Should Radio Stations Get Permanent Licences?

Official title: Share your thoughts about the modernization of radio processes

Closed Regulations & Permits Economy & Jobs Technology & Digital

The CRTC asked whether radio stations should get more flexibility in how they operate. The big change? Licences that never expire, so stations don't have to keep renewing them. The regulator also looked at simplifying audits and making it easier to launch new stations.

Why This Matters

Listen to local radio? This affects the stations you tune into. Smaller community and campus stations could have an easier time staying on air. Indigenous and French-language stations in minority communities were part of the conversation too.

What Could Change

Radio licences are now permanent—no more expiry dates. Stations save time and money on renewals. New stations face fewer hurdles to launch. The CRTC will use simplified audits instead of full licence renewals to check compliance.

Key Issues

Should radio licences be permanent instead of requiring renewal?
What flexibility measures would help radio stations operate more efficiently?
How should the CRTC handle non-compliance by radio stations?
What reporting requirements should radio stations have?

How to Participate

Review the Notice of Consultation for full details on the proposals.
Comments could be submitted online, by mail, or by fax during the consultation period.

What Happened

The CRTC issued its decision giving radio stations more flexibility. Licences are now open-ended with no expiry dates, saving stations time and money on renewals. The CRTC is making it easier for new stations to launch and existing ones to operate, while using simplified audits to ensure compliance.