PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
2026 Federal Budget: Community radio stations welcome progress on culture and local journalism but still await direct support for the sector
QUEBEC CITY, November 6, 2026 — Gathered in Quebec City for Jours de la Radio, the Alliance des radios communautaires du Canada (Alliance Radios), the Association des radiodiffuseurs communautaires du Québec (ARCQ) and the National Campus and Community Radio Association (NCRA/ANREC) welcome a federal budget they see as broadly positive for the campus and community radio sector, given its emphasis on culture, media, communities and recreational infrastructure.
The budget’s substantial funding for culture sends a strong signal. It reflects the government’s commitment to using culture to strengthen Canada’s national identity, social cohesion and cultural sovereignty.
The three organizations welcome the $600 million in support for the audio and audiovisual sectors and the journalism tax credit. They are particularly pleased that the Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) is being made permanent, with $134 million over four years starting in 2027–28 and $41 million per year thereafter.
“By making support for local journalism permanent, the government recognizes that local news is essential to the vitality of our communities,” said Gary Ouellette, President of Alliance Radios. “Our stations are living proof of that, bringing the voices of francophones across the country to the airwaves every day.”
Despite this progress, the three organizations are disappointed that the government’s investments do not include funding for the Community Radio Initiative (CRI), which the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance had recommended.
“In many parts of Quebec, community radio is often the only medium that keeps people informed, brings them together and keeps local culture alive,” said Sandra McNeil, President of the ARCQ. “We welcome the progress in this budget, but our stations can no longer keep doing so much with so little. Investing in the Community Radio Initiative would be a straightforward step that would strengthen the sector for the long term. We’ll continue to make that case to the government alongside our partners.”
Through this joint statement, Alliance Radios, the ARCQ and NCRA/ANREC affirm their solidarity and commitment to working together. They intend to continue a constructive dialogue with the Government of Canada to establish a sustainable funding model that meets the needs of local media.
About Alliance Radios
Active nationally since 1991, the Alliance des radios communautaires du Canada (Alliance Radios) grew out of the desire of francophone and Acadian community radio stations to guide their own development and ensure their autonomy. It helps members consult, coordinate, cooperate, exchange ideas and promote their work while listening to them and respecting their distinct local and regional circumstances.
About the ARCQ
Founded in 1979, the Association des radiodiffuseurs communautaires du Québec (ARCQ) works to develop and promote community radio. It represents 37 autonomous and independent stations across 15 administrative regions of Quebec, reaching nearly 975,000 listeners. Its member stations play an essential role in keeping people informed, fostering dialogue and strengthening social cohesion in hundreds of communities.
About NCRA/ANREC
Founded in 1986, the National Campus and Community Radio Association (NCRA/ANREC) is a national non-profit organization that supports volunteer-driven campus and community radio stations. It represents more than 120 member stations across Canada and helps them get started, stay on the air and amplify underrepresented voices.
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Information and Interview Requests:
Louis Béland, Executive Director
Alliance des radios communautaires du Canada (Alliance Radios)
Phone: (343) 633-1017
Email: [email protected]
Angelica Carrero, Executive Director
Association des radiodiffuseurs communautaires du Québec (ARCQ)
Phone: (438) 399-9949
Email: [email protected]
Barry Rooke, Executive Director
National Campus and Community Radio Association (NCRA/ANREC)
Phone: (866) 859-8086
Email: [email protected]
