CKTR-FM

On July 16, the CRTC approved the application by 1311831 Ontario Limited for a broadcasting licence to carry on a low-power English-language FM radio programming undertaking on the frequency 104.9 MHz, channel 285LP, with an effective radiated power of 31 watts. The licence would expire August 31, 2005. The applicant proposed a tourist information service consisting of pre-recorded welcome messages, paid advertising and general information relating to the tourist sites and events in and around the City of North Bay. Programming would be repeated each hour, 24 times per day. The amount of advertising would be limited to 4 minutes per hour exclusive of a 2-minute segment broadcasting “North Bay Gateway”, the station’s identification. 

CKTR-FM began broadcasting. 

On August 8, 1311831 Ontario Limited was granted a licence amendment to allow CKTR-FM to offer 10 hours of live broadcasting each week. The licensee wished to better serve its listeners by broadcasting live events of interest to tourists including, but not limited to, tournaments, local parades and fireworks. CKTR-FM would not offer any conventional news or sports events coverage.

The CRTC approved a change to the ownership and effective control of 1311831 Ontario Limited. The company was now equally owned by Christopher Thompson, Steven M. Dreany and Timothy Bertrand.  

On May 25, CKTR received CRTC approval to increase effective radiated power from 31 to 50 watts and to relocate the transmitter.  

On November 21, the CRTC issued an exemption order for low-power radio stations that provided tourist information. It came into effect immediately. Licensees of radio stations that considered their operations to be eligible for exemption under the order could file a simple statement asking that the Commission revoke their licences.