In keeping with its new policy announced last October, the CRTC on Monday renewed the licences for almost all Canadian radio services for indefinite terms, effective upon the expiry of their current licences.
“Conditions of service are no longer tied to a licence or its term,” the CRTC reasoned. “As such, the renewal of licences for indefinite terms would not interfere with the Commission’s ability to implement future policy determinations arising from the ongoing audio policy review, or any other future proceedings.”
The broadcasting regulator had said last fall the introduction of indefinite licence terms would help reduce the regulatory burden on radio stations. In June, the CRTC consulted on the implementation of its new policy for radio services that already held licences.
Excluded from the CRTC’s new policy of granting licences for indefinite terms are the radio services operated by CBC/Radio-Canada, as well as developmental radio services, which are still subject to an initial five-year licence term.
