Cabin Radio, Vista Radio each seek new FM licence at CRTC hearing in Yellowknife

A two-day hearing before the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) began Tuesday in Yellowknife, focused on applications to operate a new commercial FM radio station in the city.

Two applicants have applied for a new broadcasting licence: Cabin Radio, which currently operates a locally-owned news website and online radio station, and Vista Radio, a B.C.-based company which currently operates True North FM in Yellowknife along with other FM stations in B.C., Alberta and Ontario.      

Cabin Radio first applied for a broadcasting licence in August 2019. That application was then denied by the CRTC because the commission found the Yellowknife market could not sustain another commercial radio station.

Last year, however, the CRTC decided that the COVID-19 pandemic and 2023 N.W.T. wildfires warranted another look at how well Yellowknife was being served by radio, and it put out a call for new broadcast licence applications.

Cabin Radio news director Ollie Williams says an FM licence would allow Cabin Radio to better serve residents. He cites the wildfires, internet availability, power outages and input Cabin Radio has received from residents.

"We invite the [CRTC] panel to determine where the public interest lies, by listening to the audience and to the public response as documented in the 700-plus letters of support and interventions filed," Williams told the hearing on Tuesday. 

Cabin Radio host Sarah Erasmus told the hearing that an FM licence would allow her to work on a new show designed to bring more Indigenous voices onto the air for Yellowknife.

"We want our stories told by our voices, Northern and Indigenous voices, who relate to us and understand our way of life," said Erasmus.

Licence disagreement 

Vista Radio doesn't believe the CRTC should give Cabin Radio a broadcasting licence. Vista Radio business vice-president Joe Gabor said turning down Cabin's first application was the right decision.

Gabor said that if the commission decides to issue an additional licence in Yellowknife they "strongly believe that the most beneficial and responsible approach would be to approve [Vista Radio's] application for a new station."

Gabor said since the CRTC turned down Cabin Radio's first application two years ago, the economic indicators that informed that decision have worsened.

"The ongoing decline of the resource sector in the Northwest Territories will undeniably have a profound negative impact on the Yellowknife economy and most importantly its local businesses, resulting in reduced spending on advertising," Gabor told the hearing.

Williams, however, argued that Yellowknife's economic outlook isn't that grim. He referred to a letter submitted by N.W.T. Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek that he says shows there is "room for growth" in the city's economy.

Williams also referred to letters of support Cabin Radio has received from advertisers.

"All state plainly that those companies are prepared to increase their advertising spend… We are growing Yellowknife's broadcast economy," said Williams.

'Bolstering our journalistic efforts,' says Vista Radio

Vista Radio's director of news John White said journalism in North America is at a crossroads, and it's proposed station in Yellowknife, CJYK-FM, would have a strong focus on community information, community access, and underserved younger audiences.

"Now more than ever, we must do our part to protect democracy by bolstering our journalistic efforts, especially in markets that have traditionally faced oppression, ignorance and indifference," said White.

"Like True North FM, CJYK-FM will be live and local and will be produced with the same high journalistic and management standards. However, the new station will bring a fresh perspective tailored to young listeners," said White. 

He said a new licence would mean Vista Radio would add five more staff members to its existing Yellowknife station. he also said the company is working to redraw emergency response guidelines for newscasts, website alerts and breaking news stories.

"Together with the engineering team and the program directors group, we will ensure we are responsive to our audience in the eventuality of future emergency situations," said White.

The hearing at the Explorer Hotel continues on Wednesday.