Canadian Heritage committee  We're asking more or less for a program to be created.

Canadian Heritage committee  She told us that she could not meet with us because our application would not be eligible under of her programs.

Canadian Heritage committee  We are targeting the inter-cultural segment. Radio Basse-Ville is one very good example. Radio Centre-Ville in Montreal also targets the same audience group. These radio stations are targeting immigrant populations. The stations broadcast in languages other than French or English, or offer programming in French, but geared to French-speaking immigrants who have settled in Montreal or Quebec City.

Canadian Heritage committee  To answer one part of your question on urban radio, I would say that the proximity I spoke of throughout the presentation serves as a common thread. We define ourselves as local radio stations. In an urban setting, this proximity decreases and special interests emerge. Radio stations in the Magdalen Islands will draw a large audience because of geographical proximity and common interests; whereas in an urban setting, specialized programming may target a very specific segment of the population, but may still draw a high number of listeners because of the large catchment population.

Canadian Heritage committee  Sometimes, stereotypes abound. People think that community radio stations are trend from the 1970s. But that's not the case, because community radio stations are riding a wave of popularity in Canada at the moment. Proposals for new stations are springing up around the country.

Canadian Heritage committee  I will explain what we would like to discuss with you today. We will provide you with an outline of our sector. We represent three associations, but we work together on certain issues that are common to all of us. We will explain what community radio in Canada is all about, particularly as it relates to the CBC.

Canadian Heritage committee  To properly understand our role in Canada's broadcasting industry, it is essential to understand how community radio began here in Canada. The first student radio station was born in 1922, at Queen's University, in Kingston. Then, community radio developed in large urban centres, particularly during the 1970s, during a time of great social upheaval.

Canadian Heritage committee  My name is Magalie Paré and I am an assistant with ARC's Communications and Member Services. With me is Brigitte Duchesneau, the Secretary-Treasurer of the board of directors of the Association des radiodiffuseurs communautaires du Québec.