A 30-year radio legacy comes to an end, but its impact continues. The closure of AM 1470 marks a significant shift in Vancouver's airwaves, leaving a void in the Chinese community's programming. Fairchild Radio, based in Richmond, is taking a bold step by shutting down its AM channel and expanding its FM presence. But here's where it gets controversial...
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has given the green light to Fairchild's request to close CJVB-AM1470, effective March 5. The CRTC's decision, while ensuring the sustainability of CHKG-FM96.1, raises questions about the impact on local ethnic programming.
The Chinese-language station cites economic losses as a primary reason for the closure, with increased costs and signal interference adding to the challenges. Fairchild believes that consolidating its operations on FM will result in significant cost savings. With the end of CJVB, 33 hours of Chinese programming will now be broadcast on CHKG-FM.
And this is the part most people miss... The CRTC has also lifted a long-standing restriction on CHKG-FM, allowing it to broadcast Chinese programming during daytime hours on weekdays. This move aims to address the lack of diversity in programming for non-Chinese ethnic groups, a concern raised when the station was first approved in 1996.
Currently, Vancouver has seven ethnic radio stations, with four focused on South Asian communities and one other Chinese station (CHMB). The closure of CJVB will result in a loss of approximately 24 hours of Chinese programming each week.
In its decision, the CRTC mandates that CHKG-FM must cater to at least 20 cultural groups in 15 languages, with a minimum of 100 hours of ethnic programming weekly. Additionally, Fairchild has committed to waiving fees for non-Chinese airtime brokers, a move encouraged by the CRTC to promote programming diversity.
The new CHKG-FM license for Fairchild Radio will be valid until August 31, 2030.
So, what's your take on this story? Is the CRTC's decision a step towards ensuring diversity in ethnic programming, or does it raise concerns about the representation of specific communities? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
