Neighbouring Rights: Date: Wed, 29 Oct 1997 17:28:41 +0000 From: Magnus Thyvold Subject: New tariffs for Neighbouring Rights -Ouch!!! To: ncra-info@chebucto.ns.ca I have just received from the Copyright Board of Canada the proposed new tariffs for Neighbouring Rights for the period 1998 to 2002. The following info is taken from the Supplement, Canada Gazzette, Part 1, October 18, 1997. The new tariff will be in addition to the existing SOCAN fees we already are paying. The new tariff, handled by a new organization called the Neighbouring Rights Collective of Canada (NRCC), will begin in 1998 with payments for the 1998 year due "No later than January 31 of each year, commencing on January 31, 1998" (about 3 months away). The proposed tariff scheme is as follows: for Trent Radio 1998 - 2000...................1.9% $ 650 2001..........................2.5% $ 850 2002..........................3.2% $ 1,100 based on the estimated gross annual operating costs for the twelve months of the previous year ending Aug, 31. As you can see non-commercial radios are faced with an immediate doubling and by 2002 a tripling of the licence fees to be paid. Interestingly it appears that smaller commercial stations will pay a lower percentage than non-commercial stations. Commercial stations will pay on a graduated scale based on advertising revenue. In fact until ad revenues exceed $1,500,000 commercial stations will pay less than a non-commercial station with costs in the same range. Non commercial station withbudget of $250,000 X 1.9% NRCC fee = $4.750 Commercial station with ad revenues of $250,000 0.55% NRCC fee = $1,380 or 29% [snip] Magnus Thyvold President, National Campus and Community Radio Association (250) 721-8607 Comment / jkm The official Trent Radio position (so far) is that we are in favour of paying this tariff, and want a more equitable (fair ... lower) assesement. Further, we want some acknowlegment of the effort we do put into production of cultural material (infinitely more that the commercials) and the "non-exploitive" nature of "our" kind of radio. --- Letter to the Examiner / jkm & afogarasi TRENT RADIO HAS A GREAT DEAL FOR AND BY SENIORS I was amused and enlightened to read of Bruce Knapp's exploits in radio programming in last week's Examiner (Viewpoint - 31 October 1997: "Radio airwaves have little for seniors"). Such a display of invective and passion well serves his reputation as a local activist - just look at all those adjectives! I was concerned, however, that those reading of Bruce's frustrating experience, might come to the conclusion that there really isn't much radio for seniors at all here in Peterborough. I would like to dispel that, and toot our own horn a bit. While Trent Radio is a small community radio organisation, funded almost entirely by the students of Trent University, it is the desire of those same students to share it with the community as a whole. For many years, seniors at Trent Radio have been vital to our community radio activities. Further, it is a testament to the strength of their spirited commitment and enthusiasm that Trent Radio was able to secure a better signal at 92.7FM this past April. Every morning, Monday through Saturday, seniors take over the airwaves. On Monday, listeners can hear Les Laing, with music for the "young at heart". Tuesday mornings are shared by George Moore with "Grand Ole Country" and Keith Smith with his mix of swing, sweet and classical. Wednesday Les returns with co-host Norm McHardy with music from yesteryear, while on Thursday morning Richard Smith (Keith's dad) presents "Souvenirs". On Friday its "Norman in the Morning" when Norm McHardy plays easy listening music, spiced up with interviews, the odd contest and a monthly chat with our local MP. Then there's "The Good 'N Country Show" on Saturday morning with Barb Bell and Barb Holtman, country music to be sure, with local artists coming by to share a tune and some conversation. All these programmes are interspersed with news and community notes which could be of particular interest to seniors and the community as a whole. And this is only the "prime time" morning programmes. It would misguided to believe that those over the age of fifty-five have homogeneous aspirations and desires. Perhaps some would enjoy hearing "Intermedia" (Thursday at 4pm) produced and presented by two twelve year olds; or perhaps programmes about food, polka, the environment, jazz ... I could go on. On the other hand, I'm almost sure there are some programmes which can not appeal to everyone, all of the time. Our first job at Trent Radio is to support and coach a diversity of programmers to make their own style of radio. All of our programmers, including those who happen to be seniors, enjoy making their radio programmes, and reaching people who live in the community. And now with the improved signal, people living in those large apartment complexes will be able to tune in. So let me make an official invitation to those find themselves living in a "wasteland" to join us at 92.7FM. Seniors might want to start by tuning in from 9am to Noon and deciding for themselves. Sincerely, John K Muir, General Manager with 13 years until senior-hood. --- FAX MEMO 13 Nov 1997 to: Andrew Reid and Derek Newton @ Communications Plus tel: 741 2555 fx: 741 3522 from: John Muir @ Trent Radio tel: 748 1777 fx&home: 745 3247 re: Trent Radio (CFFF 92.7Mhz) signal Thanks very much for the fax. I just want to go over the technical checks language per Industry Canada. ... from: Industry Canada BPR Part I Issue 2 February, 1997 Spectrum Management Broadcasting Procedures and Rules Part I: General Rules Section: 5 Requirements for Technical Operation of Broadcasting Transmitter Plants 5.3.2 Accurate Measurements: (a) Frequency: The carrier frequency shall be measured. - your proposal was to measure for frequency error. They require a week check of the frequency to be logged. (b) Modulation: Peak modulation under normal program conditions shall be measured. - again a logging operation. (c) Power: The power output of the transmitter shall be measured. Measurements shall be made of the RF current at the transmitter output or at the common point. - I expect this means they want some to go up to the transmitter and read the meter once a week. I would also expect that this is more work than you had contemplated. What I would propose, is that you make and log a measurement for field strength. Variations will alert me to potential trouble, and trigger a trip for me up the hill. So could we amend you proposal to read: Communications Plus - Service Department will perform, log, and forward the result of the following on a weekly basis. (a) An accurate measure of the carrier frequency ; (b) An accurate measure of Peak modulation under normal program conditions; and (c) An accurate measure of relative signal strength Note: I am thinking that the reports could be emailed or phoned in. In return Trent Radio shall twice daily broadcast the following or similar acknowledgement: "Trent Radio acknowledges the support of Communications Plus. Technical monitoring of our signal is provided by the Service Department of Communications Plus, 839 Erskine Avenue. Communications Plus for all your cellular, paging and communications needs" I'll telephone you later to see what you think. This is a big headache you're taking off my hands. (uh ?? head??) All the best ! John K Muir, GM