Key Radio Regulations and Policies
The following lists provide a quick resource for some of CRTC's key radio regulations and policies and should not be considered exhaustive.
Some policies are articulated via public notices and/or decisions.
Act and Regulations applicable to all types of stations
Change to the processing time for applications and complaints relating to radio undertakings – The Commission announces that it will defer the consideration of any new radio applications or complaints while it implements its regulatory plan to modernize the Canadian broadcasting system, for a period of approximately two years. (2023-278)
Commercial Radio
Revised Commercial Radio Policy
Areas addressed include the Common Ownership Policy, Canadian content development contribution and programming, including content sub-categories. A summary of determinations stemming from that policy can be found in the appendix. (2022-332)
Targeted policy review of the commercial radio sector
This regulatory policy details the CRTC’s approach to calls for applications for radio licences, including exceptions to the publication of a call for applications. (2014-554)
Revised conditions of licence for commercial AM and FM radio stations
This policy includes the standard conditions of service with which AM and FM commercial stations must comply. Specific conditions of service can be imposed on certain stations: these can be found in decisions related to each station. (2022-334)
Ethnic Broadcasting Policy
Ethnic stations are commercial specialty stations. They are required to serve a broad range of ethnic groups within their service area. This policy addresses ethnic programs, third-language programs, Canadian content requirements for ethnic radio stations and the broadcast of third-language programming by non-ethnic stations. (1999-117)
Religious Broadcasting Policy
Religious stations are specialty stations. In this policy, the Commission sets out the guidelines on ethics for religious programming. It is based on recognition of alternative values and balance programming. The Commission sets out the provisions regarding the solicitation of funds and programming practices. (1993-78)
A review of certain matters concerning radio
In this public notice, the Commission defines specialty formats: spoken word programming, specialized interest music programming, ethnic programming and religious music programming. (1995-60)
Simplified approach to tangible benefits and determining the value of the transaction
In this regulatory policy, the Commission sets out its revised approach to tangible benefits and determining the value of the transaction (2014-459). The allocation of tangible benefits has been modified in paragraph 160 of the Revised Commercial Radio Policy.
Campus and community radio
Campus and community radio policy
Areas developed in this policy include programming, advertising limits, ownership requirements and the role of volunteers. (2010-499)
Standard conditions of licence for campus and community radio stations
This policy includes the standard conditions of service with which campus and community radio stations must comply. Specific conditions of service can be imposed on certain stations: these can be found in decisions related to each station. (2012-304)
Indigenous Type B radio
Native Broadcasting Policy
Includes definitions of a native undertaking, a native program and native music; types of Native Stations (1990-89) and Native radio undertakings (2001-70). Also see Co-Development of the Indigenous Broadcasting Policy.
Other documents
Modernization of radio processes
This policy introduces indefinite licence terms, new compliance measures, changes to the process for developmental stations, stations moving from low power to full power and licence revocation. In addition, this policy introduces trial periods to allow FM stations to broadcast spoken word content without changing format and simulcast from AM to FM. (2025-265)
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation – Various audio and audiovisual services – Licence renewals
This decision includes current terms and conditions for CBC/Radio-Canada’s radio stations. (2022-165)
Satellite and Terrestrial Subscription Radio Undertakings
This public notice includes the regulatory framework for satellite and terrestrial subscription radio services. (2005-61)
New licensing framework for specialty audio programming services
In this public notice, the Commission defines a specialty audio service and sets out the programming requirements for this type of service. (2002-53)
Exemption orders
A broadcasting exemption order allows certain types of broadcasting undertakings to operate without a licence. The purpose of an exemption order is to alleviate the regulatory burden on broadcasters and use fewer Commission resources for small, temporary or niche radio services that will have little impact on licensed broadcasters.
Exempt broadcasting undertakings must comply at all times with the criteria set out in the applicable exemption order and must meet certain technical requirements of the Department of Industry when broadcasting over the air.
Common Ownership Policy
Revised guidelines for the application of the Common Ownership Policy for Radio (2010-341)
Canadian content requirements for music quota on Canadian radio
MAPL System - Defining a Canadian music selection
Content Categories
Revised content categories and subcategories for radio (2022-333)
Canadian Content Development Contributions and Eligible Initiatives
Requirements for the broadcast of radio montages
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