The Southern Ontario/WNY Radio-TV Forum / Ever Wanted To See A CRTC Radio Licence Hearing? This One's Online

**Posted by RadioActive** February 11, 2025 7:50 am

For years, we've been following the quest for the Pinocchio of online, Cabin Radio in Yellowknife, pursue its goal of becoming a real radio boy.

After numerous attempts and endless objections from Vista - which runs the only licenced station in the market - the day has come, with three CRTC commissioners travelling to the far north to decide this question once and for all. The hearing, which starts around 1 PM Toronto time, will be streamed online.

I have no expectation that this will be a riveting experience - it's government after all - but if you've ever been curious about the process of how they decide these things, this may be your only chance to see it.

Vista operates the only outlet up there, and insists there's no room for another station in the market, but then argues if a new licence is awarded, they should get it. Should be fun to watch them make that somewhat hypocritical case.

Check it out here once the hearing begins.

Cabin Radio’s Last Chance For An FM Licence

**Posted by RadioActive** February 11, 2025 6:43 pm

I actually watched some of this and it was more interesting than I thought it would be. The guys from Vista Radio came off like villains, essentially arguing there wasn't room for a second station in the market, that the advertising pie was too small to sustain an FM newcomer, even though Cabin already has its fair share of sponsors.

And then they had the gall to say they should get a second station if a licence is awarded, because somehow there would be enough ad revenue for that.

I have no stake in the game and know little about the market, but they sound like idiots and hypocrites. "There's no room for a newcomer, but if there is, we want it." The only thing missing was someone twirling a Snidley Whiplash moustache.

The hearing continues on Wednesday.

**Posted by splunge** February 11, 2025 6:57 pm

RA, that's a standard tactic for trying to prevent a fragmented market. The incumbent says that only with synergies can a second station be successful. In many cases, they aren't wrong and it does influence the Commission. However, in this case, Cabin is already established and has proven they can develop audience and advertiser share.

My prop bet is on Cabin to win this.... assuming a licence is awarded at all. Don't forget, the CRTC initially said there was no room for another station, therefore they would have to roll back their previous decision should they award anyone.

**Posted by RadioActive** February 11, 2025 7:03 pm

First time I've ever seen a licence hearing. Cabin did a pretty convincing presentation and - while it has no effect on me - I hope they win it.

They've been online for a long time and serving their community, despite the "handicap" of being Internet only. Vista just looks desperate to stop having any competition.

**Posted by Scarboroughbluffsradiof99** February 11, 2025 7:32 pm

I missed it.
Is it recorded and in there archives?
I've heard cabin radio online, and they have a nice music mix.
Hope they get the licence.

**Posted by RadioActive** February 11, 2025 8:11 pm

I have no idea if they record or archive the hearings, but you can catch it again on Wednesday, when it goes back into session. The link is in the first post

**Posted by Scarboroughbluffsradiof99** February 11, 2025 9:02 pm

I tried to rewatch but it did'nt work.
I also looked on there youtube channel, but it was not up and there was no transcript on there website.

**Posted by RadioActive** February 11, 2025 9:21 pm

They may not archive these, but they almost certainly won't until it's finished. Check after the hearing ends on Wednesday.

**Posted by RadioActive** February 12, 2025 7:40 am

A good summary of the back-and-forth on Tuesday.

Cabin Radio, Vista Radio each seek new FM licence at CRTC hearing in Yellowknife

**Posted by Scarboroughbluffsradiof99** February 12, 2025 10:17 am

RadioActive wrote:
A good summary of the back-and-forth on Tuesday.

Cabin Radio, Vista Radio each seek new FM licence at CRTC hearing in Yellowknife

Thanks RA.

**Posted by splunge** February 12, 2025 4:29 pm

you can find the Feb. 11 hearing transcript here. There will be another one tomorrow for today's proceedings.

https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/transcripts/2025/index.htm#tb0211

**Posted by RadioActive** February 12, 2025 4:54 pm

Just watched the end of it. It's actually kind of interesting to see how the sausage is made. I think the Cabin boys - all co-owners - who testified made a pretty good case for themselves, lightly chiding the Commissioners that "we've been waiting six years for this day."

Still, they could be waiting a lot longer. There's no word on when a decision will be made, but knowing the CRTC, it will be a while.

I had to laugh at the end when the Commissioner openly worried she would get "stuck in Yellowknife" because of a snowstorm in Toronto and Ottawa! You know things are out of whack when Yellowknife has better weather than we do!

Last edited by RadioActive (February 12, 2025 4:58 pm)