Application to Obtain a Broadcasting Licence to Operate a Specialty Audio Programming Undertaking - Form 111

Overview

Specialty audio programming services are audio programming services that are radio undertakings, other than licensed over-the-air services, delivered by broadcasting distribution undertakings and that are specialized with respect to their content and/or target audience. For more information consult New licensing framework for specialty audio programming services, Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2002-53, 12 September 2002.

In New procedure for the filing of applications for specialty audio programming services, Broadcasting Info Bulletin CRTC 2012-61, 30 January 2012, the Commission set out its new procedure regarding the number of applications for specialty audio programming services that it is prepared to consider from any one applicant at any one time. More specifically, the Commission announced that it is prepared to consider three (3) applications for new specialty audio programming services at any time, in any language, from any one applicant.

On 27 April 2023, the Online Streaming Act came into force and introduced a number of amendments to the Broadcasting Act. The Online Streaming Act includes transitional provisions set out in sections 48 through 52, which specify how regulatory obligations and requirements under the former Broadcasting Act will be treated under the current Broadcasting Act. You may refer to the Information Bulletin for more information. All licensees must adhere to thecurrent Broadcasting Act.

The term “conditions of service” has replaced the term “conditions of licence” throughout this form to reflect the changes resulting from the Online Streaming Act.

Filing

You may file electronically via My CRTC Account by attaching the application to the Broadcasting and Online News Act Cover Page. My CRTC Account allows you to securely submit documents to the Commission with a user ID and password. Therefore, a signature is not required when using My CRTC Account.

Applicants who cannot send their application with My CRTC Account can contact the Commission at 1-877-249-CRTC (2782).

Applicants who need further information relative to CRTC processes can contact the Commission at 1-866-781-1911.

Instructions

You may complete the downloaded form by inserting your response in bold letters immediately following the question. You may add lines to the tables if necessary but do not alter or delete any text from the form.

The application must be divided into sections as set out in the form and include the numbered questions followed by the corresponding response. Responses must be provided, at a minimum, in a 10-font size.

Book of supporting documents and naming conventions for electronic documents

The following documents should be submitted as separate electronic documents using the naming convention specified below. The document number (Doc#) indicates the ascending order in which the documents should appear on the public file. The documents should also be submitted in an accessible format (Filing submissions for Commission proceedings in accessible formats, Broadcasting and Telecom Information Bulletin CRTC 2015-242, 8 June 2015).

All information requested throughout the application form with an asterisk (*) is required.

1. General information

*Name of proposed specialty audio service:

*Areas where the service will be distributed:

National Regional

Specify:

Local

Specify:

1.1 Identification of applicant

*Individual Corporation Other

*If other, specify:

*Name:

*Address:

*City:

*Province/Territory:

*Postal code (A1A 1A1):

*Telephone (999-999-9999):

Fax (999-999-9999):

*Email (corporationname@yourdomain.com):

Contact person representing the applicant

(If there is no appointed designated representative under question 1.3)

*Name:

*Title:

*Telephone (999-999-9999):

*Email (corporationname@yourdomain.com):

1.2 Sent by

* Name:

* Telephone (999-999-9999):

* Email (yourname@yourdomain.com):

1.3 Appointment of designated representative

*Is there a designated representative?

• Yes
• No

I, *_________________________, the applicant, hereby designate____________________ as my designated representative for and on my behalf and in my name to sign, file and complete (if necessary) an application with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (the Commission) and to sign and file a reply with respect thereto and I do hereby ratify, confirm and adopt as my own act, such application and all replies made thereto.

*Date:

*At (city, province):

Signature: (a signature is not required when submitting electronically)

*Address of designated representative:

*Title:

*Telephone (999-999-9999):

Fax (999-999-9999):

*Email (yourname@yourdomain.com):

1.4 Declaration of the applicant or its designated representative

I, *__________________________________, solemnly declare that:

• I am the designated representative of the applicant named in this application brief and as such have knowledge of all matters declared therein.
• The statements made in this application or in any document filed pursuant to any request for further information by the Commission are (will be) to the best of my knowledge and believed to be true in all respects.
• The opinions and estimates given in this application or in any document filed pursuant to any request for further information by the Commission are (will be) based on facts as known to me.
• I have examined the provisions of the Broadcasting Act and the broadcasting regulations and policies relevant to this application.

And I have signed

Signature: (a signature is not required when submitting electronically)

*Date:

Witnessed by

Signature: (a signature is not required when submitting electronically)

*Name:

*Date:

*At (city, province):

1.5 Procedural request

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Rules of Practice and Procedure (the Rules of Procedure) allow an interested person to request that the Commission exercise a power under the Rules of Procedure or change the Rules of Procedure for a specific proceeding (sections 5 and 7). This is generally called a procedural request. You may consult Implementation of new Rules of Practice and Procedure, Broadcasting and Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2010-958, 23 December 2010, and Guidelines on the CRTC Rules of Practice and Procedure, Broadcasting and Telecom Information Bulletin CRTC 2010-959, 23 December 2010, for more information.

*Is the applicant requesting that the Commission make an exception to its Rules of Procedure in the treatment of this application?

• Yes
• No

*If yes, please indicate which section of the Rules of Procedure you wish to vary and provide a detailed rationale as to why this request should be granted:

1.6 Application

The Commission will return the application if it is incomplete. The onus will be on the applicant to submit a complete application that provides all of the relevant information, to identify all regulatory issues raised in the application and to provide supporting documentation.

*Submit a website address or email address where an electronic copy of the application may be requested:

Website:
Example: www.mycorporation.com

Email:
Example: no-reply@no-reply.com

NOTE: In Change to the processing time for applications and complaints relating to radio undertakings, Broadcasting Information Bulletin CRTC 2023-278, 22 August 2023 (Information Bulletin 2023-278), the Commission announced the deferral of the examination of any new radio application for a period of approximately two years subject to the applicant demonstrated exceptional circumstances, with supporting evidence, justifying the need to process the application.

In Processing of radio applications and complaints that have been placed on hold to date, Broadcasting Information Bulletin CRTC 2026-11, 15 January 2026 (Information Bulletin 2026-11), the Commission has announced that it will continue to require the applicant to demonstrate exceptional circumstances to justify the need to process the application until the publication date of the upcoming audio policy initiated in The Path Forward – Supporting Canadian and Indigenous audio content, Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2025-52, 20 February 2025.

*Please describe the exceptional circumstances that lead you to file your application with the Commission and provide evidence to support your position.

Please note that if you do not answer this question, or if the nature of your request is not deemed exceptional, the review of your request may be deferred. Should the Commission determine that you have demonstrated exceptional circumstances please be advised that processing times may nevertheless be longer than usual and as a result the Commission’s service objectives may not be met.

2. Ownership

2.1 Ownership information

*Appendix 2A:

In Appendix 2A, all applicants must complete Section 1: The licensee, but MAY BE exempt from completing Section 2: Parent corporations and other shareholders.

Section 1: The licensee

For the purpose of completing Appendix 2A, the licensee refers to the applicant, i.e. the individual, corporation or other applying to obtain a broadcasting licence to operate a specialty audio programming undertaking.

Section 2: Parent corporations and other shareholders

You must provide ownership information for all the corporations or individuals listed in Table C of Section 1: The licensee in Appendix 2A holding directly or indirectly 10% or more of the voting interest of the corporation. If applicable, you must also provide ownership information for all the corporations which form part of the ownership chain, i.e. those provided in Table C of Section 1.

You may be exempt from completing Section 2: Parent corporations and other shareholders in Appendix 2A. If the applicant seeks to be exempted from completing this section, it must confirm that:

• All ownership information for each of the individuals, corporations or other that form part of the applicant’s ownership structure has been submitted within the last 12 months through the Commission’s data collection system (DCS).
  • Yes
  • No
• No changes have occurred since the last filing that would be subject to a notification requirement or prior approval by the Commission.
  • Yes
  • No
• No amalgamation has occurred.
  • Yes
  • No

If an amalgamation occurred, please file a copy of the certificate and articles of the amalgamated corporation.

2.2 Control statement and agreements

*Appendix 2B:

Append a statement regarding who controls/will control the licensee and by what means. If the control is to be held by a shareholder corporation, also advise who controls/will control it and by what means.

If applicable, attach all related documents, such as Shareholders Agreement, Voting Trust Agreement, Local Management Agreement, Management Agreement, etc. Provide a draft copy where an executed copy is not available.

2.3 Governing documents

*Appendix 2C:

A copy of all governing documents (Certificate and Articles of Incorporation, Amendment or Amalgamation, By-Laws, Partnership Agreement, etc.), that are not already on file with the Commission:

• For the applicant that is not yet incorporated, you must provide draft documents (draft Articles of Incorporation and draft By-Laws).
• For the parent corporation and for each individual, corporation or other listed in Appendix 2A, holding directly or indirectly 10% or more of the voting interest of a corporation.

3. Industry consolidation and cross-media ownership

3.1 Associates

Is the applicant an associate, as defined in subsection 11(1) of the Radio Regulations 1986 (the Regulations) with another person that own, directly or indirectly, a broadcasting licence, a daily newspaper or a company that produces or distribute programming material?

• Yes
• No

If yes, please confirm with whom and clarify the relationship.

3.2 Ownership Chart

Are the licensed broadcasting undertakings of the applicant and its associates indicated in an ownership chart provided by the Commission?

Yes

If yes, please indicate the URL address(es) for the public:

No

If no, please identify all broadcasting undertakings that are owned, directly or indirectly, by the applicant and its associates. If the services are owned in part, please indicate the percentage in brackets:

3.3 Daily Newspaper

Please confirm whether the applicant and its associates own, directly or indirectly, a daily newspaper sold in the market(s) in which the undertaking(s) would be launched.

• Yes
• No

If yes, which one:

4. Programming

4.1 Language(s) of programming

• *The principal language of programming will be:
• *Other languages of programming (if applicable):

  Languages	Minimum per Broadcast Week
  	Hours: minutes	%
  English
  French
  Indigenous Canadian Languages (specify)
  Third-languages** (specify)

  **Designates programs in languages other than English, French or of languages of Indigenous Canadians.

• *If the station, in addition to the principal language of programming, intends to broadcast programming in one or both official language(s) (French or English) or in one or more Indigenous Canadian language(s), confirm that the applicant is also requesting to have a condition of service authorizing it to do so in the amount specified above.
  • Yes
  • No

  If no, what amount of programming, in each of those languages, is the applicant requesting to be authorized by condition of service to broadcast in:

  Languages	Minimum per Broadcast Week
  	Hours: minutes	%
  English
  French
  Indigenous Canadian Languages (specify)

4.2 Description of Service

• *Provide a description of the target audience:
• *Provide a brief description of service, which you would accept as a condition of service. When defining the nature of the proposed service, please refer to the programming categories set out in Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2022-333:
• *Describe how the proposed service will differ from and complement conventional over-the-air radio services currently licensed in the applicant's targeted market(s):

4.3 Canadian content

The Commission will generally require specialty audio programming service licensees to adhere, by condition of service, to the same Canadian content requirements as those set out in section 2.2 of the Regulations for over-the-air licensees: a minimum of 35% Canadian content for category 2 music, 10% for category 3 musical selections and, during ethnic programming periods, a minimum of 7% Canadian musical selections.

The Commission may accept lower levels of Canadian content in circumstances where the applicant clearly demonstrates that the nature of the service being proposed warrants such an exception or otherwise meets the objectives of section 3 of the Broadcasting Act.

• *Will your proposed service meet the same Canadian content requirements as those set out in section 2.2 of the Regulations? This requirement will be imposed by condition of service.
  • Yes
  • No

  If no,

  • *Indicate what the level of Canadian content that you propose is and that you would accept as a condition of service: __________ %
  • *Demonstrate that the proposed Canadian content level is reflective of available content, is appropriate to the nature of service being proposed and warrants an exception to section 2.2 of the Regulations or
  • *otherwise meets the objectives of section 3 of the Broadcasting Act:
• Demonstrate how the proposed spoken-word programming will be mindful of the provisions of the Broadcasting Act which emphasizes the importance of Canadian content on Canadian broadcasting services:

4.4 French-language vocal music

The Commission will require French-language specialty audio service licensees to adhere, by condition of service, to the same French-language Vocal Music requirements as those set out in section 2.2 of the Regulations for over-the-air licensees: licensees shall devote 65% or more of the service's vocal musical selections from category 2 to French-language musical selections; and 55% or more of category 2 vocal musical selections broadcast between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday to Friday shall be French-language vocal music selections.

*Will the proposed service meet the same French-language Vocal Music requirements as those set out in section 2.2 of the Regulations? This requirement will be imposed by condition of service.

• Yes
• No

If no,

• *Indicate the level of French-language Vocal Music that you propose, and that you would accept as a condition of service: _______ %.
• *Demonstrate how the proposed French-language Vocal Music level is reflective of available content, is appropriate to the nature of the service being proposed and warrants an exception to section 2.2 of the Regulations or otherwise meets the objectives of section 3 of the Broadcasting Act:

The Commission considers a musical selection as French-language Vocal Music when more than 50% of the duration of the vocal portion of the selection is in French. Onomatopoeia or other non-intelligible vocal parts (known as “non-lexical vocables”) of musical selections are not considered part of the vocal portion when calculating the duration of the selection, as outlined at paragraph 276 of Revised Commercial Radio Policy, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2022-332, 7 December 2022.

4.5 Canadian content development

*Briefly describe how this service will promote and develop Canadian artistic and musical talent:

4.6 Industry codes

*The licensee will, as a condition of service, adhere to the following industry codes during all hours of broadcast:

• The Canadian Association of Broadcasters' Broadcast Code for Advertising to Children (Public Notice CRTC 1993-99, Revised Broadcast Code for Advertising to Children, dated 30 June 1993), as amended from time to time and approved by the Commission.
  • Yes
  • No

  If no, provide reasons:

• The Canadian Association of Broadcasters' Equitable Portrayal Code (Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2008-23, Equitable Portrayal Code, dated 17 March 2008), as amended from time to time and approved by the Commission (to be suspended as long as the applicant is a member in good standing of the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council).
  • Yes
  • No

  If no, provide reasons:

4.7 Other programming requirements

*The licensee will, as a condition of service, adhere to the following sections of the Regulations:

• Section 3, related to "Broadcasting Content"
  • Yes
  • No
• Section 4, related to the broadcasting of commercial messages dealing with alcoholic beverages
  • Yes
  • No
• Section 6, related to "Political Broadcasts"
  • Yes
  • No
• Section 7, related to "Ethnic Programs"
  • Yes
  • No
• Section 8, related to "Logs and Records"
  • Yes
  • No
• Section 9(2), related to the requirement to submit an annual return (standard filing requirements)
  • Yes
  • No
• Section 11, related to "Transfer of Ownership or Control"
  • Yes
  • No
• Broadcasting Licence Fee Regulations, 1997 (if the revenues exceed the threshold amount of $2 million)
  • Yes
  • No

*If you responded no to any of the above, provide reasons:

5. Request for documents to be designated as confidential

Sections 30 to 34 of the Rules of Procedure set out a process by which parties to Commission proceedings may file information on the record of a public proceeding in confidence.

A party filing information can “designate” it as confidential at the time it is filed with the Commission (section 31) if it falls into one of the following categories:

• Information that is a trade secret;
• Financial, commercial, scientific or technical information that is confidential and that is treated consistently in a confidential manner by the person who submitted it; or
• Information the disclosure of which could reasonably be expected :
  • to result in material financial loss or gain to any person;
  • to prejudice the competitive position of any person; or
  • to affect contractual or other negotiations of any person.

At the time that the party files the information it designates as confidential, it must provide an abridged version of the document along with an explanation of how the information falls into a category of information listed in section 31. The party must provide a detailed rationale to explain why the disclosure of the information is not in the public interest (section 32(1)).

The confidential version of the document must be filed separately and must be marked “confidential” on each page. If the document is filed electronically, each file containing confidential information must include “confidential” in the file name.

The abridged version of the document and the reasons for the designation of information as confidential will be placed on the public record of the proceeding.

Please consult Implementation of new Rules of Practice and Procedure, Broadcasting and Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2010-958, 23 December 2010, and Procedures for filing confidential information and requesting its disclosure in Commission proceedings, Broadcasting and Telecom Information Bulletin CRTC 2010-961, 23 December 2010, for the complete process for filing confidential information.

Are you requesting for some information to be designated as confidential?

• Yes
• No

If yes, you must provide a detailed rationale to explain why the disclosure of the information is not in the public interest and provide an abridged version of each confidential document:

CRTC Form 111 - Application to Obtain a Broadcasting Licence to Operate a Specialty Audio Programming Undertaking

*** End of Document ***

Date modified:

2026-02-04