There are still details to be ironed out with the CRTC but barring any setbacks, Vista Radio could be granted a new licence to operate a second station in North Bay.
Vista President Geoff Poulton excitedly shared the news with his team, saying, “In early 2018 we began the long journey of applying for a new licence in North Bay. In September of last year, the CRTC published a call for comments to determine if the market could support a new station.
“I’m beyond thrilled to tell you that the CRTC has determined that North Bay can indeed support a new station and that Vista’s application will be heard on an upcoming non-appearing hearing.”
The Commission finds that the market of North Bay, Ontario, can sustain an additional radio station at this time. Given that no other party besides Vista Radio Ltd. (Vista) expressed interest in serving this market, the Commission considers that it is not necessary to publish a call for applications.
Accordingly, the Commission will publish the application filed by Vista for a broadcasting licence to operate a new commercial FM radio station in this market as part of the non-appearing phase of an upcoming public hearing.
Essentially, this means that Vista’s licence is a formality but there is a process to follow to make the granting of a second station alongside Vista’s 106.3 Moose FM a reality.
Station General Manager Peter Hobbs and the team in North Bay are already making preparations to bring listeners more of what they love to hear with the same commitment and focus on local news and events.
Stay tuned, once the commission has officially approved Vista’s second license, there will be plenty more exciting news to share.
