The CRTC on Monday approved an application by Byrnes Communications to remove a condition of service related to news programming imposed on its English-language commercial radio station CFLZ-FM Fort Erie, operating as 101.1 More FM and serving the Niagara region.
The condition of service — a legacy obligation originally imposed more than 20 years ago on a former station owner in response to that licensee’s lack of local programming — required CFLZ-FM to broadcast at least three hours of news programming each week, with a minimum of 30 per cent devoted to local news of particular relevance to Fort Erie and Niagara listeners.
Byrnes argued in its November 2025 application that having to continually verify compliance with the requirements of the condition of service was labour-intensive and time-consuming for the station’s small team. In addition, Byrnes noted that regional competitors do not have a similar news-specific condition of service imposed on them.
Byrnes also said it was committed to continue producing local programming and news, consistent with standard regulatory requirements. This commitment includes maintaining the newsroom in operation, including reporting staff, it said.
In its decision to remove the specific condition of service in question, the CRTC said: “The Commission is satisfied that approving the application will not have a negative impact on the programming diversity, including local news, that listeners in the market currently enjoy while placing the applicant on an even footing with other operators in the market, who are not subject to this condition.
“Further, removing this requirement would help reduce the station’s administrative burden, while allowing it to focus its resources on serving its audience. The applicant has committed to continue its current approach to news programming, and the interventions on the public record demonstrate significant community support for the application.”
The broadcasting regulator said it received 18 interventions in support of Byrnes’s application. Interveners included the Member of Provincial Parliament for Niagara Falls, the mayor of Niagara Falls, and local business owners and listeners, who emphasized the station’s commitment to local news.
The CRTC added, while it approves the application, it reminds Byrnes of the importance of local news and encourages it to explore ways to maintain news programming on the station, particularly local news content.
