Cross-Border Targeted Radio in Vancouver-Bellingham: Differing Treatments of South Asian and Christian Broadcasters

Abstract

Abstract Cross-border targeted radio is evident among listeners to South Asian and Christian stations in Vancouver, BC. Canada’s earlier restrictions on religious stations left Vancouver faithful with only U.S.-licensed stations. This study also chronicles the struggle to get Canadian South Asian stations on the air. South Asian programming for Vancouver started on U.S.-licensed stations. When Canadian regulators approved South Asian stations, they also tried to move against the American stations. It will be shown that listeners will find what they want on the radio dial in spite of a station’s location and station operators took advantage of many loopholes.