Decision CRTC 2001-488

This decision has been replaced by Decision CRTC 2001-514

Ottawa, 13 August 2001

3224503 Canada inc.
Drummondville, Quebec 2001-0405-0

3145069 Canada inc.
Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec 2001-0404 -2

Applications processed by Public Notice CRTC 2001-64 dated 5 June 2001

Transfer of control

1.

The Commission approves the applications for authority to transfer the effective control of 3224503 Canada inc., licensee of CHRD-FM Drummondville, and of 3145069 Canada inc., licensee of CFEI-FM Saint-Hyacinthe, through the transfer of all the issued and outstanding shares held by the two licensees to Astral Radio Group Inc. (Astral Radio).

2.

The applicants did not propose any tangible benefits. The Commission notes that CHRD-FM and CFEI-FM have been unprofitable over the three years preceding filing of these applications. In accordance with its Commercial Radio Policy 1998 (Public Notice CRTC 1998-41), the Commission will forego benefit requirements for these stations. The Commission notes the important benefit associated with this transaction, that being the maintenance of CHRD-FM and CFEI-FM as viable, local radio services.

Ownership concentration

3.

One of the concerns raised by these applications was their potential impact on the level of radio ownership concentration in Quebec, particularly in communities along the geographic corridor extending from Hull to Québec, via Montréal, and north to Chicoutimi. Astral Radio currently owns 12 radio stations in Quebec that are in either a dominant or leading position in the above corridor, where 65% of Quebec's population resides.

4.

The Commission examined these applications in the light of the ownership provisions of the Commercial Radio Policy. The Commission concluded that the applications are consistent with the relevant policy provisions, and that approval will not significantly increase the concentration of radio ownership in Quebec.

5.

The Commission also took into account that fact that Astral Radio is an experienced broadcaster with considerable financial resources. Astral Radio can, therefore, ensure that CHRD-FM and CFEI-FM remain viable over the long term as well as maintain and improve the service provided by these stations to the residents of Drummondville and Saint-Hyacinthe. Accordingly, the Commission considers that approval of these applications is in the public interest.

6.

In approving these applications, the Commission has also taken into consideration the fact that it did not receive any interventions or comments from the general public or from other broadcasters operating in the markets concerned.

Related CRTC document

• Public Notice 1998-41 – Commercial radio policy, 1998

Secretary General

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