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With the current call for a new radio licence in Edmonton in the wings, recent statements made by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission have suddenly become relevant.

Established by Parliament in 1968, the CRTC is vested with the authority to regulate and supervise all aspects of Canadian broadcasting. In other words, they're the folks in charge.

On January 15th, 2008 the CRTC introduced new policies to ensure that a diversity of voices was maintained in the Canadian broadcasting system.

“With these new policies, we have developed a clear approach to guide us in assessing future transactions in the broadcasting industry,” said Konrad von Finckenstein, Q.C., Chairman of the CRTC.

“It is an approach that will preserve the plurality of editorial voices and the diversity of programming available to Canadians, both locally and nationally, while allowing for a strong and competitive industry.”

While the Commission was satisfied that the broadcasting system currently provides Canadians with a range of news and information programming, it was establishing a new policy restricting cross-media ownership.

As a result, a person or entity will only be permitted to control two of the following types of media that serve the same market: a local radio station, a local television station or a local newspaper.

For those suffering insomnia, the official news release can be read here.

The CRTC said the trend toward greater consolidation in the broadcasting industry had raised concerns that a large ownership group could achieve a dominant position through acquisitions, which could bring about a reduction in the diversity of local, regional and national content.

The development of the revised policy came about after hearings were held in the fall of 2007 probing media ownership rules.

The CRTC policy would impose limits on future acquisitions to make sure media companies do not control more than 45 per cent of the total audience share as a result of a transaction.

Critics of the new policy felt it did nothing to curb the high levels of media concentration that already exist throughout the country.

The CRTC said the new regulations were not retroactive and would have no impact on deals the communications regulator had already approved.

Locally, Canwest Global Communications owns both the Edmonton Journal and Global Television.

Rogers Media, in addition to radio stations CKER World FM and CHDI Sonic 102.9, currently owns Citytv, the result of GTVglobemedia having to shed duplicate-market television outlets by way of their recent purchase of CHUM Limited.

GTVglobemedia, in addition to owning CTV Edmonton, operates CHBN The Bounce along with Chum Limited and Milestone Radio Incorporated.

The CRTC summary of the Edmonton market can be read here. A snapshot of the national landscape can be seen here.

Of interest to those watching the current Edmonton radio scene is how the new CRTC spirit would favour applicants in the most prominent field of local content – news.

While the CRTC announcement focuses on cross-ownership between radio, television and newspaper platforms, the new policy may also affect commission decisions concerning those proposing competing news and talk formats within an established market.

With CKUA and the CBC as minor players (at least ratings-wise), it remains to be seen how the CRTC will view applicants if a challenge is raised against Corus outlet 630 CHED.

As the application deadline of January 23rd, 2008 draws near, rumours inside the city's radio community suggest Corus is considering flipping their promotion and rating neglected CHQT Cool 880 oldies station to an all news format (see update below).

How the CRTC would view two stations sharing the same editorial policy being an argument against a new applicant remains to be seen, should Corus effect the anticipated change.

Deadline for submissions for the city's newest radio licence was January 23rd, 2008 (see update below). As they say, stay tuned ...

Those needing to know more of the CRTC policy decision can read this coverage by the CBC.

Updates

On February 8th, 2008 the CRTC released the list of applications received for a new FM licence in Edmonton. As was expected, Rogers filed for an all news licence.

On March 14th, 2008 Corus Radio announced that their under-performing CHQT Cool 880 station would be switched from an oldies format to an all news operation. On May 20th, a week before the CRTC hearings were to take place, iNews 880 made its debut.

Beginning May 27th, 2008 the CRTC held hearings to entertain the 14 applications received for a new FM licence in Edmonton.

Related Last Link Pages

radio - edmonton radio news 2008 - crtc calls for diversity