes to consider. The Commission may therefore add documents or letters to the public file.
Fax: (418) 682-8413
Application by ANDRÉ ARTHUR COMMUNICATIONS INC. for a licence to operate a French-language radio network to provide public affairs and open line programming to CKNU-FM Donnacona, CIMI-FM Charlesbourg and CJMS Saint-Constant. The programs will be broadcast daily from Monday to Friday.
c/o Anne-Marie Gagné, Lawyer
O'Brien Barristers & Solicitors
140 Grande-Allée East
Fax : (418) 648-9335
385 Jean XXIII
These applications are further to Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2002-90, Transfer of control of 3903206 Canada Inc., of Telemedia Radio Atlantic Inc. and of 50% of Radiomedia Inc. to Astral Radio Inc., 19 April 2002 ("Decision 2002-90") and Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2003-205 Acquisition of radio assets in Quebec, 2 July 2003 ("Decision 2003-205").
In Decision 2002-90, the Commission approved the transfer of control of Radiomedia Inc. and of 3903206 Canada Inc. to Astral Media Inc. (Astral Media). Pursuant to the Commission's policy on common ownership, as set out in Public Notice CRTC 1998-41, Commercial Radio Policy, 1998, 30 April 1998 ("Public Notice 1998-41"), that approval was subject to several conditions precedent, including the sale of station CFOM-FM Lévis, Québec to a third party not associated with Astral Media and/or any of its affiliates.
The Commission notes that Radio Etchemin, licensee of station CFOM-FM, is currently controlled by the trustee, Mr. Beaulne, pursuant to Decision 2002-90.
Following the release of Decision 2002-90, the Competition Tribunal expressed its concerns regarding the potential impact of that transaction on competition in the French-language radio industry in Quebec. As a result, Astral Media, Telemedia Radio Inc. and the Competition Tribunal entered into a consent agreement requiring Astral Media to sell certain French-language AM radio stations it owns in Quebec. That consent agreement was registered with the Competition Tribunal on September 3, 2002.
To satisfy the terms of the consent agreement and the condition precedent requiring the sale of CFOM-FM, Astral Media, on behalf of a corporation composed of TVA Group Inc. and Radio Nord Communications inc., filed applications for authority to acquire the assets of certain AM stations in Quebec and the assets of station CFOM-FM.
The Commission denied those applications in Decision 2003-205. As a result, station CFOM-FM and the AM stations included in that transaction are still owned by Astral Radio.
The applications are a second attempt to satisfy the terms of the consent agreement and the condition precedent regarding the sale of station CFOM-FM. Specifically, the applications seek authority to acquire the assets of the following AM radio stations:
· CKAC Montréal, CJRC Gatineau, CKRS Saguenay, CHLT Sherbrooke, CHLN Trois-Rivières, CKTS Sherbrooke and CHRC Québec.
These applications also include the assets of digital radio licences CKAC-RD-2 Montréal and CJRC-RD-2 Gatineau and the following network licences: the Radiomedia French-language information network; Réseau CHLN to broadcast part of the programming on CKSM; Réseau de baseball des Expos de Montréal; Réseau de hockey des Canadiens de Montréal; Réseau de football des Alouettes de Montréal; and Réseau de soccer de l'Impact de Montréal.
The applications also seek authority to acquire the assets of station CFOM-FM Lévis, Québec.
The proposed transactions will be completed in two phases. First, 2964 will acquire all the assets in question. Then, the assets of each station will be immediately transferred to various corporations and a limited partnership to be incorporated.
Each of these new corporations will be wholly owned by Radio Holding, which will be controlled and 80% held by 2964, which is owned by Gaétan Morin. Sylvain Chamberland will hold the other 20% of Radio Holding via his management company, 4120051 Canada Inc. ("4120051").
Like the new corporations, the limited partnership to be incorporated ("S.E.C. CHRC-AM Québec"), will be controlled by Radio Holding via its general partner ("Commandité Newco"), a corporation that will be wholly owned by Radio Holding. The limited partners of S.E.C. CHRC-AM Québec will be 2964 and 4120051, which will hold the same percentages as their interests in Radio Holding, i.e., 80% and 20% respectively.
The applicants are also seeking licences to continue operating these undertakings upon surrender of the existing licences issued to Astral Radio and to Radio Etchemin.
The applicants have assessed the value of all the assets involved in these applications at $12 million, broken down as follows: $4 million for station CFOM-FM and $8 million for the AM stations, including the digital radio stations and the networks.
The applicants agree to pay outstanding tangible benefits arising from the transfer of CFOM-FM to Astral Media (Decision CRTC 2001-95, 21 February 2001). At that time, Astral Media committed to pay $540,000 over five years, i.e., 3% to Fonds Radio Star, 2% to MusicAction and 1% to two local organizations, the Fondation du Cégep Lévis-Lauzon and the Festival d'été de Québec.
The applicants have not proposed tangible benefits for the stations listed in the applications, which, on a consolidated basis, have been unprofitable for the past three years.
The Commission may discuss the following elements with the applicants at the public hearing:
· Business plan and recovery plan
The Commission may examine the merits of the proposed business plan and its potential impact on the recovery of the AM stations included in the applications (e.g., review the nature and scope of the proposed investments and the nature of the proposed programming for each of the stations listed in the applications).
The Commission may examine how this transaction meets the requirements of its policy on tangible benefits, as set out in Public Notice 1998-41.
The Commission may examine the implication of the various clauses of the agreements to gain a clear understanding of the impact of each on the proposed partnership, and specify the roles that Mr. Morin and Mr. Chamberland will play in the operations of the radio stations listed in the applications.
· News resources for Astral Media FM stations following the proposed transactions :
In its Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2002-90, paragraph 14, the Commission noted Astral Media's commitment to invest "in the quality of news programming by establishing in each market a common newsroom that would be better equipped and staffed by a more effective team of journalists." Further, Astral Media was planning to "make use of its newsrooms in Montréal, Québec, Ottawa/Gatineau and in other regions to collect, process and disseminate news that is more comprehensive and in depth." These improved newsrooms were to supply the stations of the Radiomedia network and of the Radio Énergie and Radio Rock Détente networks, taking into account their formats and specific needs. The newsrooms were also to serve other independent affiliated stations.
In the context of the current applications, which affect the AM stations of Astral Media, the Commission may discuss with Astral Media the measures it intend to put in place to meet its objective to invest in the quality of information programming in terms of gathering, processing and broadcasting local, regional and international programming news, in Montreal and Quebec as well as in all markets served by Astral Media's FM stations.
Applicants' addresses:
171 de Mortagne Boulevard
Fax: (450) 655-9215
E-Mail: real.mimeault@groupemorin.com
Romm 400
Stations CHLT and CKTS
Stations CHRC and CFOM-FM
The applicant is also requesting a licence to continue the operation of the undertaking, upon surrender of the current licence issued to Entreprises Radio Etchemin inc. (Radio Etchemin).
The Commission notes that Mr. Paul-Émile Beaulne acts as trustee of Radio Etchemin under a voting trust agreement approved by the Commission on 25 October 2002. Mr. Beaulne exercises voting rights attached to Radio Etchemin shares, although Astral Media Inc. retains ownership of the shares.
The Commission notes that an application (2003-1354-4) for the acquisition of the assets of radio station CFOM-FM has been submitted by Mr. Beaulne, on behalf of a corporation to be incorporated. That application is also part of the current public process; thus, the present application is dependent upon the approval of the application for acquisition.
Fax: (514) 939-5000
2136 Chemin Ste-Foy
Application by RADIO DU GOLFE INC. for a licence to operate a French-language FM commercial radio programming undertaking in Pabos (Chandler). The licensee also proposes to add an FM transmitter at New Carlisle to broadcast the programming of the new station.
The new station and the transmitter in New Carlisle would operate on frequency 92.1 MHz (channel 221LP) with an effective radiated power of 10 watts (maximum effective radiated power of 50 watts/antenna height of 9.2 metres for Pabos and 33.7 metres at New Carlisle).
Subject to the approval of its applications for a new station at Pabos (Chandler), the applicant also proposes to amend the licence of radio programming undertaking CJMC-FM Sainte-Anne-des-Monts by deleting the transmitter, approved in Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2002-402, at Pabos Mills.
The Commission will consider the interventions already received, accepted and filed on the public file for the 18 June 2003 hearing (Notice of Public Hearing CRTC 2003-5 dated 10 April 2003) as well as other interventions received in the context of this proceeding.
Application No. 2003-1173-8
Application by RADIO-ACTON INC. for a licence to operate a French-language FM Type B community radio programming undertaking in Acton Vale.
The new station would operate on frequency 103.7 MHz (channel 279A) with an average effective radiated power of 1,650 watts (maximum effective radiated power 3,000 watts/ antenna height 23 metres).
Fax: (450) 963-7521
E-Mail: radioacton@cooptel.qc.ca
1037 Beaugrand Street
Application No. 2003-0476-7
Application by JON POLE & ANDREW DICKSON (OBCI) for a licence to operate an English-language FM commercial radio programming undertaking in Renfrew.
The new station would operate on frequency 96.1 MHz (channel 241A) with an effective radiated power of 1660 watts (and effective antenna height of 128.5 metres).
The applicant proposes to offer an adult-contemporary/middle of the road music format.
The Commission will consider the interventions already received, accepted and filed on the public file for the 17 November 2003 hearing (Notice of Public Hearing CRTC 2003-9 dated 17 September 2003) as well as other interventions received in the context of this proceeding.
Fax: (613) 432-6579
E-Mail: radiojp@hotmail.com
Application No. 2003-1073-0
Application by DYRACOM COMMUNICATIONS INC. for a licence to operate an English-language low-power FM commercial radio programming undertaking in Estevan.
The new station would operate on frequency 106.3 MHz (channel 292LP) with an effective radiated power of 50 watts (non-directional antenna/effective antenna height 34.8 metres).
The applicant proposes to provide a Hard Rock music format with emphasis on presenting local musical talent.
1-420 Heritage Drive
Fax: (306) 637-2052
E-Mail: darcyvatamaniuck@sasktel.net
The new station would operate on frequency 88.7 MHz (channel 202VLP) with an effective radiated power of 3.6 watts.
Application No. 2003-0891-7
Application by SLOCAN VALLEY T.V. SOCIETY to amend its radiocommunication distribution undertaking serving Passmore.
The licensee proposes to add two transmitters to distribute, in non-encrypted mode, the signal of CISN-FM Edmonton, Alberta and CFMI-FM Vancouver, British Columbia.
The CISN-FM Edmonton transmitter would operate on frequency 90.7 MHz (channel 214A1) with average radiated power of 105 watts (maximum effective radiated power of 190 watts and effective antenna height of -563 metres). The CFMI-FM Vancouver transmitter would operate on frequency 99.7 MHz (channel 259A1) with average effective radiated power of 105 watts (maximum effective radiated power of 190 watts and effective antenna height of -566 metres).
The licensee notes improvements in satellite feed technology that allows them to provide these signals to Passmore and area.
Fax: (250) 335-2379
5722 Highway 6
2 - I do not want to appear at the publichearing.