The CRTC is taking another step forward to implement the modernized Broadcasting Act (the Act) by helping local news production through the new temporary Commercial Radio News Fund (CRNF).
The Act requires the CRTC to modernize Canada's broadcasting framework and ensure that online streaming services make meaningful contributions to Canadian and Indigenous content. As part of this work, the CRTC launched a consultation on a temporary fund to support news programming by commercial radio stations outside Canada's largest cities, where the needs are more pressing.
Based on the public record, today's decision conditionally approves the plan filed by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters for the CRNF. This funding will help commercial radio stations in smaller communities where radio is sometimes the only source of local news.
