CARN Application Hearing
Date: Monday, December 12 @ 00:00:00 UTC
Topic: Black Habits Articles


The Caribbean & African Radio Network (CARN) has applied to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) for a license to broadcast on 97.5FM which is one of the last remaining frequencies.

The hearing will take place on in Montreal on Jan 16th 2006 and the group responsible for the application is urging the Caribbean community to support the effort by sending a letter addressed to the CRTC or by doing so online. CARN wants 10,000 letters from Toronto residents to bolster its case.

CARN is a group headed by Mr. A. Fitzroy Gordon, a well known Caribbean broadcaster a.k.a. Dr. Love, who intends to incorporate once the application is approved.

The group that includes Delford Blythe and U-Sheak (broadcaster to the African community) was unsuccessful in 2002-3 when it was passed over for a French language station broadcasting in Toronto.

On this occasion they have strategically partnered with a main stream broadcaster Doug Kirk of Wave 94.7.

Mr. Kirk will provide expertise with the application process and getting the station out of the blocks quickly. The group has provided ‘an aggressive technical brief’.

Mr. Kirk said, “I have radio stations in Oshawa, I have a radio station in Hamilton and an interest in some others. My part in this is trying to bring some of the background of the technical operating requirements to the party here… This application is based on a very aggressive technical plan, that we have found another frequency”.

CARN’s format will be unlike the very successful Urban Radio Station, FLOW. It will offer World Beat for its music content - 49% of all music played on CARN will fall into the CRTC’s “Hits” category. It also proposes 15% of all music programming to have Canadian content.

The group proposes to create 20 new jobs in the first year of operation, largely among underrepresented minorities in Toronto’s Radio Sector and to increase ownership diversity in the Canadian broadcasting system.

Of course, CARN will operate around the clock and allow established Caribbean broadcasters to move into prime time spots. Expect to start the day with an early morning gospel hour and have a mid day devotion gospel segment.

The call-in shows will be representative of the views of the Caribbean and the African communities.

Mr. Fitzroy Green said about the station, “It is more than music. Imagine waking up in the morning to the sound of inspirational music and talk. Hear the voices of successful people; professional people”.

Delford Blythe articulated the vision as a radio station where ‘diversity is celebrated’. “Our mission is to enhance the lives of Canadians of Caribbean and African heritage. We will be their voice; serving and affecting them 24 hours a day through programming of culturally and appropriate music, spoken word, local and international news, sports, entertainment and religious programs”, said Mr. Blythe.

Go to www.carnradio.com





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