The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is back in Yellowknife investigating the viability of a new FM radio station.
The call for applications was first made on March 14, 2024, when the CRTC expressed their belief that the Yellowknife market was ready to expand its access to radio content. This was a change of pace after a previous review by the CRTC concluded that the city did not need another license. However, that belief has since changed, as explained by Nathalie Théberge, the vice‑chair of Broadcasting at the CRTC, in her opening statement at this week’s hearings.
“Early last year, the CRTC issued a call for application for a new radio station to serve Yellowknife. In doing so, the CRTC acknowledged that recent crises like those caused by the COVID‑19 pandemic and the wildfires demonstrated that increased radio content in the territory and in the North more generally would benefit those who live in the region.”
Ultimately, two applications were submitted; one from Vista Radio Ltd., and one from 506992 NWT Ltd., better known by their operating name, Cabin Radio.
Vice-Chair Théberge explained the purpose of the hearings.
“The CRTC will consider each proposal, including the plans and commitments of both applicants regarding local programming, their commitments to reflect the interests and the needs of the community, and the sustainability of their business plans. In addition, the CRTC will consider the valuable input provided by the members of the Yellowknife community.”
In regards to a new commercial radio license, the CRTC will also be looking at the quality of the applications, the diversity of existing news voices in the Yellowknife market, and the competitive environment of the market.
In Cabin Radio’s application, they would be operating at the 93.9 frequency. They propose a broadcast schedule of 126 hours of local content per week, with one hour dedicated to local and regional news, 15 minutes for national news, and 15 minutes for international news. Their proposal also suggests they would exceed some of the requirements by dedicating 40 per cent of their music selection to Canadian content, and at least 35 per cent to emerging Canadian artists.
Cabin Radio’s application also includes a commitment to provide $147,000 over seven years to the development of Canadian content.
In Vista Radio’s application, their new station would operate on the 96.5 frequency. Vista has proposed a broadcast schedule of a minimum of 10 hours and 28 and a half minutes of spoken word programming each week, focusing on local news, upcoming community events and staples such as road conditions and weather.
According to Vista Radio Director of National News, John White, each week, a minimum of seven hours and 46 minutes will be dedicated to local news and information. Vista also promises to contribute $140,000 over seven years to the development of Canadian content.
In addition in support of Canadian talent, Vista Radio has earmarked $15,000 annually for additional contributions to FACTOR. Also pledging $5,000 to the True North Bursary, which will be available to an Indigenous student pursuing a career in Broadcast Arts or Journalism.
“In all, if the commission grants a seven-year license to operate CJYK, Vista Radio will dedicate a total of $140,000 over the license term to further support Canadian talent development,” White says.
The CRTC has engaged in a series of public hearings at the Explorer Hotel in Yellowknife to hear from both sides, as well as messages of support from the public. The information shared in these hearings will be taken into consideration by the CRTC and will help them to come to a final decision.
“We are thrilled with the potential to launch a new station in Yellowknife. It would build upon our history in the region and cater to a new demographic and audience. We look forward to the CRTC’s decision and pledge our commitment to serving the region regardless of their decision,” White says.
“We will take the learnings from our attendance and participation at the hearing to better understand and serve the diverse community, and build on connections made.”
The ultimate decision on which application will be approved is not expected to be made for several months.
