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Act now! Write to your MP before February 1, 2025, to secure funding for community radio—time is running out!

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The Community Radio Initiative (CRI) is a campaign aimed at raising awareness of the essential role community radio plays in amplifying local voices, culture, and music. It seeks to address the critical need for consistent government support and inspire collective advocacy to ensure the long-term sustainability of these stations.

At an annual cost of under 

$25 million

- Some of this already comes from digital broadcasters, and the Community Radio Initiative will strengthen licensed community, Indigenous, and campus radio stations.

When the government updated the Broadcasting Act to require digital broadcasters to support Canadian voices, the Community Radio Initiative was included as part of this funding structure. Of the $24.5 million required, $6 million is expected to come from digital broadcasters by 2026. We now need your help to secure the remaining $18.5 million in the 2025 federal budget. This funding would transform community radio in Canada, ensuring continued access to vital local news and information.

This funding would transform community radio in Canada, protecting access to crucial local news and stories that bring our communities together.

Read the full Community Radio Initiative proposal to learn more about the plan. 

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They are the last line of reliable, immediate, and trustworthy local news. Owned by community non-profit boards, these stations are run by locals, for locals.

 

As not-for-profits, every dollar they receive is reinvested into the communities they serve. They play the music others won’t, elevate local stories, and broadcast in our languages.

 

These stations are where we find our voice and hear our community—always there when we need them.

235

Community Radio Stations

65+

Program languages

1

Mission to Support

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Ultimately, the success of these stations relies on the people behind them.

 

The solution is simple and it has been proven to work, but we need your help.

All you have to do is simply enter your city, and your MP will appear. It’s easy! Once you've found your MP, a pre-written letter will be provided, emphasizing the importance of supporting your local community and detailing the Community Radio Initiative.

Write to your MP! 

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Dear [MP], My name is [Your Name], and I’m a resident of your constituency. I’m writing to bring attention to the crucial role of community radio and the urgent need for stable funding to keep these stations operating. While the Online Streaming Act (C-11) and the Online News Act (C-18) were positive steps, they haven’t provided the immediate support required to maintain local news, community updates, and cultural programming. The Community Radio Initiative (CRI) is requesting $24.5 million in annual operational funding, with $6 million expected from digital broadcasters by 2026. To ensure these stations survive, the government’s support is essential to cover the remaining $18.5 million in the 2025 budget. This funding is vital to safeguard the future of community radio and its role in keeping Canadians informed and connected. I hope you’ll consider championing policies in the 2025 budget that secure stable operational funding for community radio through the CRI. With your support, we can protect local news, diverse programming, and ensure a platform for voices that might otherwise go unheard. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [Your Name]

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When shaping Canadian broadcast policy, we often look to Australia—our countries share similar demographics and economies. Yet, Australia’s community radio sector has thrived, offering lessons for Canada.

In a country with two-thirds the population of Canada, Australia has more than twice the number of community radio stations.

Australia

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Population of 23 million people

Canada
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Population of 35 million people

In a country with two-thirds the population of Canada, Australia has more than twice the number of community radio stations. This is the result of the government investing approximately $20 million annually in the sector. Since 1994, Australia’s Community Broadcasting Association has received over $20 million annually, supporting 450 stations—30% of which are First Nations broadcasters. This funding has helped community radio reach over a quarter of Australians aged 15+ as regular listeners.

Canada’s community radio sector, with 235 stations and 2.4 million listeners, is growing but still faces funding challenges. Australia’s example shows what’s possible.

While community, Indigenous, and campus radio are needed, they are not supported. What these stations need, more than anything else, is a little help to run their operations.  

 

Nearly half of the community stations in Canada operate on less than $200,000 a year. They benefit from a network of devoted volunteers, but just think what they could do with a little support.

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The Community Radio Initiative (CRI) is a plan designed to ensure that this critical “third pillar” of our broadcasting system is also recognized with needed support.

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