Kelowna

Two new FM radio stations? They could be in Kelowna's future as the CRTC opened up hearings for new stations in Kelowna Tuesday.

At Tuesday's proceedings, Commissioners asked applicants if the city could support more than one. Most applicants seemed to accept that possibility, particularly in light of recent rapid economic growth in the Central Okanagan.

There are 11 applicants for FM stations including: Classic Rock, Country, Gospel, Alternative, New World, Smooth Jazz & All News.

Some of the submissions noted that only two companies, Jimmy Pattison and Astral, now own all the radio stations in the Okanagan Valley - from Osoyoos to Salmon Arm.

The CRTC hearings at the Best Western is open to the public and is expected to run until Friday.

A decision on new radio licencees for Kelowna could come by January.

Link: Meeting Agenda Link: CRTC Notice / Application details Link: Interventions supporting/opposing Link: Replies Link: Live hearing audio feed