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| Aboriginal Voices Radio |
| March 12th, 2001 AVR Wins Calgary Licence |
Aboriginal Voices Radio has received CRTC approval for a Toronto broadcast licence. It's the beginning of a new national aboriginal radio network. Aboriginal Voices Radio will air on the FM frequency 106.5.
It will offer a very diversified programming schedule. Programming will include a variety of music, open line programs, round table discussions, spirituality and teachings, language and cultural lessons, as well as news from an aboriginal perspective.
Indigenous languages will be woven into the programming according to the community's need and available resources. The station will promote the retention and revitalization of native languages.
Read the CRTC's Decision in English and French or
see below for English only
Ottawa, 16 June 2000
Gary Farmer, on behalf of an incorporated body to be known as Aboriginal Voices Radio
Toronto, Ontario – 199911806 3
1 January 2000 Public Hearing Toronto
New Type B FM native radio programming undertaking
1.The Commission approves, in part, the application for a broadcasting licence for an English- and Native-language radio programming undertaking at Toronto.
2.Consistent with Public Notice CRTC 1990-89 dated 20 September 1990 entitled Native Broadcasting Policy (the policy) and subject to the requirements of this decision, the Commission will issue a licence for a Type B FM native radio undertaking. The licence will expire on 31 August 2006, and will be subject to the conditions specified in this decision and in the licence to be issued.
3.The new undertaking will operate on the frequency 106.5 MHz, channel 293A, with an effective radiated power of 250 watts, rather than 305 watts as set out in Notice of Public Hearing CRTC 1999-12. Following publication of that notice, the applicant revised its proposed technical parameters after consultation with Industry Canada regarding potential interference with existing radio station signals. The Commission, however, denies the applicant’s proposal to also broadcast the signal of this station on a transmitter located at Toronto/Hornby that would operate on AM frequency 740 kHz with a transmitter power of 50,000 watts.
4.In PN 1990-89, a native radio undertaking is defined as one that is owned and controlled by a not-for-profit organization whose structure provides for board membership by the native population of the region served. While the programming can be in either or both official languages, or in any native Canadian language, it should be oriented to the native population, and reflect the specific interests and needs of that audience. When a native radio station is licensed in a market in which at least one commercial radio station is already operating,that station is referred to as a Type B native undertaking.
The new station
5.Aboriginal Voices Radio (AVR, the applicant) proposed a diversified programming schedule that will have a higher spoken word content than most commercial radio stations in Toronto. The station's programming will include a variety of music, open line programs, round table discussions, spirituality and teachings, language and cultural lessons as well as news programs from an aboriginal perspective.
6. The new station will operate as a Type B native undertaking, as defined in the policy. The applicant made commitments to broadcast at least 25% spoken word content, at least 35% Canadian content for general popular music, and that at least 2% of all vocal music selections each week will be in an aboriginal language and 2% of all programming will be broadcast in a Canadian aboriginal language. These commitments are set out below as conditions of licence.
7.The licence will also be subject to conditions related to adherence to industry codes relating to programming standards. These conditions are also set out below.
8.The new station will be exempt from the policy's limitation respecting advertising, which generally limits Type B stations to an average of 4 minutes of advertising per hour per day. The Commission is of the opinion that, because this station will be primarily aimed at a relatively small audience in a large urban market, revenues garnered by AVR would have no undue impact on the financial health of other Toronto radio stations.
Quality of the application
9.Public Notice CRTC 2000-84 serves as a preamble to this and other decisions related to Toronto radio services published today. In that notice, the Commission sets out the general factors considered by it in making this decision.
10. The Commission notes that, while AVR proposed the use of two different radio signals to serve Toronto, the applicant indicated at the hearing that, if both could not be granted, the use of the 106.5 MHz frequency alone would be the best technical alternative for the implementation of its plans. The Commission is satisfied that, apart from technical considerations, the primary factor for approval is the quality of the individual application, in all the circumstances.
11.The Commission is satisfied that AVR submitted a high-quality application, taking into account the applicant's business plan and contributions to format diversity, its plans for the reflection of the community it proposes to serve, the ways in which the new station will assist and encourage Canadian talent, as well as factors concerning the optimum use of the 106.5 FM frequency.
Business plan and programming format
12. The applicant estimates that roughly one-third of AVR's advertising revenue will come from government advertising campaigns, the same amount from large corporations, and one-third from aboriginal and other retail businesses.
13. As part of its advertising projections, AVR expects significant revenues from combined advertising sales with the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, in addition to on-air solicitation of donations.
14.AVR also noted that, if its proposal was licensed, there were "many available forms of public funding" that could be sources of additional revenue. AVR noted that its revenue projections are conservative, and therefore do not include assumptions related to funding from such other sources.
15.In addition to the revenue and funding sources discussed above, AVR has obtained from Newcap Broadcasting, an established broadcaster, a substantial, unsecured, forgivable loan, and additional commitments towards the eventual establishment of a national aboriginal radio network.
16.Although selling airtime and radio bingo are mainstays in many native radio funding scenarios, AVR has indicated that it has no plans for either.
17.The Commission considers a strong business plan to be an important element of a high quality application. In this regard, AVR has provided conservative financial projections that incorporate financial and other assistance from experienced broadcasters and its own fund-raising expertise.
Reflection of the community to be served
18. The Native Broadcasting Policy states that a native undertaking "has a distinct role in fostering the development of aboriginal cultures and, where possible, the preservation of ancestral languages." AVR stated at the hearing that "Indigenous languages will be woven into the programming according to the community's need and as we find resources….we will honour indigenous languages by including them throughout our programming and we will promote language retention and revitalization efforts to the community."
19. AVR proposed that the new station would provide a voice for aboriginal people living in the Toronto area and would present information from an aboriginal viewpoint. AVR will operate as a not-for-profit corporation, and include a high level of volunteer support in all aspects of the station’s operations. Although reflecting the needs and interests of the aboriginal community would be paramount, the applicant stressed that its service would be relevant to all Toronto residents and be of great interest in Toronto’s diverse cultural environment.
20. AVR proposed to assist aboriginal musical talent to produce a number of CDs, to send the recordings to other media, and to help those artists with promotion. AVR stated their belief that the greatest contribution they could make in this area would be to broadcast the music of Canadian aboriginal artists.
21. The Commission notes the applicant's plans for the development of Canadian talent, and is of the opinion that providing airplay for aboriginal musicians will be beneficial to the careers of these artists. It further notes that, as a not-for-profit station, the new undertaking will not be able to dedicate a large budget to financial help for talent development initiatives comparable to those of commercial radio stations.
Frequency considerations
22.AVR proposed to provide its service using two separate transmitters. It planned to serve Toronto’s downtown core on the 106.5 MHz FM frequency, while listeners outside the range of 106.5 FM would receive the service on the AM frequency 740 kHz.
23. The AVR proposal, as filed, was therefore competitive, on a technical basis, with seven other applicants whose proposals for the use of 740 AM were considered at the public hearing. Although no other applicant specifically requested the 106.5 FM frequency, two applicants, Durham Radio Inc. (Durham) and 1158556 Ontario Ltd. applied to use the frequency 106.3 MHz to rebroadcast in Toronto the signals of country music station CJKX-FM Ajax and of CHIM-FM Timmins respectively. The three applications were therefore technically mutually exclusive.
24. After careful consideration, the Commission considers that the AVR application should be licensed on frequency 106.5 MHz, instead of either the Durham or the 1158556 Ontario Ltd.proposal for use of the "first adjacent channel" frequency, 106.3 MHz. As set out in Decision CRTC 2000-206 issued today, the applications by Durham and 1158556 Ontario Ltd. are consequently denied.
25.With respect to AVR's proposal to use the AM frequency 740 in addition to the FM frequency granted, in Decision CRTC 2000-205, the Commission approved an application by CHWO Ontario Inc., (on behalf of a limited partnership to be known as AM 740 PrimeTime Radio (PrimeTime), for a licence to carry on a new AM station using the 740 kHz frequency. PrimeTime will provide a service focused on entertainment and information of interest primarily to those 50 years of age and older. The Commission notes in that decision that, of the applications for the use of 740 AM, including that of AVR, the application by PrimeTime represents the best use of the frequency.
Conditions of licence
26.This licence will be subject to the conditions specified in this decision and in the licence to be issued. By conditions of licence, the licensee must:
ensure that a minimum of 2% of all vocal musical selections played during each broadcast week is in a Canadian aboriginal language;
ensure that a minimum of 25% of all programming broadcast each broadcast week is spoken word programming;
ensure that a minimum of 35% of all musical selections from Category 2 – Popular music, played in each broadcast week are Canadian selections, played in their entirety;
adhere to the guidelines on gender portrayal set out in the Canadian Association of Broadcasters’ (CAB) Sex-role portrayal code for television and radio programming, as amended from time to time and approved by the Commission; and
adhere to the provisions of the CAB’s Broadcast code for advertising to children, as amended from time to time and approved by the Commission.
Other matters
27.This authority will only be effective and the Commission will only issue the licence at such time as it receives documentation establishing that an eligible Canadian corporation has been incorporated in accordance with the application in all material respects and that this corporation may be issued a licence.
Technical matters
28 Further, the licence will only be issued and effective when the new station is ready to begin operation. Whenthe licensee has completed construction and is prepared to commence operation, it must advise the Commission in writing. If the station is not constructed and ready to operate within 12 months of today’s date, extensions to this time frame may be granted provided that the licensee applies in writing to the Commission before the 12-month period or any extension of that period expires.
29.As proposed in part, the new FM station will operate on the frequency 106.5 MHz, channel 293A, with an effective radiated power of 250 watts.
30.The Department of Industry has advised the Commission that this application is conditionally technically acceptable. The Department will only issue a broadcasting certificate once it has determined that the proposed technical parameters will not create any unacceptable interference with aeronautical NAV/COM services.
31.In accordance with section 22(1) of the Broadcasting Act, the Commission will only issue the licence and grant the authority to operate when it receives notification from the Department of Industry that its technical requirements have been met, and that a broadcasting certificate will be issued.
Interventions
32.The Commission acknowledges and has considered all of the interventions submitted in support of this application, as well as one in opposition from a competing applicant, and one expressing general concerns, from the Canadian Independent Record Production Association.
Related CRTC documents
• Public Notice 1999-119 – Call for applications for a broadcasting licence to carry on a radio programming undertaking to serve Toronto, Ontario
• Public Notice 1990-89 – Native Broadcasting Policy
• Public Notice 1998-85 – Order in Council P.C. 1998-800 concerning the reservation of radio frequencies in the Toronto Market.
Secretary General
This decision is to be appended to the licence. It is available in alternative format upon request, and may also be examined at the following Internet site: http://www.crtc.gc.ca
Read Below for Background Information or click on the logo above.
UPDATED May 22, 2000
An Aboriginal dream and
a Canadian cultural necessity
by Tehaliwaskénhas - Bob Kennedy, Oneida
Movies, magazines and now - a radio network. Successful as an international actor and magazine publisher - perhaps best known to many in the movie Smoke Signals, Gary Farmer has filed an application with the CRTC - Canadian Radio Television and Telecommunications Commission for a national radio network for aboriginal people in Canada.
In his brief to the Commission, Farmer says "This new service with a national Aboriginal perspective will complement any existing individual local Native programming services." In fact, AVRN - Aboriginal Voices Radio Network would provide much needed culturally appropriate services to the country's very diverse urban aboriginals, as well as provide a link between the urban peoples and the many rural reserve-based First Nations communities across the country. As the application explains, "AVRN will provide a new national voice reflecting the interests and aspirations of Native Canadians, while offering an Aboriginal perspective to the Canadian Broadcasting System for the benefit of all Canadians."
Farmer served as Chair of the Steering Committee responsible for the development of the successful application for an Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN), and as a member of its Board of Directors. He already has appeared at CRTC hearings on behalf of an application for a license to operate JUMP FM, an Aboriginal Voices radio station in Toronto. If approved, it would become the flagship station for the radio network.
Once the network is established, licenses will be sought for radio broadcasting in other urban centres across Canada that have large aboriginal populations.
As part of a unique and creative business agreement initiated by one of Canada's east coast broadcasters, the necessary multi-million dollar funding for the Aboriginal Voices Radio operations will be through a partnership arrangement with NewCap Broadcasting, part of the Newfoundland Capital Corporation, piggy-backed onto its own efforts to establish a network of radio stations across Canada.
The following is what was presented to the CRTC at a hearing in Hull, Quebec last December, "As part of our presentation to you today, NewCap is proud to announce an historic, national initiative. Working in partnership with internationally renowned actor, Gary Farmer, the Publisher of Aboriginal Voices Magazine, we will provide $1.0 million to support the development of an Aboriginal radio network. Here's the vision. Phase One: Aboriginal Voices radio, a non-profit corporation led by Gary farmer, has submitted an application for a new Aboriginal peoples radio station in Toronto. If approved, the station will serve as the flagship for Canada's national Aboriginal Peoples Radio Network.
Phase Two: Mr. Farmer and his team will submit an application for a network licence to distribute the programming of the flagship station to Aboriginal stations across Canada by satellite, cable and other forms of delivery.
Phase Three: As funds become available, applications will be submitted to establish repeater transmitters in urban markets across Canada with large Aboriginal populations. These markets include Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, London, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City and Halifax. WHAT A VISION! A National Aboriginal radio network."
As part of its promise to support Canadian talent development, NewCap chose to walk into new territory. In an unique approach by a Canadian broadcaster, NewCap pledged financial assistance not in a general way, but specifically targetted to help Aboriginal Canadians.
A decision by the CRTC regarding the Toronto license application is expected soon. As they say, Stay Tuned!
As previously reported by Turtle Island Native Network....
A National Aboriginal Radio Service
Creating Better Aboriginal Communications
"WHEREAS radio broadcasting continues to be a media which is universally economically accessible, and as an oral communication, plays to the strength of First Nations oral traditions" ...... from an AFN Resolution December 7, 1999
News and Comment
by Tehaliwaskenhas - Bob Kennedy
December 13, 1999
Stand by for the beginning of another broadcasting breakthrough in Canada --- something historic for Aboriginal communications. We already have the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. APTN went on the air September 1st and promises to help build better and timely access to information, provide opportunities to share our cultures and help educate ourselves and non-aboriginal Canadians too.
Now, the Dream of a national Aboriginal Peoples Radio Network is a dream that may come to life in the new millenium thanks to a partnership with non-aboriginals.
The Royal Commission called for better communications for Aboriginal Canadians. Gathering Strength the government's response also called for partnerships between Aboriginal and non-aboriginal businesses to help build capacity and bring about change.
Turtle Island Native Network has learned of a new deal unveiled this past week involving such a partnership. Ideally it means working together to promote healing and wellness in the communities and to help restore Aboriginal Peoples cultures through creating better communications.
That's part of an historic initiative announced at the CRTC radio hearings in Hull, Quebec. NewCap Broadcasting, part of the Newfoundland Capital Corporation in seeking to expand its radio presence across Canada is willing to provide a million dollars as start-up money for a national Aboriginal Peoples radio network.
NewCap proposes to work in partnership with actor and publisher Gary Farmer of Aboriginal Voices Magazine. The announcement came as NewCap presented its plans for a new non-aboriginal radio station in Hamilton. As part of its promise to support Canadian talent development, NewCap chose to walk into new territory. In an unique approach by a broadcaster, NewCap pledged financial assistance not in a general way, but specifically targetted to help Aboriginal Canadians.
The following is what was presented to the CRTC, "As part of our presentation to you today, NewCap is proud to announce an historic, national initiative. Working in partnership with internationally renowned actor, Gary Farmer, the Publisher of Aboriginal Voices Magazine, we will provide $1.0 million to support the development of an Aboriginal radio network.
Here's the vision. Phase One: Aboriginal Voices radio, a non-profit corporation led by Gary farmer, has submitted an application for a new Aboriginal peoples radio station in Toronto. If approved, the station will serve as the flagship for Canada's national Aboriginal Peoples Radio Network. Phase Two: Mr. Farmer and his team will submit an application for a network licence to distribute the programming of the flagship station to Aboriginal stations across Canada by satellite, cable and other forms of delivery. Phase Three: As funds become available, applications will be submitted to establish repeater transmitters in urban markets across Canada with large Aboriginal populations. These markets include Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, London, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City and Halifax. WHAT A VISION! A National Aboriginal radio network.
This initiative is an innovative approach to Canadian talent development. However, we are proposing it as a public benefit that speaks directly to Section 3(1)(o) of the Broadcasting Act, This often overlooked section of the Act states, 'programming that reflects the aboriginal cultures of Canada should be provided within the Canadian broadcasting system as resources become available for the purpose'. With this historic Aboriginal proposal, that day has finally arrived. While this is a new and unique approach to public benefits funding, there may never be a national Aboriginal radio service in Canada unless we seize the opportunity today. NewCap Broadcasting is proud to make that commitment to you now. If licenced, we will provide our Aboriginal partners with the financial support required to launch the Aboriginal radio network and work with them to ensure its success."
Earlier in the week, by consensus the Assembly of First Nations chiefs at the Confederacy of Nations gathering in Ottawa approved a motion supporting the proposal for establishing an Aboriginal Radio Network in Canada.
The following is the presentation made to the CRTC by Tehaliwaskenhas-Bob Kennedy as News and Information Programming Advisor and Aboriginal Relations Consultant to NewCap, in support of the plan to help fund a national aboriginal radio network in Canada.
MR. KENNEDY: "Bonjour. Good afternoon. Shekoli.
--- Oneida language spoken / Parle dans le langage d'Oneida
MR. KENNEDY: That is who I am. I am here wearing a couple of hats, as we heard in the introduction. I will address the issue of the aboriginal participation.
I am Tehaliwaskenhas. I am a member of the Oneida Nation Turtle Clan. I need to offer for all, to witness my respect to you, the Members of this Commission and all those gathered here, and all those who may hear my words today. I offer my respect to my Elders, our women, our young people and to sister Luwititalani, all Oneida, all those who have gone before us.
I thank them for all they did to ensure we are here today and to the Master Creator and -- --- Oneida language spoken / Parle dans le langage d'Oneida
I want to recognize and show my respect to the Algonquin Nation upon whose traditional territory we are gathered here today.
I am indeed humbled by this opportunity to speak here as part of what I believe is a most important historic occasion for the aboriginal peoples of Turtle Island in this wonderful place called Canada.
The introduction of a partnership proposal involving aboriginal and non-aboriginal businesses with a purpose including an initiative to help bring back the life of the people in the communities through healing and wellness -- I know we are talking about radio and broadcasting.
In this particular part of the initiative we are talking about healing and wellness, with the restoration of cultures and the traditions by way of broadcasting, a radio network that will provide us with the opportunity to have timely information, to share our success stories, our solutions, our music, our traditions with each other and with all Canadians.
This truly is a momentous occasion and opportunity to bring to life a dream. The dream that we all have as aboriginal people, the vision, is that pride returns to us.
This is about saving lives.
There is a gentlemen named Dr. Michael Chandler at the University of British Columbia who I have had the pleasure of meeting and reading his research. He has researched adolescent suicide, particularly with First Nations in Canada.
What he found is that communities where culture has been restored or there is a process in place of restoring that aboriginal culture, the rate of suicide of adolescents plummets. It drops dramatically. In his study he indicates where there is, for all intents and purposes, a full restoration in modern-day context of traditions, teachings and culture, suicide does not exist in some of those communities that he studied.
So I believe that this is about saving lives. Save culture, save lives is the message from this gentleman's research.
When I spoke with him -- he is a very respectful man to aboriginal people; he works with them. And he told me that he found it somewhat perverse, for a non-aboriginal academic, to be telling people what the solution is to the problems that we all hear about in Canada about the aboriginal people.
I respect him for saying that. The context of that was that we know that our Elders have been saying that all the time.
Recently, just a few nights ago, the leaders of the aboriginal community in this country, because they are at a point where they look around and they see the devastation and the plague of poor conditions in the community, leaders, bright intelligent and experienced professional human beings came to the conclusion: What are we going to do?
They went to the Elders, as they have to, and the Elders said: "We have to get back to our traditions and we have to start relying on our teachings."
The wise sage of the Elders to the Assembly of First Nations leaders.
So that means restore our culture.
At the same gathering this week I had the pleasure of briefly describing the NewCap proposal to the more than 160 chiefs and leaders from across Canada who had gathered in Ottawa this week.
My chief, Harry Doxtator of Oneida, introduced a motion of support, along with Chief Lydia Hwhitsum of the Cowichan Nation of British Columbia, an historic motion. He put it forward and she seconded the motion, and they both spoke to it. I briefly addressed it and outlined what Commissioners have heard today.
I am pleased to say that the motion of support for what we are doing was approved by the Chiefs through a traditional consensus process. There was no opposition. We need this.
I was there today before coming here, and the theme in the air was communications..........."
The plan is to see Gary farmer apply for a radio license in Toronto. If approved that station would become the flagship for a network. Farmer would then go to the CRTC for a network license and then as funds become available repeater stations would be established across Canada in major urban centres with large Aboriginal populations.
Funding is already coming together because of Farmer's partnering with NewCap Broadcasting, an arrangement that so far has provuded a million dollars up front to help kick start the radio network. It's expected that more financial backing will be made available as more licenses are sought by the east coast company wanting to expand its own presence across Canada. NewCap has committed to being involved for the long haul and not by way of just a quick burst of short-term support.
You could feel the excitement and enthusiasm in the words of NewCap Broadcasting's President, Bob Templeton, " In terms of benefits to the broadcasting system as a whole, our $1.0 million commitment to help facilitate the introduction of a national Aboriginal Peoples radio network will expand the diversity of programming choices across Canada, contribute to a better and more balanced Canadian broadcasting system overall, and address the 'special place of Aboriginal Peoples' within Canadian society, as outlined in the Broadcasting Act."
Stay tuned for more details. Turtle Island Native Network will bring you more information on this historic communications development.
UPDATED February 6, 2000
JUMP FM is applying to the Canadian Radio, Television and Telecommunications Commission for 106.5 FM and 740 AM to broadcast simultaneously. Actor Gary Farmer is trying to get a broadcast license for Toronto and then plans to go for a network license to establish the Aboriginal Voices Radio Network
UPDATED January 6, 2000
An important alliance was announced between JUMP FM, Aboriginal Voices Radio(AVR) and Share FM. Gary Farmer, Founder, and Publisher of Aboriginal Voices Magazine, and Arnold A. Auguste, owner, Publisher and Executive Editor of Share, Canada's largest ethnic newspaper have agreed to mutually support each other's bid to obtain radio licenses in Toronto.
JUMP FM is applying to the Canadian Radio, Television and Telecommunications Commission for 106.5 FM and 740 AM to broadcast simultaneously.
Share Broadcasting, corporate partner for AVR's public radio application, has included an agreement to provide a substantial two million dollar contribution through a benefits package over seven years for Canadian talent Development. In addition to Share's relationship with AVR, NewCap Broadcasting has committed to support AVR in licensing applications across Canada over the next two years. NewCap will assist in the development of the flagship Toronto station JUMP FM, and AVR's effort to develop a national radio service.
By January 14, 2000, Aboriginal Voices Radio will be submitting an application to the CRTC to offer Aboriginal programming throughout Canada. The development of Aboriginal radio service in major urban centres in Canada will compliment existing Aboriginal radio stations in rural and Northern Canada. through the operations of the national radio service, canadian Aboriginal broadcasting talent will be developed to the benefit of JUMP FM's Toronto flagship and 400 Native communities and reserves currently without any existing radio service.
UPDATED January 4, 2000
A Message from Gary Farmer
Dear Friend:
We need your support in our application to the CRTC. JUMP!FM, Aboriginal Voices radio, (AVR) is applying for a new community radio service on the 740 AM and 106.5 FM frequencies. Few people realize that Toronto is Ontario's largest Aboriginal Community. Aboriginal People in the area are almost invisible in all forms of media, aside from the newly launched Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. We are hoping to extend that presence to radio.
You may have seen Aboriginal Voices Magazine, a not-for-profit publication in its seventh year, or come across its accompanying website (http://www.aboriginalvoices.com). In June of 1999, the first Aboriginal Voices Festival was held at Harbourfront, a free event showcasing Aboriginal artists from across North America, in conjunction with a conference focused on First Nations People in the media, and an accompanying 5-day radio broadcast on 106.5 FM. It drew visitors from around the world, opening the lines of communication between Native People and non-Native People alike.
During that temporary broadcast period, JUMP!FM proved its ability to educate, entertain and inform its listeners while promoting the artists to an audience that might otherwise have no venue to discover these talented individuals. Selected highlights from this historical broadcast are available at http://www.aboriginalvoices.com/radio.html The new service will build on the goodwill created during this event and provide a choice for those who would like more information on what is happening in the world of Indigenous culture - politics, arts, and events.
JUMP!FM would serve as a permanent bridge between cultural groups. "I'm really excited about the potential, and community support we are receiving." says Gary Farmer. "The effectiveness of this media operation will be one solution to gaining understanding and sharing the knowledge of Indigenous people from around the world. There is so much to be gained. I believe the launch of this new radio service will be a timely start to the new millennium as we all work towards greater peace and understanding."
The AVR radio application already has tremendous support, both locally and nationally. "By supporting this application we at the Assembly of First Nations truly believe it will be a positive benefit to the Aboriginal community and Canadian listeners", said Phil Fontaine, National Chief of the AFN. The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization for Aboriginal people in Canada, representing 633 First Nations.
If you would like to support our bid for a broadcast license, please write
a letter of support to the CRTC before January 10th, 2000.
1. Date your letter
2. Address it to:
The Secretary General,
CRTC,
Ottawa Ontario
K1A 0N2
3. State that you are supporting the Aboriginal Voices Radio application:
#199911806 Aboriginal Voices Radio
4. State your reasons for support. Please be clear and concise regarding
each reason given. (A sample letter of support can also be found on the
website)
5. State that you do (or do not) wish to appear at the public hearing to
expand upon your letter.
6. State that you have sent a copy of your intervention to Aboriginal
Voices Radio
7. Sign your letter
8. Make sure your full contact information is included - especially if the
letter is not on a letterhead.
9. CC: Aboriginal Voices Radio
226 Bathurst Street,
Toronto, ON
M5T2R9
More details about this application can be found on our website, http://www.aboriginalvoices.com/ and at our Open House, January 6, 2000 at 6 PM, 226 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario.
Thank-you for your support of our JUMP!FM Radio Application.
For more information please call Aboriginal Voices Radio @ (416) 703-4577
or send mail to info@aboriginalvoices.com
Sincerely,
Gary Farmer
UPDATED December 23, 1999
Media Release
Aboriginal Voices Radio Launches Bid for a New
Urban Community Radio Station in Toronto, Canada
A dramatic development in the history of community radio broadcasting in Canada will be announced during a press conference on January 6, 2000 at 6PM, 226 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario.
Aboriginal Voices Radio (AVR) will be hosting a media conference to highlight JUMP!FM, its proposed new non-profit Toronto radio service. The event will feature live radio production with musical guests, a slide show and an art exhibition.
Gary farmer,
the Speaker for AVR Board of Directors, well-known actor, and publisher of Aboriginal Voices Magazine, a non-profit publication in its sixth year of operation, will announce details of AVR's application for a radio service on 106.5FM and 740AM(the CRTC hearing to consider the new community radio service begins January 31, 2000 in Toronto).
JUMP!FM will increase the diversity of radio programming available in the Toronto market with a unique new multicultural radio style. JUMP!FM will reflect Toronto's sophisticated urban multicultural reality through an offering of information programming on common community urban issues and through world Aboriginal music: a vast repertoire of musical programming from contemporary and traditional musical genres.
"I'm really excited about the potential, and community support we are receiving," says Gary Farmer. "The effectiveness of this media operation will be one solution to gaining understanding and sharing the knowledge of Indigenous people from around the world. There is so much to be gained. i believe the launch of this new radio service will be a timely start to the new millenium as we all work towards greater peace and understanding."
The AVR radio application already has tremendous support, both locally and nationally. "By supporting this application we at the Assembly of First Nations truly believe it will be a positive benefit to the Aboriginal community and Canadian listeners", said Phil Fontaine, National Chief of the AFN. The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization for Aboriginal people in Canada, representing 633 First Nations.
Members of the JUMP!FM radio programming staff wull be producing live radio samples of their programs during the media events, and will be available for interviews. Refreshments will be served.
Contact:Nicole Robertson (416)703-4577 Media/Public Relations
Cellular# (416)830-7380 JUMP!FM, Aboriginal Voices Radio
Aboriginal Voices Radio 226 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2R9, Canada
(416)703-4577 Fax:(416)703-4581 radio@aboriginalvoices,com aboriginalvoices.com
