CKKI-FM

On September 29, the CRTC approved the application by the General Manager (Brian Moon) of Kahnawake Keeps It Country Station for a broadcasting licence to operate an English- and Mohawk-language Type B Native FM radio station in Kahnawake, Quebec. The station would operate on frequency 89.9 MHz (channel 210A) with an average effective radiated power (ERP) of 360 watts (maximum ERP of 610 watts with an effective height of antenna above average terrain of 26.1 metres). The applicant indicated that it would produce and broadcast approximately 6 hours of spoken word programming and 120 hours of music programming for a total of 126 hours of local programming per broadcast week. It also indicated that to address the specific needs and interests of the community to be served, the station would generally devote 100% of its music programming to country music. The applicant also stated that approximately 5% of the spoken word programming would be in the Mohawk language and approximately 95% in the English language. With respect to local talent development, the applicant indicated that it would support local Mohawk and Native artists by broadcasting their music and presenting concerts. The licence would expire August 31, 2018. 

CKKI-FM was testing on the air by November 1. It was now a fully licensed operation on 89.9 MHz after operating as a “pirate” station on 106.7 MHz. Branding for the station: KKIC. Slogan: Kahnawake Keeps It Country. 
 

In August, KKIC Radio, Country 89.9 FM introduced everyone to the Montreal region’s newest radio station…bringing North America’s most popular and successful music format to Montreal radio….Country Music….24 hours a day, 7 days a week. New programming was under development including a weekday morning show, a drive-home show and a weekly Country Countdown. Weekend and overnight focus programs featuring bluegrass, gospel, and alt-country were also planned. Live on-air performances and interviews with some of today’s emerging country artists would also be featured. 

KKIC Radio 89.9 FM – the Montreal region’s only 24-hour a day country music station – added new programming to its broadcast schedule: The KKIC Country Breakfast Show with Brian & Sheldon (6-9 a.m.), Cedrick’s Kickin’ Country Drive (3-6 p.m.), The Bluegrass Hour with Edgar Duguay (Saturdays 9-10 a.m. and repeated Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m.), The Canadian Country Spotlight (Saturday 2-3 p.m.), The Old Rugged Cross Gospel Music Show with Edgar Duguay (Sundays 9 to 9:30 a.m.) and Cornbread Country with Jenny Kjono (Sundays from 2 to 6 p.m.).
 

On July 16, the CRTC renewed the licence of CKKI-FM to August 31, 2023. This short-term licence renewal would allow for an earlier review of the licensee’s compliance with regulatory requirements. The Commission found the licensee in non-compliance with section 16(3) of the Regulations. The Commission set a condition of licence requiring the licensee to implement a public alerting system as soon as possible and by no later than October 31, 2018 and provide proof of implementation with its annual return by November 30, 2018.