Skigin Radio Inc. approved to operate low-power Indigenous FM radio station, expected to launch in fall 2025
Skigin Radio Inc., at Wotstak First Nation, will conduct the Candian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)-required testing of the low-powered FM station CHIL-FM 107.7.
The testing period will run for three to six weeks beginning Monday, Oct. 21 at 9 a.m.
This test is designed to determine if CHIL-FM’s radio signal is generating any interference with aeronautical navigational communication (NAV/COM) systems.
If you experience any interruptions or if you detect any problems, please contact Valerie Chisholm at (506) 328-2007 (EXT. 576) OR email skiginradio1077@gmail.com.
In October 2023, the CRTC approved Skigin Radio’s application to operate a low-power, Indigenous FM radio station to serve the Maliseet People of the Wolastoqiyik territory. Under the licence, the station would be a not-for-profit entity.
Skigin Radio is a non-profit organization governed by a board and has agreed, under the new licenses, to broadcast 112 hours of local programming and 14 hours of wrap-around programming each broadcast week. The station would also devote 104 hours to musical content, promising that 20 per cent of musical content would be Indigenous. The remaining 22 hours of airtime would be dedicated to spoken word programming, targeting children and youth and education, religious, news and public affairs programs. The board has promised to have 100 hours of English-language programming, with 20 hours of programming in various Indigenous languages (Wolastoqey, Mi’kmaq, and Ojibway) and six hours of French-language programming.
The 50-watt station will operate at 107.7 FM, serving a region from just below Hays Falls to Hartford and from East Newbridge to MacKenzie Corner.
Skigin Radio promises to broadcast programming developed for and recorded by the Indigenous population.
As part of its application, Skigin said it would support Indigenous content development, including giving Indigenous artists studio recording time and showcasing such talent at on-and-off-reserve events. The radio station stated it would also promote Indigenous talent online, in pamphlets, and in a newsletter.
In making its decision, the CRTC noted that stations in the area would experience little to no economic impact.
“The proposed station’s FM service contours would encompass Woodstock First Nation and surrounding areas. According to the applicant, the proposed station would be supported by government grants or funding, its Band Council, advertising revenues and fundraising,” said the CRTC decision document.
“The proposed station’s primary contour would be entirely encompassed by Bell Media Radio Atlantic Inc.’s commercial station CJCJ-FM Woodstock. However, the population in the overlapping area would comprise only 6.4% of the population within CJCJ-FM’s primary contour. In light of the above, and given the nature of the proposed service, the Commission finds that approval of this application would not have an undue economic impact on any incumbent stations.”
Under CRTC rules, the station must devote 35 per cent of its music to Canadian content. Under the license agreement, Skigin Radio must be operational within 24 months of being granted the license, which would be on or before Oct. 19, 2025.
(Editors note: Since the initial license announcement, CJCJ Radio was sold to Maritime Broadcasting Systems and is no longer owned by Bell Media.)
