There will be a new voice coming to North Bay’s FM dial, although it may sound a lot like an old one. The CRTC has approved an application by Vista Radio for a new FM outlet that will operate at 90.5, with just under 49.000 watts – and will boast an oldies format.
 
Rogers already owns three stations in the city (Vista currently operates the other one) and complained in an intervention that the city is too small for a yet another new operation, that it’s already suffering from a lack of ad sales, that it’s not sustainable etc., etc. etc. ad nauseam.
 
The CRTC didn’t buy it, rebuking Rogers’ attempt to stifle competition by noting its previous studies showed there was room for a new radio voice. And then it added this:
 
“…the Commission notes that Rogers’ profit before interest and tax margin remains healthy and higher than both the national and provincial averages. Rogers also accounts for the majority of the market’s commercial radio revenues share.”
 
“…given Roger’s dominant position in the market with respect to the number of stations as well as revenue share, it is in a strong position to withstand competition from a new station by Vista.”
 
Nice to see the CRTC saw through the straw man arguments from a company that simply did not want more competition. The new station is expected to be up and running by May 25, 2022.

CRTC Decision