The CRTC in a decision last week rejected an application by Truth Broadcasting Network to take ownership and effective control of CJJC-FM (The Rock 98.5), a Christian music radio station in Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
In doing so, the commission also denied Truth’s request for a new broadcasting licence to continue the operation of the station, which is currently operated by 101056012 Saskatchewan Ltd., owned by station manager Dennis Dyck along with Scott Fitzsimmons, Dave Giesbrecht and Dwayne Kruger.
In its decision, the CRTC said Truth had communicated to the commission on several occasions that it did not intend to adhere to the standard conditions of service applicable to commercial radio stations, without giving an explanation why it would not do so nor proposing an alternative to the standard conditions. As such, the CRTC said it is not satisfied that approving the proposed transaction would advance the policy objectives of the Broadcasting Act, and therefore it would not be in the public interest.
“The Commission acknowledges that denying the application may place the transaction in jeopardy,” the CRTC wrote in its Aug. 22 ruling. “However, the Commission clarifies that its decision is based exclusively on the record of the current proceeding and the lack of justification provided by the applicant for the relief it has requested. This decision should not be read as expressing any view on any potential future application involving these or other parties.
“The Commission recognizes the role and importance of CJJC-FM, a station which has provided the community of Yorkton access to Christian music for nearly two decades. The Commission is hopeful that an application can be presented that would allow this community to be served in a way that resolves the concerns the Commission has expressed in this decision.”
