Songs From The Road: Vancouver CRTC Hearings
Much of Canada's radio aristocracy came pouring into rainy Vancouver in the days immediately preceding the Feb. 25 CRTC hearing. Hunkered down in hotel boardrooms, some of the finest minds in the industry strategized each and every word and figure in their carefully crafted scripts designed to win the final FM frequency to be granted in Vancouver. In all, 17 applicants (in addition to interveners) were scheduled to begin presenting on Monday. A good mix of broadcast groups (Pattison, Astral, Evanov, Vista, Harvard, etc.) and experienced independents stood at the ready.
The bell rang at 9:30am in the Crystal Ballroom of The Empire Landmark but nobody really came out swinging. This was a much more civilized affair. More like a congregation of blue suits gathered at the altar of the CRTC. Each peering up at the commissioners while awaiting the decision on which format of hymn would be granted preferential status.
And so we began
each panel of applicants delivering a 20 minute presentation followed by about one and a half hours of follow up questions from the five commissioners. I will say this
.if it was a fight or a hockey game (is there a difference?), the referee wasn't calling much in the way of minor infractions (e.g. running too long, technical violations, etc.) In truth, the referee, Chair Helen del Val did an outstanding job of keeping the process on an even keel. She did so with a very pleasant demeanour and a decided lack of cynicism, all the while showing no sign of favouritism. Chairman KVF and Vice Chair Arpin were attending the Bell Canada hearing in Gatineau, thus we were greeted with a somewhat different panel, one that did an admirable job.
In addition to applicants, senior representatives from the other major groups helped to fill the room. All giving weight to the belief that this would be a very significant decision. Of course the crowds thin out very quickly while the lobbies fill up. It takes a superhuman patience to sit through every minute of these sorts of sessions. I never cease to marvel at how we can take two things I love (radio and music) and turn the whole thing into a very dry affair. If we had someone covering this sea of blue it on the red carpet, they would undoubtedly fall asleep. Although one hip hop gentlemen in a bowler hat did add a bit of light hearted flair to the proceedings.
The most striking things about the hearings was how quickly after each session the group of presenters turn into something approximating a gaggle of teenagers animatedly speculating about whether the commissioners were enamoured with them. "I thought I saw her smile when I said that". "I'm sure he nodded his head". It was as if these powerful people were transformed into teenagers hoping for a date to the prom. These sorts of ruminations went on for days. "I'm sure she likes us better".
Despite a few offerings that weren't up to par, most of the presentations were fairly solid. Many were in agreement on the format holes in the market although there were some differences in the projected shares of hours tuned. I won't pretend to know who the ultimate winners will be since there are so many different factors at work when weighing the decision. Everything from diversity to CCD contributions, the viability of the format and the financial reliability of the applicants. It has become very clear that a commitment to broadcasting "Emerging Artists" as part of their CANCON will play a very significant role here and in the future.
One area that did seem to win consensus from many of the private broadcasters was the controversial nature of the CBC's presentation. They were seeking the 104.1 FM frequency for use in Nanaimo and wanted the commission to reject all of the other applicants on the grounds that Vancouver didn't need another music format in Vancouver. They also repeatedly discussed the urgent need for CBU-AM690 to flip to FM despite being the current #2 station in terms A 12+ hours tuned. Moreover some of the evidence presented was highly suspect. In all, the CBC wants to use 3 of the last frequencies in BC, despite the fact that it already has more than 20 transmitters on the air in the region.
In the interest of full disclosure I will say I was at the hearing working with a group called Shore-FM. On a personal note I want to add that working on a team with Sam Feldman (manager of Joni Mitchell, Diana Krall and Norah Jones), Bob Mackowycz Sr. and Jr. (programming gurus), my partner "The Real Roy Hennessy" (who is an institution in Vancouver radio), and the other outstanding members of the team was a real treat. My only hope is that whoever the ultimate winner is will display the passion for music and radio that I experienced while working on this project.
Good luck to all. Now comes the hand wringing while we wait to see who the CRTC will take to the prom.
On a totally separate note I want to pay tribute to my friend Jeff Healey on his passing. He was a great family man as well as being one of the most naturally talented musicians I ever had the pleasure to work with. My condolences to Christie, Rachel and Derek. He will be missed.
David Bray is Sr. Vice President of Hennessy & Bray Communications. Feel free to forward questions: Phone: (416)431-5792 E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Web site: hennessyandbray.com