The Canadian Association of Broadcasters is pleased to announce the launch of the Commercial Radio News Fund (CRNF), a new initiative to support local news production by commercial radio stations operating outside Canada’s largest markets. You can read the full CRTC decision approving the CAB’s proposal for implementing the CRNF here: Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2025-193.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for CRNF funding, your station must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be licensed as a commercial radio station.
• Operate outside the designated markets of:
  • Montréal
  • Toronto
  • Vancouver
  • Calgary
  • Edmonton
  • Ottawa-Gatineau
• Provide news and information programming, including local news relevant to the community served.
• Be an Associate (member) of the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (CBSC), either directly or through membership in the CAB.

We encourage all eligible stations to apply and take advantage of this important opportunity to strengthen local news coverage across Canada. Unsure if you are eligible? Reach out to us via e-mail at CRNF.FNRC@cab-acr.ca.

The deadline for applying for the initial year of the CRNF was September 15, 2025. Please note that funding distribution cannot begin until the outcome of the current appeal process is known.