Should a New Fund Support Local Radio News in Smaller Communities?

Official title: Share your thoughts on a temporary fund to support local news production by commercial radio stations

Closed Regulations & Permits Economy & Jobs Technology & Digital
The CRTC asked whether to create a temporary fund to help commercial radio stations produce local news. The catch? Only stations outside Canada's six biggest cities would qualify. In many small towns, local radio is the only source of community news.

Why This Matters

Live in a smaller city or town? Your local radio station might be struggling to keep reporters on staff. This fund could mean the difference between having local news coverage or losing it entirely. If you rely on radio for weather, traffic, or community updates, this affects you.

What Could Change

The CRTC has now approved the Commercial Radio News Fund. Radio stations outside Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and Ottawa-Gatineau can apply for funding to support local news production. The Canadian Association of Broadcasters will administer the fund.

Key Issues

  • How should the fund be governed and what accountability measures are needed?
  • How should the fund operate day-to-day?
  • How can the fund meet Broadcasting Act objectives for equity, diversity, and inclusion?

How to Participate

  1. Review the Notice of Consultation for full details on the proposed fund.
  2. Read the interventions to see what others submitted.

What Happened

The CRTC has approved the Commercial Radio News Fund. The fund will support local news production by commercial radio stations outside of Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and Ottawa-Gatineau. The Canadian Association of Broadcasters will administer the fund.