HomeLatest NewsCRTC questions Corus' move to simulcast...

CRTC questions Corus’ move to simulcast CHQR Calgary on FM

The CRTC has written a letter to Corus Entertainment questioning its recent move to simulcast 770 CHQR programming on CFGQ-FM Calgary.

Corus debuted QR Calgary: Talk on FM on Jan. 9, abandoning the former Q107 Classic Rock format.

In its letter, dated Jan. 24, the CRTC questions whether the licencee is in compliance.

Citing Radio Regulations (1986), the commission says as set out in subsection 14(1), “an F.M. licensee that is also an A.M. licensee shall not, during the broadcast day, broadcast simultaneously on its F.M. station the same matter that is being broadcast on its A.M. station if any part of the F.M. station’s 3 mV/m contour or the digital radio station’s digital service area overlaps with any part of the A.M. station’s daytime 15 mV/m contour. Pursuant to subsection 14(3), notwithstanding subsection (1), a licensee may broadcast simultaneously for a maximum of 42 hours during any broadcast week.”

The CRTC says according to its records and the station’s 2014 licence renewal, there are no rebroadcasting transmitters authorized to simulcast CHQR’s programming. Additionally, CFGQ-FM-1 Banff is the only transmitter authorized to broadcast CFGQ-FM Calgary.

The commission has asked Corus if it intends to keep both stations in operation, saying thus far it “has not received an application nor made a determination authorizing CFGQ-FM Calgary to be added as a rebroadcasting transmitter on CHQR Calgary’s broadcasting licence.” The CRTC says Corus has not applied for a licence amendment to operate CFGQ-FM in the Specialty format.

In an email inquiry to the CRTC, prior to the commission’s Jan. 24 letter, a commission spokesperson told Broadcast Dialogue that station compliance is generally reviewed at renewal unless an official complaint is received by the commission. In the case of CFGQ-FM, the station was already up for renewal and being examined.

“An applicant may apply to operate under a specialty format which comes with specific conditions of licence which is not the case with CFGQ-FM,” the spokesperson stated. “It is generally expected that station advise the Commission when changing the format of their station but this is not a requirement unless the change requires an amendment to the broadcasting licence.”


Subscribe Now – Free!

Broadcast Dialogue has been required reading in the Canadian broadcast media for 30 years. When you subscribe, you join a community of connected professionals from media and broadcast related sectors from across the country.

The Weekly Briefing from Broadcast Dialogue is delivered exclusively to subscribers by email every Thursday. It’s your link to critical industry news, timely people moves, and excellent career advancement opportunities.

Let’s get started right now.

* indicates required

 

SUBSCRIBE NOW - IT'S FREE!

At Broadcast Dialogue®, we are committed to delivering industry-leading insights, news, and analysis directly to your inbox—completely free of charge.

By providing full / accurate information, you are helping us sustain Broadcast Dialogue® as a free resource. In return, we commit to delivering high-quality content that keeps you informed on the latest trends, technology, and news shaping the broadcast landscape—at no cost to you.

The Weekly Briefing from Broadcast Dialogue® is delivered exclusively to our subscribers by email every Thursday.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Your Subscription Information

Your Name
Your Email Address
Broadcast Dialogue uses this information to understand our audience and deliver relevant content.
Broadcast Dialogue uses this information to understand our audience and deliver relevant content.

Your Company Information

A Couple Of Questions

Do you consider yourself retired?
Are you seeking employment opportunities?

Connie Thiessen
Connie Thiessenhttps://broadcastdialogue.com
Connie has worked coast-to-coast as a reporter, editor, anchor and host at CKNW and News 1130 in Vancouver, News 95.7 and CBC in Halifax, and CFCW Edmonton, among other stations. With a passion for music, film and community service, she led News 95.7 to a 2013 Atlantic Journalism Award and regional RTDNA award for Best Radio Newscast. More recently, she was nominated for Music Journalist of the Year at Canadian Music Week 2019. To report a typo or error please email - corrections@broadcastdialogue.com

Latest News

Canada Post pays tribute to MuchMusic, MusiquePlus

Canada Post has unveiled its latest stamp set which celebrates the early years of MuchMusic and MusiquePlus. Depicting the iconic buildings that housed MuchMusic at...

Canadian Podcast Listener preview shows men leading daily listening bump

Signal Hill Insights has released a preview of the 2024 Canadian Podcast Listener results for monthly podcast listening in Canada. It finds that 8.8%...

Events / Conferences