CJBU-FM

On May 15, the CRTC approved the application by Caper Radio Incorporated to operate a low-power, English-language developmental campus FM radio station. It would operate at 107.3 MHz (channel 297LP) with an ERP of 5 watts (non-directional antenna with an EHAAT of 9.7 metres). The licence would expire August 31, 2019. The applicant noted that it had been broadcasting programming to Cape Breton University students, on campus, via carrier current technology since 1992. It submitted that by transitioning to a developmental station, it would be able to better meet its objectives and develop its institutional capacities.

Of the 120 hours of programming to be broadcast each broadcast week, 60 hours would be devoted to local programming featuring local and independent music, current affairs and sports. The remaining programming would consist of syndicated programming obtained from the National Campus and Community Radio Association’s Program Exchange. The station’s musical programming would be drawn from a range of content category 2 (Popular Music) and content category 3 (Special Interest Music) musical selections. Caper Radio stated that it would also promote alternative music, with a focus on local artists. It further indicated that the station would broadcast, on average, three hours of third-language programming per broadcast week, and would encourage international students to broadcast in their own languages.

CJBU-FM began broadcasting on November 18th, after three weeks of testing.

On July 30, Caper Radio Inc. received CRTC approval to increase the power at CJBU from 5 to 50 watts. EHAAT would be lowered from 13.5 to 9.7 metres. The status would change from a developmental campus station to a low-power, English-language campus radio station. The station would broadcast 126 hours of programming each broadcast week, of which 90 hours would be local programming. The remaining 36 hours would consist of programming from the Community Radio Exchange.