CRTC decisions and Calgary radio notice

Summary#

On March 30, 2024, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission published an update listing recent administrative decisions, formal decisions, a consultation notice, and a regulatory policy. The bulletin highlights a potential call for radio applications in Calgary, decisions affecting several broadcasters, and the publication of the Broadcasting Fees Regulations policy.

What it does#

• Notes that the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission posts full decisions, consultation materials and related documents on its website and that abridged versions are published in the Gazette.
• Lists administrative decisions (examples):
  • Canadian Broadcasting Corporation — decisions for CBSI-FM and CBSI-FM-8 (Sept-Îles and La Romaine) — March 14, 2024.
  • North Superior Broadcasting Ltd. — decisions for CFNO-FM and CFNO-FM-7 (Marathon and Nakina) — March 14, 2024.
  • Canadian Broadcasting Corporation — additional decisions for CBL-FM repeaters in various Ontario locations — March 14, 2024.
• Publishes a notice of consultation:
  • Notice 2024-60, posted March 15, 2024, relating to Calgary. Deadline for filings: May 14, 2024.
• Records final decisions and findings:
  • Decision 2024-59 (published March 15, 2024) — findings on market capacity and whether to issue a call for radio applications to serve Calgary.
  • Decision 2024-62 (published March 20, 2024) — matters involving Bragg Communications Incorporated (undertaking serving New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island).
  • Decision 2024-63 (published March 20, 2024) — matters involving Persona Communications Inc. (undertaking serving Sudbury).
• Publishes regulatory policy:
  • Regulatory policy 2024-65, titled Broadcasting Fees Regulations, published March 21, 2024.

Who's affected#

• Broadcasters and broadcast operators, including Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, North Superior Broadcasting Ltd., Bragg Communications Incorporated, and Persona Communications Inc.
• People and organizations interested in operating new radio services in Calgary (potential applicants).
• Local listeners in places named in the decisions (e.g., Sept-Îles, La Romaine, Marathon, Nakina, Halifax, Sudbury, and the provinces New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island).
• Anyone who wants to file comments, interventions or applications under Notice 2024-60 (deadline May 14, 2024).

Why it matters#

• If you want to start or expand a radio station, the Commission’s finding on Calgary could lead to a formal call for applications you can respond to.
• Broadcasters may face fee or regulatory changes under the Broadcasting Fees Regulations, and should check the policy details.
• Local listeners could eventually see new stations, format changes, or carriage decisions that affect what they can receive.
• The Gazette notice points people to the full CRTC documents online so stakeholders can read the full rulings or take part by the specified deadlines.