Earlier today, the CRTC approved CHCH's request to return to UHF

[Link: crtc.gc.ca]

Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2012-142

Route reference: Part 1 application posted on 24 November 2011

Ottawa, 9 March 2012

2190015 Ontario Inc.
Hamilton, Ontario

Application 2011-1504-8
CHCH-DT Hamilton – Technical change

1. The Commission approves the application by 2190015 Ontario Inc. to change the technical parameters of the English-language digital television (DTV) programming undertaking CHCH-DT Hamilton by changing the channel from 11 to 15 and increasing the average effective radiated power (ERP) from 4,500 to 59,000 watts (maximum ERP from 6,000 to 132,000 watts with the average effective height of antenna above average terrain from 361 to 355 metres). All other technical parameters will remain unchanged.

2. The applicant noted that channel 15 was recently vacated by CKXT-DT-1 Hamilton when the Sun TV station ceased operations[1] and stated that the proposed change was necessary for the following reasons:

the station’s DTV coverage on channel 11 has proved to be significantly less than when the station broadcast in analog;

the station has lost many viewers who previously tuned to the channel 18 transitional DTV channel, which was shut down at the end of the DTV transition; and

mobile DTV operates better on UHF channels (channel 14-51) than on VHF channels (channels 2-13).

3. The Commission received interventions in support of this application, which argued that the technical change would improve reception of CHCH-DT. The Commission also received interventions that commented on or opposed the application. The concerns of those interveners generally related to potential interference resulting from CHCH-DT’s proposed use of channel 15 with U.S. stations and an unlicensed station operating in the Toronto area. The complete record of this proceeding is available on the Commission’s website at www.crtc.gc.ca under “Public Proceedings.”

4. The Commission notes that the resolution of interference is the responsibility of the Department of Industry (the Department) and that the Department has deemed the proposal to be technically acceptable. The Commission further notes that the Department’s rules do not afford protection to U.S. television services received in Canada.

5. The Commission reminds the licensee that, pursuant to section 22(1) of the Broadcasting Act, this authority will only be effective when the Department notifies the Commission that its technical requirements have been met and that a broadcasting certificate will be issued.