CRTC launches consultation on temporary fund to support local radio news

eAwazLocal News

Gatineau—The CRTC is taking another step forward in the implementation of the Online Streaming Act (formerly Bill C-11).

The Online Streaming Act, which amended the Broadcasting Act, requires the CRTC to modernize Canada’s broadcasting framework and ensure that online streaming services make meaningful contributions to Canadian and Indigenous content.

In June 2024, the CRTC announced that new funding from online streaming services would be directed to areas of immediate need in the Canadian broadcasting system, including local radio news. The CRTC determined that a new temporary fund for commercial radio stations in smaller markets should be created.

Today, the CRTC is launching a public consultation on the creation of this temporary fund. The fund will be administered by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters and will be available to stations outside of Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and Ottawa-Gatineau. The CRTC is welcoming comments until December 19, 2024. Canadians can participate by:

  • filling out the online form
  • writing to the Secretary General CRTC, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N2
  • sending a fax to 819-994-0218