Hamilton on the dial for CBC

The CBC wants to be in Hamilton.

Hamilton is recognized as the largest underserved radio market and “one of the top 10 markets across Canada,” said Kirstine Stewart, the executive vice-president of the public broadcaster's English services. That makes the city a top priority for a new five-year plan announced this week to expand to roughly eight new markets, she said.

Areas with large and underserved markets are the priority.

Firm details as to when any new stations will open are yet to be seen. However, Stewart said she expects to be able to announce some in a matter of months.

The rollout will be staggered over the next five years.

There are more than 7 million Canadians who cannot receive CBC radio, she said, adding that the corporation hopes they will get to 6 million of those with the new plan.

Hamilton's biggest barrier remains the lack of available FM frequency, Stewart said, adding that it will not be possible for the CBC to buy new frequency in the area.

But that only means the corporation will have to look at different technological options, including digital, she said.

There are “workable solutions.”