In a continued effort to implement the modernized Broadcasting Act, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is taking significant steps to improve the accessibility of funding for independent television stations. A key focus of these changes is to enhance support for local news by expanding access to the Independent Local News Fund (ILNF).

Under the updated Broadcasting Act, the CRTC is tasked with modernizing Canada’s broadcasting landscape, ensuring that online streaming services contribute to the production of Canadian and Indigenous content. As part of this initiative, the CRTC initiated a public consultation to gather input on how the ILNF could better support local news outlets. The consultation yielded a variety of perspectives from broadcasters, community stations, and various organizations.

Following this consultation, the CRTC has outlined updated eligibility criteria, granting television stations increased access to funding from the ILNF. This decision ensures the fair distribution of funds while also mandating that recipients make local news content available online, further enhancing its reach.

This decision is just one of several actions taken by the CRTC as part of the broader effort to implement the modernized Broadcasting Act. For more details on the CRTC’s ongoing regulatory plans, visit their official platform.