CRTC Nixes CFLZ-CJED Simulcast For Now

Not So Fast

The CRTC has denied VISTA RADIO LTD.'s application to amend its license for CFLZ/FORT ERIE-BUFFALO by suspending the requirement that it refrain from selling local ads while it rebroadcasts the programming of sister Top 40 CJED (2DAY FM 105.1/101.1)/NIAGARA FALLS.

The Commission complained that CFLZ launched into a full-time simulcast of CJED without prior CRTC approval, then filed for relief from the local ad prohibition for stations airing less than 42 hours a week of local programming.  The Commission is giving VISTA until DECEMBER 18th to undo the simulcast, then until JANUARY 26th to formally apply to convert CFLZ from a full license to a rebroadcaster with no local ads in FORT ERIE.

VISTA said it would add back local programming in stages every year starting in SEPTEMBER 2015, with local programming amounting to six hours the first year up to 42 hours by SEPTEMBER 2018 and would do three hours of news, two-thirds of which would be local to FORT ERIE and the NIAGARA region.  It said that its move was because upon acquiring the stations, it found them in disrepair and understaffed and not financially sustainable as is, but the Commission responded that the challenges were present when VISTA bought the stations.

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