CRTC Announces Major Radio License Changes for Canadian Broadcasters

Gatineau, Quebec — The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced significant changes to its radio licensing processes on Friday, ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. These updates aim to simplify regulatory requirements for radio stations.

The new regulations will relax the license renewal process, allowing stations to operate indefinitely without needing renewal applications. This move comes as part of the CRTC’s efforts to modernize radio practices in response to the growing presence of online streaming services.

“Radio is in a period of transition,” the CRTC stated. “It continues to represent a major part of Canadians’ listening habits, offering local news and a connection to communities.” Alongside the indefinite licenses, the CRTC will conduct regular audits to ensure compliance, replacing the previous renewal application system.

The commission considered various options for license terms, proposing lengths from 10 to 20 years, but ultimately determined that indefinite licenses would be more beneficial. The CRTC indicated that most stations were in compliance, with non-compliance issues being generally minor.

In addition to license changes, the CRTC also approved a one-year trial that permits AM radio stations to simulcast their programming on FM stations. This aligns Canadian regulations more closely with practices in the U.S., where such simulcasting has been commonplace.

This opportunity allows broadcasters to expand their reach, especially as more vehicles lack AM radio functionality. The trial could significantly impact stations like CHQR-AM and CKLW-AM, enabling them to reach broader audiences through FM channels.

While CRTC announced these changes, two commissioners expressed concerns about the potential impact on content quality. The agency is also inviting public comments on various regulatory amendments, emphasizing its commitment to supporting Canadian and Indigenous creators.