OTTAWA – The CRTC has awarded Golden West Broadcasting Ltd. a license to operate an English-language, commercial FM radio station in Weyburn, Saskatchewan that will target male adults between 18 and 54 years of age with a Classic Rock format.
The station will operate at 106.7 MHz with an effective radiated power of 100,000 watts (non-directional antenna with an effective height of antenna above average terrain of 73.7 metres). The commission reports it received interventions in support of the application. Golden West Radio currently operates eight radio stations throughout southern Manitoba and is controlled by Elmer Hildebrand.
Under the Classic Rock music format the station plans to broadcast a minimum of 126 hours of local programming in each broadcast week, including five hours and 47 minutes of news, 90% of which will be local news. Local programming will include local newscasts, weather, sports, surveillance material as well as coverage of the local arts community and community events.
Golden West noted that the station will complement its existing stations in the same locality, namely CFSL Weyburn, which offers a Country music format, and CKRC-FM Weyburn, which offers a Hot Adult Contemporary music format. In its decision the commission stated that “realizing efficiencies and maximizing synergies among its existing radio stations in Weyburn, Golden West will be able to provide a viable third local radio service in that market.” The license will expire August 31, 2018.
Golden West has committed to devote an additional $37,000 over a seven year period to Canadian Content Development (CCD) over and above the basic annual contribution once the station launches. Of this amount, 20% per broadcast year will be devoted to FACTOR. Golden West intends to direct the remainder of its contributions to the following eligible initiatives:
• Weyburn High School Music Program: $1,000 in years 1, 2, 3 and 4; $1,200 in years 5 and 6; and $1,500 in year 7.
• Weyburn Arts Council: $1,000 in years 1, 2, 3 and 4; $1,200 in years 5 and 6; and $1,500 in year 7.
• Weyburn Wheat Festival: $1,200 in years 1 and 2; $2,000 in years 3 and 4; $2,400 in years 5 and 6; and $2,600 in year 7.
