CRTC extends hundreds of TV broadcast licences

The regulator is seeking more time to modernize its licensing framework as it implements the Online Streaming Act.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has issued simultaneous administrative renewals to the vast majority of TV licensees in Canada in order to give more time to review its regulatory framework.

The decision covers hundreds of conventional TV stations, discretionary channels, BDUs and VOD services from both independent companies and Canada’s major broadcasters. That includes Bell Media’s CTV and Noovo; Rogers Sports & Media’s Citytv and OMNI; Corus Entertainment’s Global; Quebecor’s TVA; and APTN. It also includes all of those companies’ specialty channels, as well as those from the likes of Blue Ant Media, WildBrain, Zoomer Media, Stingray and TLN.

The licence terms, obligations and conditions that previously existed for each licensee remain in effect after the renewals. The extensions have all been granted until Aug. 31, 2026, except for independent BDU Comwave, which has received a one-year administrative renewal.

In its decision, the CRTC said the administrative renewals are meant to provide it with time to modernize its TV licensing framework in response to changes brought by the Online Streaming Act.

Passed in April, the Online Streaming Act updated the Broadcasting Act with a particular focus on regulating streaming platforms and digital media, though it is also likely to have an impact on traditional broadcasting licenses as well. The Department of Canadian Heritage issued draft policy directions on how to implement the Act to the CRTC in June, and the government is currently reviewing feedback received during a public consultation.

The CRTC launched its own separate consultations to modernize the Broadcasting Act, and is currently in the first phase of consultations, which will culminate in a public hearing in November. The Commission has said it will adjust its plans based on the finalized policy directions.

Though not cited as a reason for the decision, the CRTC also acknowledged that several broadcasters have recently applied for amendments to the terms of their licenses, seeking reductions in various obligations and expenditures. The regulator said those issues will be considered “in due course and in light of ongoing work to implement the new Broadcasting Act.” In their submissions, Bell, Rogers, Corus and Quebecor all said they applied for regulatory relief now due to the length of time the CRTC was expected to take to modernize its licensing framework.

This story originally appeared in Media in Canada

Image: Unsplash