Frequency Swap FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about our frequency swap application:

Q: Does this change affect our ability to be critical about controversial issues on the air?

A: This will not affect our programming policies in any way. We are still free to be the voice of the communities of Vancouver and we are still governed by the same policies regarding journalistic integrity.

Q: Will this cost us anything?

A: Absolutely not! In fact, this is the opportunity of a lifetime for the station. Our expenses are covered for moving to a new transmitter, our transmitter lease expenses for five years, and we will have our biggest ever promotional campaign.

Q: What exactly will change?

A: The location of our transmitter and our frequency.  Our radio station will stay in the same location, and the principles and policies of our station will remain the same.

Q: Why can’t we just keep the same transmitter?

A: Our current transmitter is older than our station (more than thirty-five years) and is on its last legs.

Q: How will our listener’s be able to find us on air after we change frequencies?

A: We will be announcing information on air about the specifics of the frequency swap. This will happen during June and July 2012 leading up to the actual swapping of frequencies, which we expect to happen in August 2012. Starting in August, we will have an outdoor advertising campaign with our new frequency and logo!

Q: Will there be any loss of signal coverage?

A: No. In fact, this will increase our coverage, our signal strength and finally broadcasting in stereo.  This is something our members have long been asking for.

Q: What areas will be covered?

A: Our main broadcast area is the greater Vancouver region and this will remain constant.  Many outlying areas will find the signal improved.  In the far reaches of our signal some areas may be lost but others will be gained.  Those in the far reaches will still be able to access our programming via the internet.

Q: How will the signal be different?

A: The signal will be stronger overall and in stereo.  We have been able to “test drive” the “product” by tuning into 100.5FM while driving around the Vancouver area and on Vancouver Island.  When doing this test and switching back and forth to 102.7FM, it has been clear that we will be gaining a better signal.

Q: Why can’t we keep the same frequency?

A: The value of the transaction is that Pattison can afford to improve the 102.7FM frequency by increasing its power; something we have never been able to afford.  By exchanging our frequencies, we gain a better and affordable signal along with the essential renewal of all of our major broadcast equipment (transmitter, station to transmitter link, back-up transmitter).

Q: What are the benefits?

A: Better signal (stronger and stereo), new transmission equipment, transmission tower lease paid for five years, a huge advertising campaign for the station, and a yearly cash benefit towards our operating expenses for five years

Q: What is our relationship with Pattison Broadcasting?

A: Our relationship is strictly two parties exchanging radio frequencies.  There are no other agreements in place.

Q: Will this compromise Co-op Radio’s independence?

A: Not at all

Q: Will this cause a conflict of interest?

A: No

Q: Will our programming change?

A: No

Q: Will our programming have new restrictions for on-air content?

A: No

Q: What if reasonable rent for the new transmitter's location cannot be secured?

A:  If we did not secure a reasonable rent for the transmitter's and antenna after our first five years are up, we would be no worse off than we are now, considering the fact that we will likely have to move off the Corus tower after 2012.  We have looked into the various possibilities and costs in the recent past prior to this deal coming forward.  The Terasen Gas Co. owns a transmission tower because they are required to have a communication network in the event of an emergency.  We have been advised that this is likely to make them less profit-driven with respect to tower space. Further they may also find it beneficial for their corporate image (or tax perspective) to be benevolent towards a community radio station (we have been traded on in the past).  We trust that after five years of some new ‘seed’ money, we will create some improved systems of sustainability for our co-op.  This is certainly the best boost that will ever come along for us and it provides a good test as to whether or not we have the governance capability and commitment from our members/volunteers to take advantage of a good thing.  Worst case scenario, we will not be any worse off. In fact we will have two essentially new transmitters (main and back-up) which we desperately need, and we will have huge PR campaign.

Q: How was this decision made?

A: The decision was made by the elected governing body of the Co-operative, the Board of Directors. The decision was made in response to a solution that was offered to solve a number of major problems which our station has been facing. These are problems that threaten our basic ability to continue broadcasting; including our transmission tower lease; aging and failing transmission equipment, ongoing issues with signal strength and coverage, and basic financial stability of our station.  Negotiations were held with Pattison Broadcasting, consultations were held with CRES president and vice-president, the Co-op board accepted the proposal from Pattison and application was made to the CRTC for the frequency swap.

Q: Why did members only learn about this in mid-December 2010 after the AGM? What's an NDA?

A: At the beginning of our negotiations, Pattison Broadcasting requested the board of directors of Co-op Radio sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to cover the duration of the negotiation and CRTC vetting process leading up to the CRTC public announcement. NDAs are standard practice in confidential negotiations of this type. Although this is not Co-op Radio’s preferred business manner, Pattison Broadcasting was not willing to proceed with their offer without an NDA.  Our board’s choice was to pass on the offer or place the benefits of the offer above the constraints of the NDA.For Co-op Radio the only penalty for breaching the non-disclosure agreement was that Pattison Broadcasting would withdraw their offer and cancel the agreement.  For the duration of the confidential negotiations, the board of directors did their research, consulting with selected experts, to come to a final decision to accept the final agreement which was signed in August, 2010. The final step before the board of directors could inform the membership was the CRTC public announcement that the application had been accepted and was then open for comments from the public. On December 9th, 2010, the CRTC posted the announcement on their website and our members could start publicly discussing the agreement.


Q: Why didn't we get to vote on this at the 2010 AGM? I thought Co-op Radio members voted on important matters like this?

A: The agreement and application to the CRTC was completed prior to the 2010 AGM.  The board of directors has the legal responsibility and authority under the Co-operative Association Act to manage the affairs of the co-operative. Having done its research and determining that there were no viable alternatives to solving the various technical and financial problems that this agreement will address, the board of directors of Co-op Radio entered into the agreement with Pattison Broadcasting.  The timing of when this application would be announced to the public for consultation was strictly in the hands of the CRTC.  The board had hoped that it would be able to announce this agreement at the AGM in 2010, however under the circumstances we were unable to do so without jeopardizing the agreement. The board believes that it acted in the best interest of Co-op Radio throughout this entire process.

Q: I’m still concerned, what can I do?

A: Contact the Board of Directors at: cfro-swap@coopradio.org