The CRTC has opened a public consultation on a temporary fund to support local radio news.
The commission announced in June that new funding collected from online streaming services under the Online Streaming Act would be directed at areas of immediate need in the broadcasting system. It subsequently determined that a new temporary fund for commercial radio stations in smaller markets should be created.
“We know how important local radio news is to Canadians. That is why we are taking action to create a new fund supporting local radio stations in smaller communities across the country,” said CRTC Chair Vicky Eatrides, in a CRTC announcement Monday.
The fund will be administered by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) and be available to stations outside of Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and Ottawa-Gatineau.
The CRTC is now welcoming comments as part of its public consultation until Dec. 19.
