The CRTC has approved an application by Durham Radio Inc. to amend the broadcasting licence for its English-language commercial radio programming undertaking CKJN-FM Haldimand County, Ontario, by adding the following condition of licence:
As an exception to the percentage of Canadian musical selections set out in sections 2.2(8) and 2.2(9) of the Radio Regulations, 1986 (the Regulations), in any broadcast week where at least 90% of the musical selections from content category 2 (Popular Music) broadcast are selections released before 1 January 1981, the licensee shall devote 30% or more of its musical selections from content category 2 in that same week and between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. from Monday to Friday to Canadian selections broadcast in their entirety.
The licensee shall specify on the music lists it provides to the Commission the year of release for all musical selections broadcast.
For the purposes of this condition, the terms “broadcast week,” “Canadian selection,” “content category” and “musical selection” shall have the same meaning as set out in the Regulations.
- The Commission received an intervention supporting the application.
- Durham noted its intention to offer a classic hits format focused on music from the 60s and 70s. It also stated that if it did not remain in the pre-1981 classic hits format, it would continue to adhere to its condition of licence requiring it to devote 40% or more of its popular music selections throughout the broadcast week and between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. to Canadian selections broadcast in their entirety, as set out in Broadcasting Decision 2016-258.
- The Commission notes that the applicant’s request is consistent with the policy outlined in Public Notice 1998-132, in which it stated that, in the case of stations with formats based on the presentation of older music (“oldies” stations), it will be disposed to give favourable consideration to applications of this nature requesting flexibility to broadcast a lower level of Canadian popular music than required of other commercial radio licensees by regulation. This lower level takes into account the relatively limited supply of Canadian music appropriate for the format of these stations.
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