CRTC Nixes CJLT/Medicine Hat Format Change, Power Increase

Gets A 'No'

The CRTC has denied LIGHTHOUSE BROADCASTING LTD.'s application to change Contemporary Christian CJLT (POWER 93.7)/MEDICINE HAT, AB's frequency from 93.7 to 103.3 FM and increase power, and also to drop its "specialty format" license restriction to enable a flip to AC.

In denying the format change, the agency noted the decline in aggregate profitability for stations in the market after the introduction of two new stations in 2008, concluding that "the addition of a mainstream commercial radio station at this time could strain the profitability in the MEDICINE HAT radio market."  The Commission also said that allowing the format change after the license was specifically granted for a Religion station in 2003 would amount to a "back-door" entry into the market.

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