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.

We are now moving ahead with implementation, opening applications for the distribution of contributions received for the broadcast year 2024/25. Depending on the outcome of the appeal process currently before the Federal Court of Appeal, we intend to begin distributing the funds by the end of October 2025.

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.

Unsure if you are eligible? Reach out to us via e-mail.

The deadline for applying for the initial year of the CRNF was September 15, 2025. Once your eligibility has been processed and verified, we will reach out for your banking information. We pay all fund distributions by direct deposit (EFT).

We encourage all eligible stations to apply and take advantage of this important opportunity to strengthen local news coverage across Canada. If you have any questions or require assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to CRNF.FNRC@cab-acr.ca.

To apply, please complete the following steps by September 15th, 2025:

1. Complete CRNF Application Form – Part A via online form: Complete Form A
2. Download and complete CRNF Application Form – Part B.
3. Email the following documents to CRNF.FNRC@cab-acr.ca with the subject line format “Company Name – CRNF Application”:
   • Completed CRNF Phase 1 Form: Part B
   • Copy of CRTC Form 1130 or 1110 (as applicable). Stations whose ultimate owner has annual revenues of $5 million or more must provide a copy of Form 1130 and stations whose ultimate owner has annual revenue less than $5 million must provide a copy of Form 1110, as filed with the Commission in November 2024).