CHIC-FM

On March 5, the CRTC approved an application by André Curadeau, on behalf of a company to be incorporated, for a new French-language specialty FM radio station at Rouyn-Noranda. The new station would broadcast 126 hours a week of locally produced programming. Programming would contain 20% spoken word content, including local news, information and sports. A 90-minute program on social issues, personal growth, suicide, violence, and legal issues would be produced on a daily basis, and would occasionally include various local social workers and humanitarian agencies. Programming staff would consist of five full-time employees, who would produce and broadcast local news, information and sports, and produce advertising messages and community announcements. At least 90% of the station’s total weekly music would be drawn from subcategory 35 (non-classic religious). The applicant further committed to devote 15% of its category 3 music selections on a weekly basis to Canadian selections, which exceeded the minimum of 10% required under the Radio Regulations, 1986. The licence would expire 31 August 2007. The new station would broadcast on the FM band, on the frequency 88.7 MHz, channel 204LP, with an effective radiated power of 50 watts.

CHIC-FM signed on the air.

The CRTC renewed CHIC-FM’s licence on August 1, to August 31, 2014.

On February 13, the CRTC approved an application by Communications CHIC (C.H.I.C.) to change the authorized contours of CHIC-FM by increasing the effective radiated power from 50 watts to 300 watts. The licensee indicated that it sought to improve the reception of its signal in residences and in buildings. The licensee further indicated that it wished to protect its frequency. The Commission noted that the proposed increase in power would change the status of CHIC-FM from that of an unprotected low-power service to that of a regular Class A service.

On September 28, the CRTC approved the application by Communications CHIC to change the authorized contours of CHIC-FM Rouyn-Noranda by increasing the effective radiated power from 300 watts to 3,400 watts (non-directional antenna with an increase in the effective height of antenna above average terrain from 35 metres to 103.3 metres). All other technical parameters would remain unchanged. The licensee stated that the increase was necessary to enable listeners to receive the signal without interference in homes and buildings located within the authorized 3 mV/m contour.