CFPV-FM

On November 27 the CRTC approved an application by Matthew McBride to operate a new FM station in Pemberton to operate at 98.9 MHz with an effective radiated power of 420 watts. The station was to broadcast 126 hours of programming per week, all locally produced. CFPV-FM was to offer a blend of rock and pop music from the 1970s, with a particular emphasis on music from the 1980s along with news, sports and weather and a weekly talk and open-line program called “View On The Valley”.

By late November, studio space was leased and prepared, but problems arose with the transmitter installation on Signal Hill, and further problems with telephone line installations delayed the sign-on.

CFPV-FM passed Industry Canada procedures on May 23 and was cleared to carry on broadcasting over its test period. The signal covered the entire Pemberton Valley, reaching an estimated 7,000 people. At 7 a.m. June 6, “Spud Valley Radio” was officially launched with a lengthy version of “O Canada” (David Foster/Celine Dion) followed by “Bud The Spud” by Stompin’ Tom Connors, in keeping with the Spud Valley Radio slogan. An open house featuring potato chip giveaways was attended by over 100 people including a combo show featuring morning host Gord Rutherford and afternoon host Pebbles. 

CFPV-FM changed format from Hot Adult Contemporary to Hot AC/Aboriginal.

On December 16, the CRTC renewed the licence of CFPV to August 31, 2017. This short-term renewal would allow for an earlier review of the licensee’s compliance with its conditions of licence and the Radio Regulations, 1986. The Commission found the licensee in non-compliance with its condition of licence relating to CCD contributions for the 2007-2008 to 2011-2012 broadcast years, and in non-compliance with section 9(2) of the Regulations relating to the filing of complete annual returns for the 2010-2011 broadcast year.

CFPV 98.9 – Spud Valley Radio – reportedly left the air.

CFPV-FM Radio Ltd. applied to the CRTC to have its licence renewed. According to Commission records, the licensee was in apparent non-compliance with the the Radio Regulations in regard to the submission of a complete and accurate program log and an accurate self-assessment report. As a condition of its 2017 renewal, CFPV was to expend $1,500 on Canadian content development in each of the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 broadcast years. The station was also required to broadcast on-air announcements regarding its non-compliance. The CRTC also had concerns with regards to the local programming offered by the station. Should the Commission determine that the licensee was in non-compliance in this licence term, it would be the third consecutive licence term in which CFPV-FM had been found in non-compliance with regulatory requirements.

On February 28, the CRTC denied the application from CFPV-FM Radio Ltd. to renew the licence of CFPV-FM. The commission said in its decision: “Given the severity and recurrence of the current instances of non-compliance; the station’s history and the licensee’s actions, which clearly demonstrate its poor understanding of its conditions of licence and regulatory obligations, or a lack of willingness to respect them; the licensee’s demonstrated inability to implement the necessary measures to ensure compliance; and its disregard for the Commission’s authority and for its responsibilities as a broadcaster, the Commission is not convinced that the imposition of conditions of licence, the imposition of a mandatory order, a suspension of the licence or a short-term licence would be effective measures. Consequently, the Commission finds that not renewing the licence is the only appropriate measure in the circumstances”. The licence expired March 31.