Edmonton's VMS Media Won't Give Up on Getting an FM Station

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Edmonton's VMS Media Won't Give Up on Getting an FM Station

Postby jon » Sat Sep 16, 2017 4:19 pm

Edmonton-based ethnic broadcaster VMS Media runs programming on an SCMO channel of CKUA-FM's Calgary and Edmonton transmitters. And has been for years.

They lost out to South Fraser on a new ethnic station for Edmonton. South Fraser will be taking over CKUA's old AM transmitter on 580. VMS had asked for 1600 watts on 106.5 MHz.

Next, they bid to replace CKAV-FM in Edmonton and Calgary, but lost out to CFWE-FM.

VMS is appealing that decision:
VMS Media Group, one of the outlets left empty-handed following the CRTC's urban Indigenous radio station proceedings, is appealing the decision. Following the denial of its applications to operate stations in Edmonton and Calgary, VMS is now arguing that commissioner Linda Vennard, who sat on the hearing panel, was in a conflict of interest for accepting gifts from ethnic broadcaster Red FM. In a previous proceeding, Vennard was already found in conflict for accepting a box of chocolates and a bouquet of flowers from the broadcaster on her birthday. VMS’ appeal states “the Commission’s decision does not meaningfully contribute to a diversity of news voices in Calgary or Edmonton and ignored the support of Indigenous communities.”
Broadcast Dialogue Aug 10 2017

Now, they appear to be trying the backdoor approach, applying directly to Industry Canada for a 50 watt license, again on 106.5 MHz, as VF5093 (call letters).

Hard to believe that they could get any kind of coverage on that frequency, with CKVG-FM Vegreville's 100KW signal on the same frequency. Especially if that type of 50 watt license comes with limitations on tower height.

But the bigger issue is the new CRTC rules that seek to prevent a recurrence of an ethnic broadcaster masquerading as Tourist Information or "House of Worship" low power stations that Industry Canada can approve on their own.
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Re: Edmonton's VMS Media Won't Give Up on Getting an FM Stat

Postby jon » Thu Sep 21, 2017 8:14 am

This morning's Broadcast Dialogue indicates VMS just lost their appeal:

VMS Media Group Ltd. has had its appeal of the CRTC decision to issue broadcast licences to First Peoples Radio Inc. and Aboriginal Multi-Media Society of Alberta denied. VMS applied to have the decision set aside after being left empty-handed in the commission’s Indigenous radio station proceedings.
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