National Campus and Community Radio Association Responds to the Online Streaming Act Policy Direction Letter from Canadian Heritage

[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE]

Ottawa, November 15, 2023

The National Campus and Community Radio Association/Association nationale des radios étudiantes et communautaires (NCRA/ANREC) acknowledges the positive policy direction set by the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage, in relation to the Online Streaming Act.

As the Act aims to elevate the presence of Canadian and Indigenous stories and music, the NCRA/ANREC recognizes its support of the community broadcasting sector. It also addresses content creators, Indigenous programming and a range of changes for those who produce content for the Canadian market. The Online Streaming Act, granted Royal Assent on April 27, 2023, marks a significant step in adapting Canada’s broadcasting legislation to the modern era of digital media.

The NCRA/ANREC appreciates the Act’s focus on supporting Canadian artistic talent and increasing the representation of equity-seeking groups. These objectives resonate with our commitment to diverse, community-focused broadcasting. However, as we venture into this new digital era, the Act’s implementation mustn’t overlook the unique role and needs of community radio broadcasters in Canada. The importance of stable, core funding for community radio cannot be overstated. Such funding is essential for our stations to continue providing indispensable services to their local communities, especially in underserved and rural areas. We hope that the Act’s implementation will acknowledge this need and support the ongoing viability and growth of community radio across the country.

Community radio stations play a critical role in promoting Canadian talent, offering grassroots-level information, and reflecting the diverse voices of our nation. As the CRTC moves forward with consultations on the Online Streaming Act, we urge a comprehensive and inclusive approach that considers the contributions and challenges of community broadcasters.

The NCRA/ANREC is committed to engaging with the CRTC and the government to ensure that community radio continues to flourish and meet the needs of Canadians in this evolving digital landscape. We hope this new legislation will further empower our stations to serve as vital platforms for Canadian stories and voices.

For more information:
Barry Rooke, Executive Director – NCRA/ANREC barry@ncra.ca 

Mark Kilfoil, President – NCRA/ANREC mark@ncra.ca
About the NCRA/ANREC:
The National Campus and Community Radio Association/L’Association nationale des radios étudiantes et communautaires (“NCRA/ANREC”) is a not-for-profit national association working to recognize, support, and encourage volunteer-based, non-profit, public-access campus, community and native radio broadcasters in Canada. We provide advice and advocacy for individual campus and community (“c/c”) stations and conduct lobbying and policy development initiatives with a view to advancing the role and increasing the effectiveness of our sector. Our goals are to ensure stability and support for individual stations and to promote the long-term growth and effectiveness of the sector. The NCRA/ANREC currently has 129 member stations.

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