CFAQ-FM

On August 12, the CRTC approved the application by Robert Orr, on behalf of a corporation to be incorporated, for a broadcasting licence to operate a specialty English-language commercial FM radio station in Blucher, Saskatchewan. The station would broadcast Christian music. The applicant stated that the proposed station would broadcast 24 hours a day, seven days a week. During each broadcast week, a minimum of 95% of all musical selections would be drawn from subcategory 35 (Non-classic religious), as set out in Revised content categories and subcategories for radio, Public Notice CRTC 2000-14, 28 January 2000. The proposed station would offer at least 100 hours of local programming, including two hours of spoken word programming, in each broadcast week. The local spoken word programming would include one-minute, station-produced newscasts, which would be aired hourly Monday to Friday between 6 a.m. and midnight, as well as weather reports, sportscasts and community service items. The applicant indicated that it would not broadcast any religious programming, as defined in the Religious Broadcasting Policy, Public Notice CRTC 1993-78, 3 June 1993 (Public Notice 1993-78). The station would operate on 94.1 MHz (channel 231LP) with an ERP of 36 watts.

On February 23, the CRTC approve an application to amend the licence for the low-power radio station authorized in Christian music FM radio station in Blucher, Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2005-402, 12 August 2005, in order to change the frequency from 94.1 MHz (channel 231LP) to 100.3 MHz (channel 262LP). The station had not yet commenced operation of this low-power station, which was authorized to operate with an effective radiated power of 36 watts. It was noted that the CBC had filed an application to amend the licence for CBK Regina, in order to add an FM transmitter in Saskatoon at 94.1 MHz (channel 231A). Bertor Communications indicated that it was aware that the Commission had not rendered its decision regarding the CBC’s application. However, Bertor explained that, in anticipation of the possible loss of its low-power, unprotected 94.1 MHz frequency, it wished to proceed with the change in frequency before commencing operations. Bertor confirmed that its station would operate with an ERP of 36 watts. The Commission notes that the Department of Industry indicated that this application was conditionally technically acceptable. Accordingly, the Commission was satisfied that the technical issues raised by the intervener have been appropriately addressed and that approval of this application would not have a negative impact on the operation of CJVR-FM-1. Given that the technical parameters approved in this decision were for a low-power unprotected FM service, the Commission also reminded the licensee that it would have to select another frequency if the Department so required.

100.3 CFAQ would be known as Free 100.3 with a Christian format.

CFAQ signed on the air.

On March 28, the CRTC renewed CFAQ-FM’s licence to August 31, 2018. This short-term renewal would allow the Commission to review the licensee’s compliance with its conditions of licence and the Radio Regulations, 1986 at an earlier date.

On August 22, the CRTC renewed the licence of CFAQ to August 31, 2023. This short-term renewal would allow for an earlier review of the licensee’s compliance with regulatory requirements. In 2013, the Commission found the licensee in non-compliance in relation to the filing of annual returns, and renewed CFAQ’s licence for a short term. In regard to the present case, the licensee’s failure to submit the requested monitoring materials prevented the Commission from verifying the licensee’s compliance with programming requirements during the period in question. The Commission noted that the licensee had acknowledged the non-compliance, and considered that it had demonstrated an understanding of its regulatory obligations, and had taken appropriate corrective action to address the issue.