The CRTC has approved an application by Cabin Radio to operate a new English-language commercial FM radio station in Yellowknife, while turning Vista Radio down for a second licence in the market.
Cabin Radio has operated online since March 2018, broadcasting via its website and app as though it were a commercial FM station. The outlet was previously denied an FM licence in 2023, but that was before that summer’s wildfires threatened the community of roughly 20,000 highlighting the importance of local news, prompting the commission to re-open applications after Cabin Radio appealed for an exception.
In a release, the CRTC said the decision would “help Yellowknife residents have better access to local news and community-focused programming, including Indigenous voices while reflecting the realities and priorities of people in the North in our broadcasting system.”
The commission said “to maintain market stability,” it is only approving one new station, noting concerns about the financial impact of adding two FM stations.
“We always had faith that Cabin Radio would come through this rigorous process and we could successfully demonstrate the merits of our application,” wrote Cabin Radio Editor Ollie Williams, in a statement provided to Broadcast Dialogue on Wednesday. “That faith mostly came from the incredible support shown by the population of Yellowknife and the NWT.”
“We recognize the CRTC has an important role to play in overseeing the nation’s airwaves, and we are excited to demonstrate – for years to come – our ability to operate a professional, robust and vital service for northerners while supporting northern and Indigenous music and broadcasting. We thank the commissioners and the CRTC’s staff for coming to Yellowknife and giving us this opportunity,” he added. “We now need a little time to ensure all the hardware is in place and technical requirements met before we begin broadcasting on FM. We’ll provide more information about that process in the coming weeks, including an anticipated timeline for moving to FM.”
Williams said in line with Cabin Radio’s application to the CRTC, it plans to operate “a commercial music station with a difference.”
“Alongside a huge range of hit music from the past 60 years, we will incorporate northern and Indigenous music at the core of our broadcasting,” said Williams. “Our radio news will match the speed, reliability and flair for which our online journalism is already known. Our lineup of broadcasters includes some of the most experienced and entertaining voices in northern radio, with a combined 98 years hosting shows in the NWT. Most importantly, every single decision will be taken in the NWT. The songs are chosen here. The voices come from here. The ads are sold and created here. The owners live here.”
Independently owned by five Yellowknife residents, including Williams, Andrew Goodwin, Jesse Wheeler, Sarah Pruys, and Scott Letkeman, Cabin Radio currently employs seven full-time and 15 part-time staff, including interns.
Ollie Williams joined Broadcast Dialogue – The Podcast last year to talk about the twists and turns of the regulatory process and the impact of local journalism. Listen to that episode here:
