Has been a central request of broadcast industry for years
By Ahmad Hathout
The federal government announced Tuesday that it will consult on extending the Canadian journalism labour tax credit to radio and broadcast news production.
The incentive program allows eligible newsrooms to claim a 35 per cent refundable credit on up to $85,000 in labour costs per employee per year for a maximum credit of nearly $30,000 per employee. The credit, which was introduced by the Liberal government in 2019, was increased 10 per cent in the spring of 2024 and is expected to return to 25 per cent for tax years beginning after this year, according to the Department of Finance.
The program, however, does not support news produced on radio or television. That could change after the federal government — by way of its economic update Tuesday — said it will consult with Canadians and stakeholders on extending the credit to broadcast journalism, which the government said “is a key part of our community fabric.”
“Supporting the important work of journalists is crucial in our democratic system, ensuring accountability and a well-informed public, especially during a period of global uncertainty,” the economic update said. “Canada’s new government is committed to supporting fact-based, local journalism that benefits Canadian communities.”
Extending the credit to broadcast journalism has for years been a cornerstone of the lobbying effort of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB), which – alongside others in the industry – has been calling for and has been disappointed with successive budgets without such an extension.
“We believe this is an important step forward to support fact-based broadcast news, and to keep journalists in Canadian newsrooms,” CAB President Kevin Desjardins said in a statement Tuesday.
“This commitment is an important step, coming at a moment when local news is facing an unprecedented financial crisis and broadcast newsrooms urgently need support. Private television and radio broadcasters remain the largest investors in original Canadian journalism, yet they are under significant financial strain.
“The CAB looks forward to engaging actively in this review to ensure that that the many roles and functions in the provision of broadcast news are properly reflected, and that the tax credit provides broad-based support to the broadcast journalism sector. Ensuring that all news organizations – regardless of platform – have access to equitable support is essential to sustaining trusted, local journalism for communities across Canada.”
