The Southern Ontario/WNY Radio-TV Forum » Could This CRTC Decision Lead Toronto's ELMNT-FM To Go Broke?

RadioActive · May 14, 2024 11:42 am

The CRTC has denied a request by First Peoples Radio or FPR, which runs CFPT-FM Toronto (106.5) and CFPO-FM Ottawa (95.7, both known as ELMNT-FM) for a redirection of something called "tangible benefit payments" from Stingray to the troubled broadcaster.

The CRTC says it's already decided on where that money goes and does not have the power to order any funds redirected to the non-profit stations. The problem? The two FMs insist they're in such dire financial straits, they may not survive until the Commission figures out a way to help them.

"Tangible benefits payments come out of ownership transactions where there is a change in the ownership or control of a company. The Commission often requires the purchaser to pay “tangible benefits” to qualifying organizations and funds. These benefits are meant to benefit the broadcasting system as a whole, not to offset operational losses by specific individual broadcasters."

All this came after the CRTC approved Stingray's takeover of a number of radio stations.

So what happens now? For the moment, the two stations remain on air, and the CRTC claims it strongly supports Indigenous radio. But unless something changes, how long they'll be able to continue is anyone's guess, calling this request "a last resort."

CRTC Decision

In other CRTC decisions, the Commission has ordered all cable and satellite companies in Canada to put Aboriginals Peoples Television Network (APTN) on their mandatory basic cable must carry list, while reducing the number of feeds it provides from four to just two.

"APTN Inc. is proposing to broadcast a total of 100 hours of Indigenous-language programming each broadcast week on APTN Languages. It also proposes that APTN Languages and APTN will each air 5 hours and 30 minutes of news and current affairs in either English or French, and a weekly French-language newscast. Finally, it proposes to feature a total of 20 hours of French-language programming each broadcast week on the new APTN feed."

It comes into effect in September.

More here.

RadioAaron · May 14, 2024 11:51 am

Quite the bold ask from FPR.

RadioActive · May 14, 2024 1:16 pm

RadioAaron wrote:
Quite the bold ask from FPR.

Indeed, but I suspect that if they're calling it a "last resort" and insist they're near insolvency, they have nothing left to lose. So why not go for it?

I think it's great that there's an Indigenous station that reflects the culture and its storied past, but the question has to be asked: if not enough people listen and there's not enough sponsor or donation support, is there really a point to it being on air? Is taking up a valuable FM frequency in Toronto worth it if there are almost no ears on the other end of that speaker?

Perhaps a web-only station would make more sense. It would certainly be cheaper and could cover both Ottawa and Toronto at the same time, freeing up badly needed spectrum space in both markets. But the CRTC says it's committed to Indigenous radio, so no changes are likely. What will they do if it goes broke?

paterson1 · May 14, 2024 3:49 pm

Anytime I have tuned in "The Spirit Of Toronto" it mostly sounds similar to other contemporary stations. The indigenous tunes they play are modern, some hip hop or urban and many could fit in on any similar format station. But overall they play pretty much mainstream contemporary music with some album cuts. They definately have an awareness issue, the fact is that 99% of Toronto hasn't even heard of them or aware of the station. And even if they were aware, is there any compelling reason to tune in? Somewhat similar to 93.5 Today Radio, another station that sadly is going nowhere. https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/CFPT

Last edited by paterson1 (May 14, 2024 8:01 pm)

Radiowiz · May 14, 2024 5:00 pm

paterson1 wrote:
Somewhat similar to 93.5 Today Radio, another station that sadly is going nowhere.

Yet 93.5 does a lot more billboard advertising. How ironic.

RadioAaron · May 14, 2024 6:15 pm

It never stood a chance has a commercial station competing for ratings and advertising.

Would have done much better supported by government and corporate grants, listener donations, etc, with a lot more actual indigenous programming...especially in the last few years when there has been a lot more attention paid to indigenous issues

Walter · May 14, 2024 6:24 pm

If I've never heard of it, and it goes broke, does it make any sound?

RadioAaron · May 14, 2024 6:39 pm

For a while, they had about as much outdoor marketing as a typical Top 5 station.

Radiowiz · May 14, 2024 10:56 pm

RadioAaron wrote:
It never stood a chance has a commercial station competing for ratings and advertising.
Would have done much better supported by government and corporate grants, listener donations, etc, with a lot more actual indigenous programming...especially in the last few years when there has been a lot more attention paid to indigenous issues

They're looking for donations currently: https://toronto.elmntfm.ca/blog/2024/04/26/help-grow-elmnt-fm/

RadioActive · May 16, 2024 12:04 am

Broadcast Dialogue has a follow-up to this story, including an interview with the Chairman of First Peoples Radio. Jean LaRose says they've tried everything to make ends meet and were counting on the money from Stingray to keep them afloat.

They've been forced to cut staff from 26 to just 6, and have no announcers at all on the station, just a few news people. And that still wasn't enough. He claims if they don't reach their donation goal of $500,000, they may have no choice but to "close in the coming months" if advertisers don't respond.

He also claims subtle changes to the music mix have helped grow the audience. But that may not be enough to save the place in the long run.

ELMNT FM stations future in jeopardy

paterson1 · May 16, 2024 10:02 am

Listening to ELMNT yesterday, yes they have changed the music a bit. They don't sound as much like Virgin or KISS FM. Also mellowed a little but still mostly upbeat.

These two stations in Ottawa and Toronto need some press badly (beyond broadcast trades) so the public is aware of their situation. A TV news report or article in the Star or Globe about their financial situation would help with the fund raising. It will be hard and slow but raising $500,000 should be attainable. True the station isn't well known and really has no history but some press coverage with an interview with their chairman Jean LaRose would help them a lot in the short term.

Last edited by paterson1 (May 16, 2024 10:09 am)

RadioAaron · May 16, 2024 10:11 am

Not sure what the motivation to donate would be if it's just to maintain its current operation as a jukebox with no listeners.

paterson1 · May 16, 2024 10:40 am

RadioAaron wrote:
Not sure what the motivation to donate would be if it's just to maintain its current operation as a jukebox with no listeners.

At least it would give them a little more time to decide what they are going to do with the two stations. As you mentioned earlier they were doomed trying to compete as a commercial operation. Would there be an opportunity for APTN to buy or run the stations? Should they be community radio, more along the model of CKRZ, the long running station from in Ohsweken? I do give them some slack since they couldn't have hit the air at a worse time, not long before the COVID mess. Other commercial stations haven't totally recovered from that and some never will.

Last edited by paterson1 (May 16, 2024 10:41 am)

RadioAaron · May 16, 2024 11:00 am

paterson1 wrote:
Would there be an opportunity for APTN to buy or run the stations?

They already do.

RadioActive · May 16, 2024 11:09 am

And let's not forget that history seems to be repeating itself, albeit for very different reasons. The station that used to occupy the 106.5 frequency in Toronto - one of several across the country - had its licence revoked by the CRTC in July 2015 and after a series of court battles, the FM broadcaster known as CKAV (for "Aboriginal Voices") left the air for good in November.

According to Wikipedia:

"The commission cited repeated, long-term failures by Voices Radio to adhere to the requirements of its licenses, such as a failure to broadcast a sufficient amount of local news content in each of its markets that reflects stories of interest to their respective aboriginal communities, and failing to submit annual financial and business reports, program logs, and tapes of broadcast days to the CRTC."

That paved the way for the current occupant of that slot, who, while very different in following the rules, is wrapped up in its own swamp of financial problems. I like the idea of having a station that serves this community. But is it possible there just isn't an audience for this type of radio in Toronto's biggest market? How many times does the concept have to fail before the CRTC says this isn't working?

Saul · May 16, 2024 12:49 pm

Perhaps some collaboration with other indigenous stations would be in order. Some degree of cooperative networking. A model like BN/CP might be helpful for sharing and airing news, for example. There are indigenous examples in the US, as well. There was also a body I think called NCRA (national campus and community radio assoc) which helped member stations with training on multiple fronts as well as lobbying efforts. You'd think the likes of APTN would have resources and skill sets to help propel actual programming production for radio.

Skywave · May 16, 2024 2:16 pm

When CFPT-FM and CFPO-FM first signed on, they had very capable and experienced staff. The problem is fundamentally revenue versus expenses. You can't get revenue without a measurable audience, and there are just too many signals in Toronto. A niche demographic is very difficult to attract, because a lot of the target audience is content with, or prefers, mainstream programming. That is why CFXJ and CKFG struggled for so long.
CFPT-FM tried a clever mix of indigenous (but attractive to mainstream) music, along with the usual stuff, but it still wasn't enough. The only indigenous stations really making a go of it are in Alberta and Manitoba.

RadioAaron · May 16, 2024 3:11 pm

Skywave wrote:
When CFPT-FM and CFPO-FM first signed on, they had very capable and experienced staff. The problem is fundamentally revenue versus expenses. You can't get revenue without a measurable audience, and there are just too many signals in Toronto. A niche demographic is very difficult to attract, because a lot of the target audience is content with, or prefers, mainstream programming. That is why CFXJ and CKFG struggled for so long.
CFPT-FM tried a clever mix of indigenous (but attractive to mainstream) music, along with the usual stuff, but it still wasn't enough. The only indigenous stations really making a go of it are in Alberta and Manitoba.

Yes.

CFWE in Alberta seems to be quite successful. They aren't in ratings, but have been able to launch repeaters all over the province and even launch a second station in Edmonton.

paterson1 · May 16, 2024 4:05 pm

RadioAaron wrote:
paterson1 wrote:
Would there be an opportunity for APTN to buy or run the stations?
They already do.

Well if that's the case, I agree with Saul that APTN should have the money and resources to run the two stations that are likely simulcast all or most of the time.

RadioAaron · May 16, 2024 4:53 pm

paterson1 wrote:
RadioAaron wrote:
paterson1 wrote:
Would there be an opportunity for APTN to buy or run the stations?
They already do.
Well if that's the case, I agree with Saul that APTN should have the money and resources to run the two stations that are likely simulcast all or most of the time.

APTN itself has been losing money for the last few years, but that should be corrected with a recent CRTC decision. Having said that, I'm not sure what the rules are for not-for-profits in regards to moving money around between different endevours. As it is, ELMT sits under a subsidiary of APTN.