There's been a fair bit of talk on various DX lists about 1220 CHSC and what
stands to happen.
The only recent precedent I can think of - unless something else low-key has
happened of this sort that I'm unaware of - is CHOI 98.1 in Quebec City. Its
licence was revoked for issues related to inapporpriate remarks made on air,
and what was deemed to be management's relative inaction. I can't recall the
exact details offhand and don't want to risk introducing error into this
discussion by trying to recall (and I don't have time now to do the research -
I'm sure it's all up on the web in various places). But it was hugely
controversial. CHOI appealed, the case was going through the courts, there was
even an attempt at political intervention, and then - somehow, again I can't
recall the exact details) - the station transfered to new ownership and was
allowed to continue.
Bottom line here is whether or not CHSC will sign-off for good on Aug 31/Sept.
1.
The safe answer is that time will tell. But matters can always get complicated,
so I'll pull a possible scenario that occurs to me:
The CHOI Situation - CHSC delays the situation as long as possible, and while
the CRTC has not renewed the licence thus effectively killing the media
property it's always possible that somehow this could get reversed if the right
political or political appeals are made. Everyone would win - the Niagara
region would retain a local station (hee hee, actually it would gain one), any
jobs at the station would likely remain intact and more likely there would be a
few new hires, the current owners wowuld go away quietly, and there'd be a new
functional business. DXers hindered by the continuing presence of CHSC would be
the only losers - I'm greedily hoping for at least one full season with only
Cleveland to null. DXers like Pat martin, who use CHSC as a beacon to indicate
good eastern cx would be winners.
CHSC could also appeal to federal Cabinet (really, the political party in
power, the Conservatives) and win - it would help if they have any clout, say
having in the past donated large sums of money to the party or helping with a
local electoral campaign - in other words, if they've made political friends.
It's also crossed my mind that CHSC might take the pirate approach. Just keep
broadcasting till they're forced off. Maybe scream about freedom of speech.
They do have a history of not paying close attention to CRTC orders.
My gut sense is this operation is extremely cash-strapped or for other reasons
not in fact a viable radio operation. So if I were gambling I'd put a decent
bit of money on their going for good on Aug. 31-Sept. 1. But I would not bet my
financial future on it.
One more task for me for August - to compile a hit-list for 1220. Cleveland
isn't an easy null. CHSC has actually been the lesser of the two main pests on
1220. But this will definitely help. I've had a few good catches there - like
Boissevain MB. Maybe I'll finally get Mexico...if...
Saul Chernos
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