Decision CRTC 2001-39

Ottawa, 2 February 2001

Gary Farmer, on behalf of a company to be incorporated (Aboriginal Voices Radio)
Across Canada 2000-1509-1

30 October 2000 Public Hearing
in Calgary

New native radio network

1.

The Commission approves the application by Gary Farmer, on behalf of a company to be incorporated, for a national Native radio programming network licence to be known as Aboriginal Voices Radio Network (AVRN). The Commission will issue a network licence expiring 31 August 2006.

2.

The Commission notes that the licence of this undertaking will be held by a not-for-profit organization whose structure provides for membership, management, operation and programming by members of the Aboriginal communities across Canada.

3.

The new network will broadcast primarily in English, with regular inclusion of many of Canada's 53 Native languages, as well as French, Spanish and other languages. It will distribute the programming of the new Aboriginal Voices Radio Type B native radio station in Toronto approved on 16 June 2000 in Decision CRTC 2000-204. That licence will expire 31 August 2006. The applicant has indicated that, as resources permit, the network may distribute programming from other sources.

Conditions of licence

4.

This licence will be subject to the conditions specified in this decision and in the licence to be issued. By conditions of licence, the licensee must:

• ensure that a minimum of 2% of all programming is broadcast in a Canadian Aboriginal language;

• ensure that a minimum of 2% of all vocal musical selections played during each broadcast week is in a Canadian Aboriginal language;

• ensure that a minimum of 35% of all musical selections from Category 2 – Popular music, played in each broadcast week are Canadian selections, played in their entirety;

• adhere to the guidelines on gender portrayal set out in the Canadian Association of Broadcasters' (CAB) Sex-role portrayal code for television and radio programming, as amended from time to time and approved by the Commission.

• adhere to the provisions of the CAB's Broadcast code for advertising to children, as amended from time to time and approved by the Commission.

5.

The Commission has taken into account the interventions filed both in support and in opposition to this application as well as the licensee's reply.

• Decision 2000-204 – New Type B FM native radio programming undertaking

Secretary General 

This decision is to be appended to the licence. It is available in alternative format upon request, and may also be examined at the following Internet site: http://www.crtc.gc.ca