CJWE-FM

On June 14, the CRTC approved the application by Aboriginal Multi-Media Society of Alberta to operate an English- and Indigenous-language Type B Native FM radio station to serve Calgary. The licence would expire August 31, 2023. The station would operate at 88.1 MHz with an effective radiated power of 100,000 watts (non-directional antenna with an effective height of antenna above average terrain of 298.6 metres). In each broadcast week, the licensee would devote a minimum of 117 hours and 30 minutes of the programming broadcast to local programming. Local programming would incorporate spoken word material of direct and particular relevance to the Indigenous community. This would include local news, weather, sports coverage, and the promotion of local events and activities. In each broadcast week, the licensee would devote at least 35% of its musical selections from content category 2 (Popular Music) to Canadian selections broadcast in their entirety.

CJWE-FM began on-air testing April 9 and was still seeking a studio location. A June launch was planned. Once up and running, CJWE planned to feature programming in Blackfoot, T’suutina, Nakoda and Cree as well as a range of music from country to hip hop to traditional Indigenous. The station would also host province-wide radio bingo on Monday, Thursday and Saturday nights.

On December 12, the CRTC approved CJWE’s application to add the transmitter CFWE-FM-2 Peigan/Blood Reserve Porcupine Hills. The transmitter had been a rebroadcaster for CFWE-FM-4 Edmonton. The transmitter would continue to operate at 89.3 MHz with an average ERP of 2,300 watts (maximum ERP of 10,200 watts with an EHAAT of 273 metres).