As much as we prepared, I don't think any of my friends on our 88.1 panel were fully comprehending the drama contained in a CRTC Hearing.
You see, the CRTC is the government regulatory body that decides who gets a broadcast license and who isn't following the Broadcast Act. They decide on licensing new stations by first asking for an application - a creative application, outlining sample music lists, a financial commitment to developing Canadian talent, the vision for the news department, funding, etc. After the application is reviewed in Ottawa they call a formal hearing, during which, the applicants present a 20-minute oral presentation.
That brings us up to date.
At the Hearing in Toronto, there were seven Commissioners, on a platform, facing our panel.
The Commissioners were Louise Poirier, Stephen Simpson, Tom Pentefountas, Leonard Katz, Candice Molnar, Peter Menzies and Marc Patrone.
We played our 7-minute video that was a summary of Torontonians expressing their wish for Christian radio in Toronto, plus artists explaining how a radio station would support their careers, and pastors talking about how Christian radio would help promote events and church attendance.
(Two rows of tables where we sat, facing the front. Legal staff along the side wall.)
Just before "show-time" our video was accidently misplaced. Both the DVD and the back-up USB version! Oh my! The secretary was very apologetic, realizing the signficance of the video to our presentation. I was not worried. Anticipating a problem I brought a back-up stick. (And failing that was another copy on my laptop in the car.)
The video played fine. It sounded great, it looked great. It was passionate and fun and musical and informative!
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO.
My panel friends took turns reading a narrative that I had written. Our panel included Drew Brown (recording artist), Fazal Karim (Christian Herald), Paul Firminger (technican), Andrew Hamilton (Chairman of the board), Maria Lopez, Steve Jones, Janice Baird and myself.
After our 20-minutes, Pastor Ginette Howse from Malvern Christian Assembly gave her endorsement - which by the way, was stellar! Pastor Ginette and Malvern LOVE LIFE 100.3 and support us financially and pray for us with fervor!
After that, it was the Commissioners turn to ask us questions and see how well prepared our vision was. (And quietly comparing us to the other competitors.)
"Why do you think there would be an interest for Christian music in Toronto?" Me: "Because, according to Stats Can, 65% of Torontonians consider themselves Christians." "Ok" he smiled.
Janice explained our Sharathon. Maria shared about our vision for Toronto news. Fazal talked about Immigrating to Canada and the challenges he faced. Drew talked about the difficulty of being a full-time musician without radio support, Paul told them about our transmitter power and location, Steve talked about music programming - daytime and evenings.
Our answers were short, and we didn't ramble and get off topic as did most other applicants.
They found a $500 difference in one of our financial projections, which we corrected on the spot.
The Commissioners seem to understand our vision and, in my opinion, did not appear to have concerns.
I believe we presented ourselves as prepared and knowledgable about our vision, with back-up plans in case of a financial failure. I would not presume to know their decision, as they will analyze 21 other presentations, some of which are presented by million dollar entrepreneurs and broadcasting pros.
Was God with us? Absolutely. In the days leading up to the Hearing, my nervousness and worry was minimal and my excitement escalated. I love radio - I love talking about radio, especially to people who understand radio. God gave me extreme confidence in the midst of, what many would consider to be "panic".
Our Technician Paul said to me this morning, "In all my many years in Broadcasting and presentations of applications before
the CRTC, this is one of the most relaxed presentations I have been part of."
Sidebar - I have spoken with CRTC personnel by phone many, many times, and visited them informally in Ottawa. They seem to have a reputation as anti-Christian - and I have never felt that. They have always been helpful to me, never talked to me like I was unimportant, always returning my phone calls and willing to spend time with me. My experience has been very good!
Alright - here's how we prepared:
Our team had rehearsed the 20-minute narrative as a group in three meetings, tweaking the words, shorting the explanation until it flowed like a great song, building to a climax of excitment, which by the way, ended with our top ten list of reasons to "give us the license!"
My homework was to read the transcripts of 15 other applicants from previous hearings, writing down each question the Commission asked, and then I asked my panel to answer them as they related to us. We discussed answers until we had it down pat.
The video was edited and re-edited - some scenes were cut for time. It took AJ and I three times longer to produce than I anticipated but the final production was fabulous!
I was also consulted by John Stewart from LIFE-FM in Blackville, NS. John presented his station case six months ago and had some advice for me, which I gladly accepted. (Thanks John.)
(L-R - Andrew Hamilton, Drew Brown, Janice Baird, me, (back row Rev. Ginette Howse), Steve Jones, Maria Lopez, Fazal Karim and Paul Firminger)
Today and I look back and write this blog and scan the photos from the Hearing, I am also reading hundreds of facebook comments just from today. I feel - well - wonderfully content. So many people prayed for us. I could feel it. We did our best. We pray God would take control of the rest.
This process happened much faster than I expected. The Commission is ahead of schedule based on my timeline. Now, we wait for them to render a decision, likely not until September 1, possibly as late a Christmas.
YOUR PRAYERS ARE STILL NEEDED UNTIL THE DAY OF DECISION. PLEASE DON'T STOP PRAYING FOR 88.1.
