Hi everyone,
We’re excited to announce that registration is now open for NCRC44 and Radiodays North America, taking place in Toronto from May 4–9, 2026.
This year’s gathering will bring together campus, community, and Indigenous broadcasters from across Canada alongside international leaders in radio, podcasting, and audio media. The program combines our annual NCRA/ANREC conference with the international Radiodays North America event and a series of hands-on learning sessions focused on podcasting and audio production.
Throughout the week, participants will have opportunities to connect with broadcasters, producers, journalists, researchers, and industry leaders through collaborative sessions, professional development workshops, and sector celebrations.
Full conference information (schedule, tickets, venues, travel details):
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1R1De-8zkOK3eVbedsrQ8xckJOViW1pw-Y-84MOENZIg/edit?usp=sharing
Register here:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/ncrc2026-rdna-podcast-and-producers-crabos-and-more
Please note that discounted tickets for NCRA/ANREC members are only available through this registration link, and not through the Radiodays or Departure conference websites.
Conference Overview
The week is structured into two main components:
Conference Program (May 4–6)
NCRC44 member sessions combined with Radiodays North America, featuring panels and presentations from leading voices in broadcasting, journalism, and audio media.
Production & Podcast Learning (May 7–9)
A set of events focused on podcasting, audio storytelling, and content production, including workshops, panels, and station tours.
The week will also include the CRABO Awards, celebrating excellence in campus, community, and Indigenous broadcasting across Canada and a Documentary Screening of the new Amy Goodman Film with Q&A plus social events.
Highlights of the Week
Radiodays North America speakers announced so far include:
• Alan Cross – host and music journalist
• Amy Goodman – broadcaster and investigative journalist
• Ben Mulroney – television, radio, and podcast host
• Craig Bruce – radio broadcaster and media strategist
• Tom Webster – Partner at Sounds Profitable
• Vicky Eatrides – Chairperson and CEO, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
Participants will also have access to selected Departure Festival programming, which includes internationally recognized speakers from across media, music, and entertainment.
Program Schedule (Overview)
Monday, May 4 – NCRC44 Member Day
Hart House, University of Toronto (1:00–5:00 PM)
• Welcome and introductions
• Member caucus sessions (Governance, Finance, Operations)
• Birds of a Feather collaboration sessions
• Learning sessions, including Educational Pathways with NCRA Learning & Development Coordinator Conrad Fox
• Evening Radiodays North America Welcome Party
Tuesday, May 5 – Radiodays North America Conference
Key sessions include:
• Music, Radio & Regulation – An Open Discussion
• BBC Radio 6 Music: Why Curated Music Radio Can Still Win
• The Morning Shift – Building the Modern Radio Morning Show
• Trust Issues: Navigating a New Era of Populism
• Being a Host in 2026
• Worried About AI? Your Best Friend Is AI
Evening
Documentary screening featuring Amy Goodman (More info TBA – Tickets not yet available)
Wednesday, May 6 – Radiodays North America Conference
Sessions include:
• The Audio One-Two Punch: How Radio and Podcasting Work Together
• Behind the Aircheck
• Where the Money Moves: Advertising, Audio & the Future of Media Investment
• Making Waves in Audio Investments
• Youth Listening in 2026
• The Art of Telling a Story – Lessons from Radiolab
Evening:
CRABO Awards Gala at the CBC Broadcasting Centre, celebrating excellence in campus, community, and Indigenous broadcasting across Canada.
Thursday, May 7 – Podcast & Producer Events
The NCRA/ANREC will collaborate with Canadaland to host the Podcast & Producers Summit, a one-day, 8-session gathering focused on podcasting, audio storytelling, and the evolving landscape of independent media production in Canada.
Friday, May 8 – Community Radio Tour & Learning Day (FREE)
Participants will visit several Toronto community radio stations using TTC transit. The day concludes with additional learning sessions at Hart House.
Saturday, May 9 – Soundwave Podcast Festival
A second day of podcast-focused programming featuring producers, hosts, and independent creators exploring storytelling, distribution, and the future of audio in alignment with Soundwave Podcast Summit.
Again, see full details, ACCOMMODATIONS, Food and ticket info here. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to Toronto for a week of learning, collaboration, and celebration across Canada’s campus and community broadcasting sector.
Cheers,
Barry Rooke
Executive Director
NCRA/ANREC
