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4.0 Broadcasting

4.2 Radio

Figure summary (section 4.2)

Overview

As of 31 December 2008, there were 1,213 radio and audio services in Canada. Ninety-eight percent of radio and audio services were over-the-air while the remaining 2% was delivered by BDUs. Canada's national broadcaster, the CBC, accounted for approximately 8.6% of radio and audio services while the private commercial broadcasters accounted for 60.7%. The remaining 28.9% consisted of religious, community, campus, Aboriginal, and other radio and audio services. There were approximately 628 private commercial undertakings operating in 2008 with revenues of approximately $1.6 billion.

Highlights

  • As of 31 December 2008, there were 25 private commercial over-the-air ethnic radio stations, 73 radio stations licensed to broadcast religious music, 50 Type B Native radio stations, and 51 campus stations licensed across Canada.
  • The private commercial broadcasters, representing 61% of audio and radio services, generated revenues of $1.6 billion in 2008, a 5.2% increase or $78 million over the previous year.
  • Average weekly hours tuned per capita have declined by 2% annually since 2004, from 19.5 hours per week to 18.3 hours in 2008. The age groups with the largest declines were the 18 to 24 and 12 to 17 age groups with a 4% annual decrease.
  • Weekly hours per listener have declined 1% annually since 2004 from 21.0 hours per week in 2004 to 20.0 hours in 2008.
  • FM revenues increased 7% from $1,172 million in 2007 to $1,251 million in 2008. AM revenues remained relatively unchanged at $329 million in 2008.

Industry

Five operators accounted for 72% of the revenues in the English-language market:190

  • Rogers Broadcasting Limited (18%),
  • Astral Media Inc. (17%),
  • Corus Entertainment (17%),
  • CTVglobemedia Inc. (13%), and
  • Newcap Inc. (7%).

The three largest operators in the French-language market accounted for 82% of the revenues in the French-language market:191

  • Astral Media Inc. (47%),
  • Corus Entertainment Inc. (21%), and
  • Cogeco Inc. (14%).

Analysis

Revenue and PBIT analysis

Revenues from private commercial radio stations have increased 7% annually from $1.2 billion in 2004 to $1.6 billion in 2008. As displayed in Figure 4.2.5 and Table 4.2.8, over the 2004 to 2008 period, revenues from AM private commercial radio increased 2% annually from $303 million to $329 million in 2008. Revenues from FM private commercial radio stations increased 8% annually from $924 million to $1,251 million. During this period, there was also a steady conversion of AM stations to FM stations. The impact of this conversion on the radio industry is displayed in Figure 4.2.6. Over the 2004 to 2008 period on a per station basis, AM station revenues increased from $1.6 million per AM station to $2.1 million and FM station revenues remained relatively unchanged at $2.6 million per FM station. In addition, over this period the PBIT increased ninefold from $0.02 million per AM station in 2004 to $0.18 million in 2008, whereas the PBIT remained relatively unchanged at $0.6 million per FM station.

Tuning trends

Weekly radio listening levels per capita remained the same at 18.3 hours in 2008. There was, however, a decrease in the weekly listening levels per capita of 12 minutes and 18 minutes among the 18-24 and 35-49 age groups, respectively. This was partially offset by an increase in radio listening among adults aged 50-54 and 65 and over, who increased their radio listening by 18 minutes and 6 minutes, respectively.

Fall weekly tuning trends per listener decreased 1% from 20.2 to 20.0 hours. Private commercial radio captured 79.1% of total tuning. In 2008, the tuning share for the five largest private commercial radio operators remained the same at 54%. The remaining 46% was shared among the other private operators and public broadcasters.

Similar trends were evident in both English- and French-language tuning. With respect to English-language tuning, the five largest private commercial operators maintained their tuning share at 59% of the English-language radio listening hours. Their revenues represented 72% of the total private English radio revenues. These revenues increased 7% from $885 million in 2007 to $945 million in 2008. The top three private operators in the French-language market captured 62% of the listening hours. These operators captured 82% of the total private French-language radio revenues in 2008. These revenues increased 1% from $187 million in 2007 to $190 million in 2008.

Tangible benefits

As of 31 December 2008, tangible benefits were $3.6 million as a result of 12 transactions. The total amount of tangible benefits for the period 1 May 1998 to 31 December 2008 was $203.7 million.

Digital radio

As of 31 December 2008, the Commission renewed 59 transitional digital radio licences, of which 41 were to private commercial radio programming undertakings and 18 were to existing CBC stations. The 41 private commercial licences will expire on 31 August 2009, and the 18 CBC licences will expire on 31 August 2010.

Cultural diversity

As of 31 December 2008, the Commission had authorized 25 private commercial over-the-air ethnic radio stations in the major cities such as Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montréal, and Ottawa. The Commission directed these stations to provide programming to a number of cultural and linguistic groups.

As of 31 December 2008, there were 73 radio stations licensed to broadcast primarily religious music and/or spoken word; 27 were French-language, 45 were English-language and one was third-language.

In 2008, there were 50 Type B Native radio stations, and three Native network radio licences.

As of 31 December 2008, there were 45 Type A, 58 Type B, and six developmental community stations. Of the Type A community stations, 34 were French-language, 10 were English-language, and one was bilingual. Of the Type B community stations, 28 were French-language, 29 were English-language, and one was multicultural. There were six English-language developmental community stations.

At the end of 2008, there were 51 campus stations licensed across Canada: 41 community-based, of which 34 were English-language stations; five French-language stations; two bilingual stations; and 10 English-language instructional stations.

As of 31 December 2008, the Commission approved 16 specialty audio services, of which 12 were targeted at ethnic communities.

Multi-channel subscription services

In Broadcasting Public Notice 2005-61,192 the Commission set out the licensing framework for satellite subscription radio services and announced approval of three national subscription radio undertakings that provide a package of radio channels to subscribers for a monthly fee: these include one authorized service193 with programming to be delivered by terrestrial transmitters and all channels to be Canadian-produced as well as two other authorized programming services194 to deliver primarily by satellite with terrestrial transmitters, as required to fill the gaps in coverage. These North American satellite-based services provide a mix of Canadian and non-Canadian channels.

The national public broadcaster

The CBC operates four national radio network services: Radio One and Radio 2 in English, and La Première Chaîne and Espace musique in French. Additionally, the CBC provides a unique radio service serving Canada's northern communities, broadcasting in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages. The CBC also operates Radio-Canada International, an international radio service broadcasting in nine languages. The CBC radio services broadcast commercial-free and is funded by the federal government.

The CBC owned and operated the national pay audio service Galaxie, offering 45 channels of continuous music, without talk, to nearly six million subscribers.195 Revenues for this bilingual service were derived entirely from subscriber revenues.

The CBC was also a partner in the satellite radio service SIRIUS Canada which was launched in December 2005.

Statistical Information - Radio

Table 4.2.1 Number and type of radio and audio services authorized to broadcast in Canada1

  English-language2 French-language3 Third-language All languages
  2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008
Over-the-air radio services4                
National public broadcaster                
CBC Radio One/Première chaine 36 36 20 20     56 56
CBC Radio 2/Espace Musique 14 14 12 12     26 26
CBC Radio network licences 2 2 2 2     4 4
CBC digital: Radio One/Première chaine9 5 5 4 4     9 9
CBC digital: Radio Two/Espace musique9 5 5 4 4     9 9
Private Commercial                
AM stations 152 135 15 10 13 13 180 158
FM stations5 391 416 92 95 10 12 493 523
AM and FM network licenses6 9 7 7 7     16 14
Digital radio (stand-alone and transitional)9 32 32 4 4 5 5 41 41
Religious (music and spoken word) 7 43 45 27 27 1 1 71 73
Community                
Type A stations8 10 11 34 34     44 45
Type B stations 26 29 28 28 1 1 55 58
Developmental 10 6         10 6
Campus                
Community-based 36 36 5 5     41 41
Instructional 11 10         11 10
Developmental 1           1 0
Aboriginal - Type B stations8 39 39 11 11     50 50
Other (tourist/traffic; Environment Canada; special event, other network licences, etc.)10 81 59 9 7 3 2 93 68
Total number of over-the-air Canadian radio services 903 887 274 270 33 34 1,210 1,191
Multi-channel subscription radio services & audio services delivered by BDUs                
Satellite subscription radio service 2 2         2 2
Terrestrial subscription radio service 1           1 0
Specialty audio (commercial/Non-profit, regional/national) 4 4     3 12 7 16
Pay audio (English- and French-language national services)11 3 4         3 4
Total number of Canadian radio and audio services 913 897 274 270 36 46 1,223 1,213

Notes:

  1. Number of services approved, but not necessarily broadcasting. Unless a request for an extension of time is approved by the Commission, most undertakings must be operational within 24 months of the decision date. The data reflects services as of 31 December 2008.
  2. Includes bilingual (English and French) and English-language Native services
  3. Includes French-native services.
  4. Excludes radiocommunication distribution undertakings (RDU), rebroadcasters, and exempted radio services.
  5. Approval of a new FM radio station resulting from an AM to FM band conversion will result in station double counting until the AM licence is surrendered by the licensee - roughly three months after AM and FM simulcast transition period.
  6. Most of the commercial network licences noted here fall under Exemption order respecting certain network operations, Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2006-143, 10 November 2006 and will not need to be renewed after their current licence term expires.
  7. Includes commercial and not-for-profit religious radio stations
  8. Excludes network licences
  9. Number of transitional digital radio stations approved but not necessarily on air. For detailed markets, see Table 4.2.2
  10. The decline in these services is mostly due to licences expiring on 31 August 2008. A large part of these licences met the various exemption orders as set out in Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2003-35, 10 July 2003, Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2004-92, 26 November 2004, and Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2006-143, 10 November 2006.
  11. The numbers have been restated to reflect current results.

Source: CRTC APP1205 and APP1200 reports – run 2 January 2009

Table 4.2.2 Markets with transitional digital1 radio stations in Canada2

Market, Province(3) Commercial CBC English CBC French Total
English French Ethnic Radio Radio Première Espace
One Two chaîne musique
Montréal, QC 2 3  - 1 1 1 1 9
Ottawa/Gatineau, ON/QC  - 1  - 1 1 1 1 5
Toronto, ON 15  - 5 1 1 1 1 24
Vancouver, BC 11  -  - 1 1 1 1 15
Windsor, ON 4  -  - 1 1     6
All Canada 32 4 5 5 5 4 4 59
  41 18

Notes:

  1. L-Band - From 1452 to 1492 MHz
  2. Number of stations approved but not necessarily on air
  3. Based on BBM Radio Markets

Source:  CRTC APP1205 and APP1200 reports – run 2 January 2009

Table 4.2.3 Number of new over-the-air radio stations approved from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2008

    2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Total
               
Number of new over-the-air radio stations approved 49 44 72 55 43 263
               
Number of stations approved by:            
Language English-language 43 38 54 46 40 221
French-language 5 4 16 7 2 34
Ethnic 1 2 2 2 1 8
Licence category Commercial 26 33 48 36 34 177
Community 10 8 13 7 6 44
Campus 2 - 3 3   8
Native 2 - 2 4 2 10
Other 9 3 6 5 1 24
Type Stand-alone digital - - - -   0
Digital radio       2   2
AM frequency - 2 4 2   8
FM frequency 49 42 68 51 43 253
AM to FM conversions (included in FM) 4 9 12 13 7 45
Process Competitive 15 9 18 17 23 82
Non-competitive 34 35 54 38 20 181

Notes:

a)  Excludes radiocommunication distribution undertakings , rebroadcasters, pay audio, specialty audio services and multi-channel subscription radio services.
b)  “Other” includes not-for-profit, CBC, tourist, Environment Canada, etc. radio stations

Sources: CRTC Decisions issued from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2008

Figure 4.2.1 Type of radio and audio services authorized to broadcast in Canada (2008)

This pie chart with a 3D visual effect shows the percentage representation of the types of radio and audio services in relation to the total: Aboriginal - Type B 4.1%, Other 5.6%, Multi-Channel and audio via BDUs 1.8%, National public broadcaster 8.6%, Private Commercial 60.7%, Religious 6.0%, Community 9.0%, and Campus 4.2%.

Source:  CRTC APP1205 and APP1200 reports – run 2 January 2009

 

Table 4.2.4 Average weekly hours tuned per capita1 by age group

  2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Weekly hours per age group          
All persons 12+ 19.5 19.1 18.6 18.3 18.3
Annual Growth 0.0% -2.1% -2.6% -1.6% 0.0%
Teens 12 - 17 8.5 8.6 7.6 7.2 7.2
Annual Growth 0.0% 1.2% -11.6% -5.3% 0.0%
Adults          
18-24 15.7 15.2 14.1 13.3 13.1
Annual Growth -3.7% -3.2% -7.2% -5.7% -1.5%
25-34 19.3 18.1 18.3 17.4 17.3
Annual Growth 0.0% -6.2% 1.1% -4.9% -0.6%
35-49 21.5 21.0 20.6 20.2 19.9
Annual Growth 0.9% -2.3% -1.9% -1.9% -1.5%
50-54 21.6 21.5 21.0 21.2 21.5
Annual Growth -0.9% -0.5% -2.3% 1.0% 1.4%
55-64 22.1 21.9 21.1 21.1 21.1
Annual Growth 0.9% -0.9% -3.7% 0.0% 0.0%
65+ 22.3 21.6 21.3 21.5 21.6
Annual Growth 0.0% -3.1% -1.4% 0.9% 0.5%

Note:  1)     Average weekly hours per capita by age group
Source:       BBM Canada Fall Radio Surveys, MicroBBM5 – all persons 12+, Monday to Sunday,
5 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Table 4.2.5 Radio tuning share in an average week and average weekly hours tuned by listener1 for English and French AM and FM bands

            Growth
  2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2007-2008
Percentage of hours tuned            
English AM 21.2 21.0 19.3 19.1 18.7 -2.1%
English FM 52.7 52.7 55.0 54.8 54.0 -1.5%
Subtotal 73.9 73.7 74.3 73.9 72.7  
Annual Growth -0.5% -0.3% 0.8% -0.5% -1.6%  
French AM 2.1 1.9 1.6 0.9 0.9 0.0%
French FM 18.8 18.9 17.9 18.7 19.9 6.4%
Subtotal 20.9 20.8 19.5 19.6 20.8  
Annual Growth 0.5% -0.5% -6.2% 0.5% 6.1%  
Other 5.2 5.6 6.2 6.5 6.5 0.0%
Annual Growth 6.1% 7.7% 10.7% 4.8% 0.0%  
Average weekly hours per listener 21.0 20.7 20.4 20.2 20.0 -1.0%
Annual Growth 0.0% -1.4% -1.4% -1.0% -1.0%  
Total average national hours (millions) 538.1 531.6 525.5 521.3 530.6 1.8%
Annual Growth 1.6% -1.2% -1.1% -0.8% 1.8%  

Notes:

  1. Average weekly hours per listener are determined by dividing the total number of hours tuned by reach.
  2. ‘Other’ is principally over-the-air tuning to U.S. border stations. “Other” also includes tuning to Internet radio that is not attributed to Canadian over-the-air radio stations, multi-channel subscription (satellite radio) services, pay and specialty audio services, over-the-air and video services available on cable, and unknown.

Source: BBM Canada Fall 2004 to Fall 2008 Radio Surveys for all persons 12+, Monday to Sunday, 5 a.m. to 1 a.m.  BBM Canada, 2007-2008 Radio Databook

Figure 4.2.2 Radio tuning share in an average week

This pie chart with a 3D visual effect shows the percentage of hours tuned in an average week to over-the-air radio and audio services, from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m., BBM Fall 2008: Private commercial radio 79.1%; CBC and SRC radio 12.6%; Community and Campus radio 1.6%; Ethnic and Native radio 0.9%; Other 0.9%; United States 2.8%; and Audio Services 2.1%.

Note: “Audio Services” includes tuning to: multi-channel subscription (satellite radio) services, pay and specialty audio services, over-the-air radio stations, and video services broadcast on cable and the Internet.

Source:   BBM Canada Fall 2008 Radio survey for all persons 12+, Monday to Sunday, 5 a.m. to 1 a.m; and CRTC data collection.

Table 4.2.6 Fall tuning achieved by the largest private commercial radio operators in Canada1

Listening hours (thousands) per corporation 2006 2007 2008
Astral Media Inc.4 37,681 33,812 91,712
Share of national tuning 7% 6% 17%
Standard Broadcasting Corporation Limited 61,653 60,604  
Share of national tuning 12% 12%  
Corus Entertainment Inc. 87,258  83,424 83,495
Share of national tuning 17% 16% 16%
Rogers Broadcasting Limited 46,772 47,380 46,053
Share of national tuning 9% 9% 9%
CTVglobemedia Inc.   35,008 38,047
Share of national tuning   7% 7%
CHUM Limited 34,004    
Share of national tuning 6%    
Newcap Inc. 21,724 21,724 25,014
Share of national tuning 4% 4% 5%
Total listening hours for largest private commercial radio operators 289,092 281,952 284,320
Share of national tuning 55% 54% 54%
Total listening hours for  Canadian private commercial radio2 424,515 417,596 419,639
Share of national tuning 81% 80% 79%
Total listening hours for all radio3 525,481 521,335 530,630

Notes:

  1. Refer to “Notes to Tables 4.2.6, 4.2.7 and 4.2.9” found under Table 4.2.9.
  2. Listening hours include tuning to Canadian private commercial radio service.
  3. Listening hours include tuning to public and private Canadian and U.S. radio stations.
  4. Astral Media Inc. acquired assets of Standard Broadcasting Corporation Limited as approved in Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2007-359, 28 September 2007.

Source:   BBM Canada Fall 2006 to 2008 Radio surveys, 5 a.m. to 1 a.m., all persons 12+; and CRTC APP and CRTC data collection

Table 4.2.7 Fall tuning achieved by largest English- and French-language private commercial radio operators in Canada1

Listening hours (thousands) per Corporation 2006 2007 2008
Largest Canadian English-language radio      
Corus Entertainment Inc. 64,498 61,834 60,417
Share of tuning to English-language radio 17% 16% 16%
Astral Media: Standard Broadcasting Corporation Limited3 61,653 60,604 59,836
Share of tuning to English-language radio 16% 16% 16%
Rogers Broadcasting Limited 46,772 47,380 46,053
Share of tuning to English-language radio 12% 12% 12%
CTVglobemedia Inc.   35,008 38,047
Share of tuning to English-language radio   9% 10%
CHUM Limited 34,004    
Share of tuning to English-language radio 9%    
Newcap Inc. 21,724 21,724 25,014
Share of tuning to English-language radio 6% 6% 6%
Total listening hours for  largest private English commercial operators 228,651 226,550 229,365
Share of tuning to English-language radio 59% 59% 59%
Total listening hours for Canadian English-language radio2 390,148 385,116 385,823
Largest Canadian French-language radio      
Astral Media  Inc.3 34,514 30,868 31,876
Share of tuning to French-language radio 34% 30% 29%
Corus Entertainment Inc. 22,760 21,590 23,078
Share of tuning to French-language radio 22% 21% 21%
Cogeco Inc. 10,500 11,634 13,027
Share of tuning to French-language radio 10% 11% 12%
Total  listening hours for largest private French commercial operators 67,774 64,092 67,981
Share of tuning to French-language radio 66% 63% 62%
Total  listening hours for Canadian French-language radio2 102,817 102,280 110,279

Notes:

  1. Refer to “Notes to Tables 4.2.6, 4.2.7, and 4.2.9” following Table 4.2.9
  2. Listening hours include tuning to public and private Canadian English-language and French-language stations.
  3. Astral Media acquired the assets of Standard Broadcasting Corporation Limited as approved in Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2007-359, 28 September 2007

Source:   BBM Canada Fall 2006 to 2008 Radio surveys, 5 a.m. to 1 a.m., all persons 12+; and CRTC data collection

Figure 4.2.3 English-language station formats - BBM Canada Fall 2008, 5 a.m. to 1 a.m., all persons 12+, Monday to Sunday

This pie chart with a 3D visual effect shows the percentage of tuning to Canadian English-language radio stations by format. The chart also shows the number of Canadian stations that were broadcasting in these formats. The information used is based on BBM Fall 2008 data and excludes tuning to ethnic, bilingual and U.S. stations. Adult Contemporary: 106 stations, 13.6%; Community, Campus, Travel, Tourism: 79 stations, 0.9%; Classic Rock: 32 stations, 7.2%; Gold, Oldies: 19 stations, 1.9%; News, Talk: 35 stations, 11.4%; Hot Adult Contemporary: 63 stations, 10.5%; CBC Radio One: 26 stations, 10.2%; AOR, Mainstream Rock: 33 stations, 6.0%; Mainstream Top 40, CHR: 24 stations, 5.3%; Classic Hits: 50 stations, 5.0%; CBC Radio Two: 17 stations, 2.4%; Country: 111 stations, 13.4%; Adult Standards: 6 stations, 2.2%; Other commercial formats: 92 stations, 6.5%;Modern Alternate rock: 24 stations, 3.5%.

Source: BBM Canada Fall 2008 Radio survey data, and CRTC data collection

Figure 4.2.4 French-language station formats - BBM Canada Fall 2008, 5 a.m. to 1 a.m., all persons 12+, Monday to Sunday

This pie chart with a 3D visual effect shows the percentage of tuning to Canadian French-Language radio stations by format. The chart also shows the number of Canadian stations that were broadcasting in these formats. The information used is based on BBM Fall 2008 data and excludes tuning to ethnic, bilingual and U.S. stations. Adult Contemporary: 35 stations, 30.2%; Classical Fine Arts: 2 stations, 3.3%; Espace Musique: 12 stations, 3.9%; News, Talk: 7 stations, 9.6%; Community, Campus: 57 stations, 4.6%; Classic Rock: 3 stations, 2.5%; Gold, Oldies: 4 stations, 3.7%; Mainstream Top 40, CHR: 18 stations, 20.2%; Hot Adult Contemporary: 11 stations, 1.7%; Jazz: 1 station, 0.6%; Modern, Alternative Rock: 3 stations, 2.8%; Première Chaîne: 16 stations, 12.7%; Other commercial formats: 23 stations, 3.7%; Country: 2 stations, 0.5%.

Source: BBM Canada Fall 2008 Radio survey data, and CRTC data collection

Table 4.2.8 Revenues and number of undertakings reporting financial results for private commercial radio stations - English, French, and Ethnic

  2004 2005 2006 2007 2008  Growth CAGR
Revenues ($ Millions)         2007-2008 2004-2008
  AM English 259.5 266.1 281.9 291.6 295.2 1% 3%
  AM French 22.8 18.3 18.6 16.2 12.4 -24% -14%
  AM Ethnic 20.3 21.3 21.1 21.8 21.4 -2% 1%
  AM Total 302.6 305.8 321.5 329.6 329.0   2%
Annual Growth   1% 5% 2% 0%    
  FM English 740.7 826.2 877.1 947.1 1,015.3 7% 8%
  FM French 172.8 191.4 200.7 209.2 218.5 4% 6%
  FM Ethnic 10.6 13.1 15.1 16.1 16.8 4% 12%
  FM Total 924.0 1,030.7 1,092.8 1,172.4 1,250.6   8%
Annual Growth   12% 6% 7% 7%    
 Total revenues 1,226.7 1,336.5 1,414.4 1,502.0 1,579.6 5% 7%
Number of undertakings reporting financial results      
  AM English 164 158 154 149 136 -9% -5%
  AM French 16 15 15 13 9 -31% -13%
  AM Ethnic 8 8 8 10 9 -10% 3%
  AM total 188 181 177 172 154   -5%
Annual Growth   -4% -2% -3% -10%    
  FM English 279 295 331 353 379 7% 8%
  FM French 79 79 81 85 86 1% 2%
  FM Ethnic 6 8 9 9 9 0% 11%
  FM total 364 382 421 447 474   7%
Annual Growth   5% 10% 6% 6%    
Total number of undertakings reporting 552 563 598 619 628 1% 3%

Notes:
(a)        Includes network results. Excludes pay and specialty audio programming services as well as multi-channel subscription radio services.
(b)        2004 to 2007 figures have been updated to reflect current August aggregate results.
(c)        Minor variances are due to rounding.

Source: CRTC data collection

Figure 4.2.5 Revenues - Private commercial radio stations

This line clustered-column on 2 axes chart depicts the total revenues, in millions of dollars, along with the number of undertakings reporting, of Canadian private commercial radio stations from 2004 to 2008 for AM, FM, and AM and FM combined. The second axis depicts percentage of FM in relation to total revenues or undertakings. AM radio stations revenues: 303, 306, 322, 330,329; Number of AM undertakings reporting: 188, 181, 177, 172,154; FM radio stations revenues: 924, 1,031, 1,093, 1,172, 1,251; Number of FM undertakings reporting: 364, 382, 421, 447,474; Total radio AM and FM stations revenues: 1,227, 1,336, 1,414, 1,502, 1,580; Number of AM and FM undertakings reporting: 552, 563, 598, 619, 628. The second axis depicts FM revenues as a percentage of total revenues: 75.3%, 77.1%, 77.3%, 78.1%, 79.2% and FM undertakings as a percentage of total undertakings: 65.9%, 67.9%, 70.4%, 72.2%,75.5%.

Source: CRTC data collection

Notes:
(a) Includes network results. Excludes pay and specialty audio programming services as well as multi-channel subscription radio services.
(b) 2004 to 2007 figures have been updated to reflect current August aggregate results.

Figure 4.2.6 Average annual revenues and PBIT per station - Private commercial radio stations

This line clustered-column on 2 axes chart depicts the average annual revenue and PBIT per station, in millions of dollars, of Canadian private commercial radio for each year from 2004 to 2008. Average annual revenues per station: AM stations: 1.6, 1.7, 1.8,1.9,2.1; FM stations:2.5, 2.7, 2.6,2.6 and 2.6; AM and FM combined: 2.2, 2.4, 2.4,2.4,2.5. Average PBIT per station: AM stations: 0.02, 0.1, 0.1, 0.1, and .18; FM stations: 0.6, 0.7, 0.6, 0.6, and 0.6; AM and FM combined: 0.4, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5 and 0.5.

Source: CRTC data collection
Notes:
(a) Includes network results. Excludes pay and specialty audio programming services as well as multi-channel subscription radio services.
(b) 2004 to 2007 figures have been updated to reflect current August aggregate results.

Figure 4.2.7 PBIT and PBIT margin - Private commercial radio stations

This line clustered-column on 2 axes chart depicts the total PBIT, in millions of dollars, of Canadian private commercial radio stations from 2004 to 2008. The second axis represents the associated PBIT margin in percent. PBIT AM radio stations: 3.2, 13.6, 17.8, 16.4,27.5 and AM PBIT margin: 1.05%, 4.45%, 5.55%, 4.96%, and 8.36%. PBIT FM radio stations:220.4, 269.3, 266.8, 282.4, 307.3 and FM PBIT margin: 23.85%, 26.1%, 24.4%, 24.1%, and 24.6%. PBIT for Total AM and FM radio stations: 223.5, 282.9, 284.7, 298.8, and 334.9 and AM and FM PBIT margin: 18.2%, 21.1%, 20.1%, 19.8%, and 21.2%.

Source: CRTC data collection
Notes:
(a) Includes network results. Excludes pay and specialty audio programming services as well as multi-channel subscription radio services.
(b) 2004 to 2007 figures have been updated to reflect current August aggregate results.

Figure 4.2.8 Revenues - English-language private commercial radio stations

This line clustered-column on 2 axes chart depicts the total revenues, in millions of dollars, along with the number of undertakings reporting, of English-language Canadian private commercial radio stations from 2004 to 2008 for AM, FM, and AM and FM combined. The second axis depicts percentage of FM in relation to total revenues or undertakings. AM radio stations revenues: 259, 266, 282, 292, 295; Number of AM undertakings reporting: 164, 158, 154, 149, 136; FM radio stations revenues: 741, 826, 877, 947,1,015; Number of FM undertakings reporting: 279, 295, 331, 353, and 379; Total radio AM and FM stations revenues: 1,000, 1,092, 1,159, 1,239, 1,311; Number of AM and FM undertakings reporting: 443, 453, 485, 502, 515. The second axis depicts FM revenues as a percentage of total revenues: 74.1%, 75.6%, 75.7%, 76.5%, 77.5%and FM undertakings as a percentage of total undertakings: 63.0%, 65.1%, 68.2%, 70.3, and 73.6%.

Source: CRTC data collection
Notes:
(a) Includes network results. Excludes pay and specialty audio programming services as well as multi-channel subscription radio services.
(b) 2004 to 2007 figures have been updated to reflect current August aggregate results.

Figure 4.2.9 Average annual revenues and PBIT per station - English-language private commercial radio stations

This line clustered-column on 2 axes chart depicts the AM, FM, and AM and FM combined revenues per station with revenues, in millions of dollars, of English-language Canadian private commercial radio stations from 2004 to 2008. The second axis depicts PBIT for AM, FM and AM and FM combined per station. AM radio stations revenues per station:1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 2.0,2.2; FM radio stations revenues per station: 2.7, 2.8, 2.6, 2.7, 2,7. Total radio AM and FM revenues per station: 2.3, 2.4, 2.4, 2.5, 2.5. The second axis depicts the PBIT information in millions of dollars. PBIT per station for AM: 0.0, 0.1, 0.1, 0.1, 0.2. PBIT per station for FM: 0.7, 0.8, 0.7, 0.7, 0.7. PBIT per station for AM and FM: 0.4, 0.6, 0.5, 0.5, 0.6.

Source: CRTC data collection
Notes:
(a) Includes network results. Excludes pay and specialty audio programming services as well as multi-channel subscription radio services.
(b) 2004 to 2007 figures have been updated to reflect current August aggregate results.

Figure 4.2.10 PBIT and PBIT margin - English-language private commercial radio stations

This line clustered-column on 2 axes chart depicts the total PBIT, in millions of dollars, of English-language Canadian private commercial radio stations from 2004 to 2008. The second axis represents the associated PBIT margin in percent. PBIT AM radio stations: 5.0, 17.5, 23.1, 20.4, 31.1 and AM PBIT margin: 1.9%, 6.6%, 8.2%, 7.0%, 10.5%. PBIT FM radio stations: 192.2, 232.8, 232.9, 243.8, 268.7 and FM PBIT margin: 25.9%, 28.2%, 26.5%, 25.8%, 26.5%. Total AM and FM radio stations: 197.2, 250.4, 255.9, 264.2, 299.8 and AM and FM PBIT margin: 19.7%, 22.9%, 22.1%, 21.3%, 22.9%.

Source: CRTC data collection
Notes:
(a) Includes network results. Excludes pay and specialty audio programming services as well as multi-channel subscription radio services.
(b) 2004 to 2007 figures have been updated to reflect current August aggregate results.

Figure 4.2.11 Revenues - French-language private commercial radio stations

This line clustered-column on 2 axes chart depicts the total revenues, in millions of dollars, along with the number of undertakings reporting, of French-language Canadian private commercial radio stations from 2004 to 2008 for AM, FM, and AM and FM combined. The second axis depicts percentage of FM in relation to total revenues or undertakings. AM radio stations revenues: 23, 18, 19, 16, 12; Number of AM undertakings reporting:16, 15, 15, 13, 9; FM radio stations revenues: 173, 191, 201, 209, 219; Number of FM undertakings reporting: 79, 79, 81, 85, 86 ; Total radio AM and FM stations revenues: 196, 210, 219, 225, 231; Number of AM and FM undertakings reporting: 95, 94, 96, 98, 95. The second axis depicts FM revenues as a percentage of total revenues: 88.3%, 91.3%, 91.5%, 92.8%,94.6% and FM undertakings as a percentage of total undertakings: 83.2%, 84.0%, 84.4%, 86.7%, 90.5%.

Source: CRTC data collection
Notes:
(a) Includes network results. Excludes pay and specialty audio programming services as well as multi-channel subscription radio services.
(b) 2004 to 2007 figures have been updated to reflect current August aggregate results.

Figure 4.2.12 Average annual revenues and PBIT per station - French-language private commercial radio stations

This line clustered-column on 2 axes chart depicts the AM, FM, and AM and FM combined revenues per station with revenues, in millions of dollars, of French-language Canadian private commercial radio stations from 2004 to 2008. The second axis depicts PBIT for AM, FM and AM and FM combined per station.. AM radio stations revenues per station: 1.4, 1.2, 1.2, 1.2, 1.4; FM radio stations revenues per station:2.2, 2.4, 2.5, 2.5, 2.5. Total radio AM and FM revenues per station: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.3, 2.4. The second axis depicts the PBIT information in millions of dollars. PBIT per station for AM: -0.3, -0.4, -0.5,-0.4,-0.5. PBIT per station for FM: 0.4, 0.5, 0.4, 0.4, 0.4. PBIT per station for AM and FM: 0.2, 0.3, 0.3, 0.3, 0.3.

Source: CRTC data collection
Notes:
(a) Includes network results. Excludes pay and specialty audio programming services as well as multi-channel subscription radio services.
(b) 2004 to 2007 figures have been updated to reflect current August aggregate results.

Figure 4.2.13 PBIT and PBIT margin - French-language private commercial radio stations

radio stations This line clustered-column on 2 axes chart depicts the total PBIT, in millions of dollars, of French-language Canadian private commercial radio stations from 2004 to 2008. The second axis represents the associated PBIT margin in percent. PBIT AM radio stations: -4.9, -6.7, -7.4, -5.7,-4.6 and AM PBIT margin: --21.7%, -36.4%, -39.6%, -35.4%, -36.8%. PBIT FM radio stations: 27.7, 35.6, 32.9, 37.1, 37.2 and FM PBIT margin: 16.0%, 18.6%, 16.4%, 17.8%, 17.0%. Total AM and FM radio stations: 22.7, 28.9, 25.6, 31.4, 32.6 and AM and FM PBIT margin: 11.6%, 13.8%, 11.7%, and 13.9%, 14.1%.

Source: CRTC data collection
Notes:
(a) Includes network results. Excludes pay and specialty audio programming services as well as multi-channel subscription radio services.
(b) 2004 to 2007 figures have been updated to reflect current August aggregate results.

Figure 4.2.14 Revenues - Ethnic private commercial radio stations

This line clustered-column on 2 axes chart depicts the total revenues, in millions of dollars, along with the number of undertakings reporting, of Ethnic private commercial radio stations from 2004 to 2008 for AM, FM, and AM and FM combined. The second axis depicts percentage of FM in relation to total revenues or undertakings. AM radio stations revenues: 20, 21, 21, 22, 21; Number of AM undertakings reporting: 8, 8, 8, 10, 9; FM radio stations revenues: 11, 13, 15, 16,17; Number of FM undertakings reporting: 6, 8, 9, 9,9 ; Total radio AM and FM stations revenues: 31, 34, 36, 38, 38; Number of AM and FM undertakings reporting: 14, 16, 17, 19, 18. The second axis depicts FM revenues as a percentage of total revenues: 34.2%, 38.0%, 41.7%, 42.5%, 43.9%, and FM undertakings as a percentage of total undertakings: 42.9%, 50.0%, 52.9%, 47.4%, 50.0%.

Source: CRTC data collection
Notes:
(a) Includes network results. Excludes pay and specialty audio programming services as well as multi-channel subscription radio services.
(b) 2004 to 2007 figures have been updated to reflect current August aggregate results.

Figure 4.2.15 Average annual revenues and PBIT per station - Ethnic private commercial radio stations

This line clustered-column on 2 axes chart depicts the AM, FM , and AM and FM combined revenues per station with revenues, in millions of dollars, of Ethnic private commercial radio stations from 2004 to 2008. The second axis depicts PBIT for AM, FM and AM and FM combined per station.. AM radio stations revenues per station: 2.5, 2.7, 2.6, 2.2, 2.4; FM radio stations revenues per station: 1.8, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9. Total radio AM and FM revenues per station: 2.2, 2.2, 2.1, 2.0, 2.1. The second axis depicts the PBIT information in millions of dollars. PBIT per station for AM: 0.4, 0.3, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1. PBIT per station for FM: 0.1, 0.1, 0.1, 0.2, 0.2. PBIT per station for AM and FM: 0.3, 0.2, 0.2, 0.2, and 0.1.

Source: CRTC data collection
Notes:
(a) Includes network results. Excludes pay and specialty audio programming services as well as multi-channel subscription radio services.
(b) 2004 to 2007 figures have been updated to reflect current August aggregate results.

Figure 4.2.16 PBIT and PBIT margin - Ethnic private commercial radio stations

This line clustered-column on 2 axes chart depicts the total PBIT, in millions of dollars, of Ethnic private commercial radio stations from 2004 to 2008. The second axis represents the associated PBIT margin in percent. PBIT AM radio stations: 3.2, 2.7, 2.1, 1.7,1.0 and AM PBIT margin: 15.6%, 12.8%, 10.1%, 7.8%,4.6%. PBIT FM radio stations: 0.5, 0.9, 1.0, 1.5, 1.5 and FM PBIT margin: 4.3%, 7.0%, 6.7%, 9.1%, 9.0%. Total AM and FM radio stations: 3.6, 3.6, 3.1, 3.2, 2.5, and AM and FM PBIT margin: 11.7%, 10.5%, 8.7%, and 8.4%, 6.6%.

Source: CRTC data collection
Notes:
(a) Includes network results. Excludes pay and specialty audio programming services as well as multi-channel subscription radio services.
(b) 2004 to 2007 figures have been updated to reflect current August aggregate results.

Table 4.2.9 English-language, and French-language radio revenues and number of undertakings reporting for the largest radio operators in Canadac

  Revenues ($ thousands) Number of radio undertakings reporting Share of national revenue
Corporation
  2006 2007 2008 2006 2007 2008 2006 2007 2008
Largest private radio operators                  
Astral Media Inc.4 114,969 118,677  325,292 31 31  80 8% 8% 21%
Standard Broadcasting Corp Ltd4 190,710 197,848    51 51    13% 13%   
Corus Entertainment Inc5 248,905 259,961  266,363 50 52  53 18% 17%  17%
Rogers Broadcasting Limited6 203,759 233,858  241,667 47 52  50 14% 16%  15%
CTVglobemedia Inc.7   153,619  172,131   34  34   10%  11%
CHUM Limited7 138,305     33     10%    
Newcap Inc.8 80,400 88,219  95,785 54 56  61 6% 6%  6%
Total largest private radio operators 977,048 1,052,182 1,101,238 266 276  278 69% 70%  70%
Total private radio operatorsa 1,414,393 1,501,991 1,579,587 598 619  628 100% 100%  100%
Largest English-language radio operators                  
Rogers Broadcasting Limited.6 203,759 233,858  241,667 47 52  50 18% 19%  18%
Astral Media Inc.4     217,980     59     17%
Standard Broadcasting Corp Ltd4 190,710 197,848    51 51    16% 16%   
Corus Entertainment Inc.5 201,664 211,907  217,245 38 40  41 17% 17%  17%
CTVglobemedia Inc.7   153,619  172,131   34  34   12%  13%
CHUM Limited7 138,305     33     12%    
Newcap Inc.8 80,400 88,219  95,785 54 56  61 7% 7%  7%
Total English-language largest private radio operators 814,838 885,452  944,808 223 233  245 70% 71%  72%
Total English-language private radio operatorsb   1,159,034 1,238,684 1,310,539 485 502  515 100% 100%  100%
Largest French-language radio corporations                  
Astral Media Inc.4 105,404 108,751  107,312 23 23  21 48% 48%  47%
Corus Entertainment Inc.5 47,241 48,054  49,118 12 12  12 22% 21%  21%
Cogeco Inc. 26,466 30,333  33,174 5 5  5 12% 13%  14%
Total French-language largest private radio operators 179,111 187,138  189,604 40 40  38 82% 83%  82%
Total French-language private radio operatorsb      219,222 225,443  230,912 96 98  95 100% 100%  100%

Notes:     
a)  Includes private commercial networks and commercial ethnic radio stations
b)  Includes private commercial network radio revenues
c)  Notes to Tables 4.2.6 – 4.2.7 and 4.2.9

  1. The ownership structure reflects transactions authorized by the Commission during the broadcast year, not the closing date of the transaction.
  2. An undertaking’s entire annual revenue is attributed to the corporation that was deemed to be its owner as of 31 August. Excludes Exempted undertakings.
  3. 2006-2007 industry revenue figures have been updated to reflect current August aggregate results. 
  4. Astral Media acquired the assets of Standard Broadcasting Corporation Limited as in Broadcasting
    Decision 2007-359
  5. Corus’s 2008 results reflect the sale of CHRC Québec to 9183-9084 Québec Inc.,
    Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2008-128, 26 June 2008. 
  6. Rogers’ 2008 results reflect the transaction that was approved pursuant to Exchange of radio assets between Rogers (CICX-FM Orillia) and Larche Communications Inc. (CIKZ-FM Kitchener), Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2007-434, 24 December 2007. 
  7. CTVglobemedia and CHUM Limited’s results reflect the Transfer of effective control of  CHUM Limited to CTVglobemedia Inc., Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2007-165, 8 June 2007.  CTV globemedia’s 2008 results reflect the acquisition of the assets of the radio programming undertaking CFBT-FM Vancouver from Beat Broadcasting Corporation, Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2007-368, 12 October 2007.
  8. Newcap’s 2008 results reflect the launch of CHFT-AM Fort McMurray, CILB-FM Lac La Biche, CIJK-FM Kentville and CHRK-FM Sydney. Also, Newcap’s 2008 results reflect the change in the effective controlas of 29 May 2008 of CKUL-FM Halifax, Nova Scotia, as set out in Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2008-77.

Source:  CRTC data collection

Table 4.2.10 Revenues for Type B Native, community, and campus radio stations

  2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Native Type B radio stations          
Number of radio undertakings reporting 22 26 27 28 n/a
Revenues ($ thousands)          
Advertising 2,324 3,001 3,166 4,070 n/a
Othera 8,400 8,773 12,409 11,766 n/a
Total revenues 10,723 11,774 15,575 15,836 n/a
Other as a percent of total revenues 78.3% 74.5% 79.6% 74.3% n/a
PBIT margin 3.6% 5.6% 11.4% 6.4% n/a
Community radio stations          
Number of radio undertakings reporting 57 71 78 85 n/a
Revenues ($ thousands)          
Advertising 8,335 9,217 10,751 11,038 n/a
Otherb 8,036 8,489 9,950 9,817 n/a
Total revenues 16,371 17,706 20,701 20,856 n/a
Other as a percent of total revenues 49.1% 47.9% 48.1% 47.1% n/a
PBIT margin 2.5% 4.3% 6.5% 3.3% n/a
Campus radio stations          
Number of radio undertakings reporting 35 43 44 41 n/a
Revenues ($ thousands)          
Advertising 693 1,043 1,233 1,366 n/a
Otherc 5,069 5,891 6,308 6,472 n/a
Total revenues 5,761 6,934 7,541 7,838 n/a
Other as a percent of total revenues 88.0% 85.0% 83.7% 82.6% n/a
PBIT margin 5.7% 2.8% 3.6% 4.6% n/a

Notes:    The 2004 – 2007 figures have been updated to reflect current August aggregate results.
(a)   Includes government and band council grants and contributions from other sources
(b)   Includes fundraising, grants and other sources
(c)   Includes fees, fundraising and grants
n/a= not available
Source:  CRTC financial database

Table 4.2.11 Value of radio transactions and corresponding tangible benefits for the period 1 May 1998 to 31 December 2008

  English-language services French-language services Total benefits
RADIO
Tangible Benefits
($ millions) 		# of Trans. Value of the transactiona Benefits # of Trans. Value of the transactiona Benefits
1 May 98 to 31 Mar. 05 72 1,257 72.1 14 376 21.9 93.9
1 Apr. 05 to 31 Mar. 06 12 24 1.3 2                -   - 1.3
1 Apr. 06 to 31 Dec. 06 5 68 4.1 2                -   - 4.1
1 Jan. 07 to 31 Dec. 07b 13 1,675 88.9 6 4 11.8 100.8
1 Jan. 08 to 31 Dec. 08 9 59.5 3.5 3 1.5 .05 3.6
Total 111 3,083.5 169.9 27 381.5 33.8 203.7

Notes: (a)    Value determined by the Commission for the purpose of calculating tangible benefits.
(b)    Total tangible benefits relating to the Astral / Standard (Broadcasting Decision 2007-359) and CTVglobemedia/CHUM
(Broadcasting Decision 2007-165) radio ownership transactions totalled $95.3 million. Of this amount, $11.6 million is to be directed to the support of French-language CCD initiatives.
Minor variances are due to rounding.
Source:  CRTC Decisions and Administrative approvals

Table 4.2.12 Summary of annual CCD contributions reported by radio licensees ($ thousands)

RADIO - CCD 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 % annual increase / decrease
05/04 06/05 07/06 08/07
i) CCD contributions by new stations during the first licence term
FACTOR 1,183 1,340 1,552 1,266 972 13% 16% -18% -23%
MUSICACTION 76 168 191 238 314 120% 14% 25% 32%
Music organization 248 205 2,733 586 3,364 -17% 1,236% -79% 474%
Performing arts groups 1,219 1,625 2,840 3,426 3,157 33% 75% 21% -8%
Schools or scholarships 626 580 678 596 0 -7% 17% -12% nm
StarMaker Fund/Fonds Radio Star 80 130 435 1,019 0 62% 234% 134% nm
Other eligible CTD initiatives 1,312 2,379 572 1,324 0 81% -76% 132% nm
Total 4,743 6,427 9,001 8,457 7,807 36% 40% -6% -8%
ii) CCD contributions reported by radio licensees in the context of licence renewals
FACTOR 736 761 749 946 1,063 3% -2% 26% 12%
MUSICACTION 330 339 337 343 227 3% -1% 2% -34%
Music organization 306 319 461 588 1,485 4% 45% 27% 152%
Performing arts groups 652 810 753 1,068 1,209 24% -7% 42% 13%
Schools or scholarships 91 140 154 279 362 53% 10% 80% 30%
StarMaker Fund/Fonds Radio Star     2 23 0     nm nm
Other eligible CTD initiatives 296 50 72 141 362 -83% 46% 95% 156%
Total 2,412 2,418 2,528 3,387 4,707   5% 34% 39%
iii) CCD contributions relating to changes in ownership and/or control
FACTOR 2,364 2,822 3,132 2,580 4,023 19% 11% -18% 56%
MUSICACTION 1,067 1,373 1,125 1,464 1,809 29% -18% 30% 24%
Music organization 496 476 543 436 14 -4% 14% -20% -97%
Performing arts groups 310 528 795 529 722 70% 51% -33% 36%
Schools or scholarships 57 111 166 354 91 96% 49% 114% -74%
StarMaker Fund/Fonds Radio Star 5,425 6,425 6,400 5,975 9,433 18%   -7% 58%
Other eligible CTD initiatives 271 592 329 354 0 118% -44% 8% nm
Total 9,989 12,327 12,489 11,692 16,092 23% 1% -6% 38%
                   
Total annual CCD contributions i), ii) & iii) 17,145 21,173 24,017 23,536 28,606 23% 13% -2% 22%

Notes:

  1. Contributions are based on annual disbursements reported by licensees for the period 1 September to 31 August.
  2. Includes contributions made under both the CTD and CCD regimes
  3. Minor variances are due to rounding.

Source:   CRTC data collection

190 Refer to Table 4.2.9 for further details.  [back]
191 Refer to Table 4.2.9 for further details.  [back]
192 Introduction to Broadcasting Decisions CRTC 2005-246 to 2005-248: Licensing of new satellite and terrestrial subscription radio undertakings, Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2005-61, 1 6 June 2005  [back]
193 An undertaking to be operated by CHUM, a service that had not been launched as of 31 December 2006.  [back]
194 Services delivered by Canadian Satellite Radio Inc. (CSR) and SIRIUS Canada Inc. (Sirius Canada) where CSR offers programming channels provided by U.S. based XM Satellite Radio Inc. (XM) and Sirius Canada offers programming channels provided by U.S. based SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc. (SIRIUS).  [back]
195 CBC/Radio-Canada Services, CBC/SRC website, 4 July 2008 http://www.cbc.radio-canada.ca/annualreports/2006-2007/pdf/AR0607_e.pdf  [back]
  Date Modified: 2009-08-05

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