CRTC Hears 37 Applications for Broadcasting Licences in Canada on September 16, 2011
On September 16, 2011 the CRTC heard from 37 applicants vying for broadcasting licences in Canada. An application was submitted by Golden West Broadcasting Ltd. for a broadcasting licence to operate an English-language commercial FM radio programming undertaking in Fort Saskatchewan. The new station would operate on frequency 107.9 MHz (channel 300B1) with an average effective radiated power (ERP) of 11,000 watts. The applicant proposes a mixed Classic Hits/Classic Rock music format. Read more 
Harvard Broadcasting Applies to CRTC for New Calgary Radio Station LicenceCRTC
The CRTC announced today that it has received an application by Harvard Broadcasting Inc. for a broadcasting licence to operate a commercial radio service for Calgary, Alberta. The Commission called for applications from other parties wishing to obtain a radio licence (or licences) to serve this area to be received by September 23, 2011.
CRTC Calls for Digital Media Rethink for Canada at Banff World Media Festival
The head of the CRTC is calling for a rethink of the entire regulatory system, including the status of his own organization. In a speech prepared for the Banff World TV Festival, Konrad von Finckenstein, Q.C., Chairman, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, outlined a number of media industry activities that are dynamically impacted by the new digital economy and emerging media creation and distribution platforms. In his prepared remarks, von Finckenstein wrote that “Regulatory change is necessary in our new digital world. We need new legislation and a new institutional framework. We cannot make the most of new opportunities when we are limited by the practices and the structures of the past.”
See the full text of his speech at the Banff World Media Festival, June 13, 2011: Read more 
CRTC Report Shows Support of Emerging Musicians by Canadian Radio Stations
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today adopted definitions of new Canadian artists that were proposed by key music industry groups. In addition, the CRTC made public two studies on the airplay given to new Canadian artists, which indicate that no new regulations are required at this time since these artists are receiving adequate airtime.
The Canadian radio industry is actively supporting new emerging artists, who promise to contribute to a vibrant music industry in the coming years,” said Konrad von Finckenstein, Q.C., Chairman of the CRTC. “Many Canadian artists are also taking advantage of online platforms and social media to promote and distribute their music. Given these opportunities, there is no need to impose specific requirements.
Although radio stations tend to favour hits by established artists, they are also featuring new artists on their playlists. For example, their music accounted for 3 out of every 5 Canadian songs played by contemporary hit radio stations in English-language markets and 1 out of every 4 Canadian songs played by their counterparts in French-language markets.





Marilyn
Jones is a corporate and social media advocate for individuals, small businesses
and nonprofit organizations in Alberta. She lives in Edmonton, Alberta,
Canada and is the proprietor of RiverCity Productions. You can contact her
by phone at 780-695-5675 or by email at marilyn@mediamag.ca.