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TNI to launch its own radio network

Plan would increase programming and financial freedom, broadcaster says

ODILE NELSON

Taqramiut Nipingat Inc. is forging ahead with plans to launch its own regional radio network this summer, despite the non-profit organization’s $94,000 deficit.

TNI has used CBC North’s radio network to broadcast its Innuttitut language programs since the early 1980s. But, thanks to a $124,000 grant it is negotiating with the Quebec ministry of culture and communication, the Nunavik broadcaster hopes to run its own radio network and double its daily programming by August.

Claude Grenier, TNI’s general director, said the broadcaster’s decision was made, at least in part, to give it the means to eliminate its deficit.

"With the CBC, it’s their radio so we’re limited with that. It gives us limited opportunity to fundraise," Grenier said. "We’d like to do bingo [to raise money] but we can’t do that on the CBC.... We have to fall within the CBC guidelines when we use their network."

TNI has relied on the CBC radio network to air its programs because it does not have its own transmitting infrastructure in place. The CBC has transmitting equipment in each of Nunavik’s 14 communities.

TNI pays for three hours of daily airtime, Monday to Friday, on the national broadcaster’s Quebec radio service. But CBC radio broadcasting rules don’t allow advertisements or fundraising schemes on air.

TNI is considering both these options for its own network.

The network proposal is a scaled down version of a plan TNI first conceived in 2000. The initial $500,000 dream, Grenier said, was "A to Z, the perfect scenario." It would have included a permanent radio station in Kuujjuaq and top-of-the-line equipment to replace its Salluit station’s failing gear.

But lack of resources and a $100,000 deficit, incurred in part after an ambitious but failed attempt to provide a regional Internet service, has made the broadcaster divide the original goal into small phases.

The first phase is to establish the network’s basic infrastructure. TNI will use the Quebec government’s $124,000 grant to build radio transmission equipment in each of Nunavik’s 14 communities and a temporary radio station in Kuujjuaq.

Later phases will include upgrading the Salluit station’s equipment and building permanent housing for the new Kuujjuaq station. In the meantime, the Kuujjuaq station will likely be housed in TNI’s television production office.

Grenier and George Kakayuk, the broadcaster’s recently elected president, stressed financial freedom is only part of its decision to launch its own network.

"We’ve been pioneers in the region’s communication service for a long time," Kakayuk said. "This decision only means we can go out on our own more or less, so we can have the freedom to choose when and how and what we air for our communities and our region."

The local broadcaster must currently seek CBC approval of any significant change or addition to its scheduled programming. Grenier said the policy has limited TNI’s ability to cover special events such as elections or conferences.

TNI anticipates doubling its programming time from 15 hours a week to at least 30 hours a week when the new network begins. It hopes to cover more special meetings and cultural events. It will also offer a daily newscast, more community news and additional youth programming.

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