As I was looking at the PPM lists these are the questions and comments that came to mind.
So with the mindset that no question is a dumb one;
1) How many Radio stations are enough for a given market?
2) Has the CRTC allowed too many stations in these markets?
There are 19 stations shown in the Vancouver PPM list and 18 in both Edmonton and Calgary. There seem to be several competing stations with similar formats whose numbers aren't that stellar.
3) Does "narrow-casting" really work as a way to make money in radio? Or
4) Are the radio stations the money losers for the large cooperation to have a tax write-off?
As for real variety - Oh sorry, what variety ... station clusters with similar formats is no variety at all. Thee is nothing to choose from. Is it any wonder that the numbers are so dismal.
The floor is open for comments, Am I off base with these questions - I wonder if the CRTC is considering similar questions.