A new radio station may be on its way for Surrey.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has issued a call for competitors for a proposed new radio station in Surrey, in response to an application for a new English-language commercial radio station.
South Fraser Broadcasting Inc. has applied to the CRTC for a licence to operate a commercial FM radio station in Surrey.
But given the congestion on the region’s FM dial, the CRTC has issued a call for other potential applicants.
In reviewing the applications, the CRTC will look at diversity in news. It will also consider whether the market can support another FM station.
“The possibility that licensing too many stations in a market could lead to a reduction in the quality of service to the local community remains of concern to the commission,” stated the CRTC.
“The economic condition of the market and the likely financial impact of the proposed station on existing stations in the market will therefore be relevant.”
Applicants must make a case that there is both the demand and the market for their proposed new station.
Online applications must be received by June 17.
According to the Canadian Communications Foundation, South Fraser owned and operated the first commercial radio station in Richmond in 1979 – CISL-AM (AM 650) – which was acquired by Astral Media in 2010.