SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Representatives of struggling radio station CKLB are optimistic listeners will hear its aboriginal programming again, should it smooth over a tremulous relationship with its source of core funding - the federal government.

A final decision on the fate of radio station CKLB could be in the future, and its director of radio programming is hopeful for the outcome. - Elaine Anselmi/NNSl photo

"There was a board meeting planned (to make a decision on the station's fate) but it didn't work out, so there was no decision made," said Deneze Nakehk'o, director of radio with the Native Communications Society of the Northwest Territories, which operates CKLB.

"We're working on some things and kind of rearranging things in the background. I can't say more than that right now but I'm pretty hopeful."

As of July 31, the society laid off eight staff at the radio station and cut all Dene language programming, citing funding delays from the federal Department of Canadian Heritage. The society previously shut the radio station down for five days in December 2013 due to a nine-month delay in receiving funding.

CKLB is the predominant function of the society, Nakekh'o said. The organization runs a website and was in the process of digitizing its former newspaper, the Native Press, but the funding issues have limited those activities.

"Because of funding, we had to put almost everything else on the back burner," said Nakehk'o.

NWT MP Dennis Bevington went to bat for the station in Ottawa last week, using it as an opportunity to highlight the need for changes to the Canadian Heritage program.

"(Native Communications Society) is in this position because of a fight over funding with the Conservative government, which caused their station to lay off most of its staff in July, cut all local programming and limit broadcasts to preset music," Bevington told his counterparts on Parliament Hill on Jan. 30.

"This is jeopardizing radio station CKLB, which has been on the air for 30 years."

The society has received $464,407 toward its 2013-14 funding, according to an e-mailed response from the Department of Canadian Heritage in January, with an additional $186,546 pending the completion of certain aspects of the contract agreement, about which the department would not elaborate.

In comparison, the society received $625,587 from the department for its 2012-2013 year.

Although the majority of the funding for 2013-14 has been received, board chair JC Catholique told Yellowknifer in January that hiring staff back was not a sustainable measure.

"There was about 60 per cent of it that went toward all of the debts we have incurred," said Catholique.

"So, it's alright now to bring people back but it won't last very long. We'll have to lay them off again. That's why right now we're just kind of working on securing long-term funding."

Eight staff members remain on salary at the society, including three positions at CKLB. Nakehk'o, as well as an audio producer and technician remain as the station continues to play music and run ads, as well as maintain equipment. Nakehk'o echoed that the majority of the society's operating budget for the year has gone toward paying off bills.

"When you have inconsistent payment, it's been very difficult," said Nakehk'o.

Part of the struggle between the two bodies is that under Canadian Heritage grants, a recipient cannot pay down a deficit or costs incurred before applying for funding.

"What we spend our money on and what we can't was a big communication issue with Canadian Heritage," said Nakehk'o.

Another area deemed an ineligible expense is maintenance, which Nakehk'o said is a necessary cost for a radio broadcaster, with equipment running 24 hours per day, 365 days of the year.

"There are things that we needed to spend money on that they felt we didn't, so we got pushed into corners," he said.

"That's just an example but it happened all of the time."

Nakehk'o said the society does understand what is required to get funding. Over the past few years, he said it has been made increasingly more difficult.

"We've been very grateful for all of the support we have in order to exist over the last 30 years," said Nakehk'o.

"We want to continue that but it's very hard to work in this climate and I don't think we'd be able to if things stay the same."

With help from Bevington, Nakehk'o said the society hopes to reshape its relationship with Canadian Heritage, and has again applied for funding for the 2015-16 term.

"We hope things turn around quickly but also in a way that would secure our existence for some time," said Nakehk'o.

"Hopefully this is just a bump in the road and it'll be smooth sailing afterward."

Although the bulk of station's funding comes from Canadian Heritage, it also receives funding by CanNor and the territorial Department of Education, Culture and Employment.

Funding received by the Native Communications Society from the Department of Canadian Heritage:

• $464,407 in 2013-2014 (+$186,546 approved but pending)
• $625,587 in 2012-2013
• $788,125 in 2011-2012
• $811,055 in 2010-2011

- with files from Cody Punter

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