Media company Stingray announced Monday it is collaborating with a group of independent broadcasters to call on the federal government to support Canada’s local radio industry.
Stingray said a letter has been sent to Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and Canadian Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge “outlining actionable recommendations to address the economic challenges posed to local radio by the digital shift and the loss of advertising dollars to online platforms.”
The group is asking for the upcoming federal budget to include a commitment from the federal government to dedicate at least 70 per cent of its advertising expenditures to local media, “ensuring an even distribution across radio, television, print, and Canadian-owned digital media,” a press release says.
The independent broadcasters also recommend establishing a minimum 20-per-cent tax credit “to motivate advertisers to invest in advertising with Canadian-owned print and broadcast media, providing a much-needed boost to these vital (yet endangered) sectors,” the release adds.
“The local radio sector is an integral part of our national identity, providing a connection to Canadian culture, music, and essential information, particularly during local or regional emergencies,” Eric Boyko, president, co-founder and CEO of Stingray, said in a statement. “Stingray and our respected independent industry partners are calling on the government to implement these measures, which are critical to the sector’s viability.”
Independent broadcasters supporting the letter include Acadia Broadcasting, Arsenal Media, Bayshore Broadcasting, Blackburn Media, Byrnes Communications, Central Ontario Broadcasting, Dougall Media, Durham Radio, Evanov Communications, Golden West Broadcasting, Local Radio Lab, MBS Radio, Pattison Media, Quinte Broadcasting, Rawlco Radio, Starboard Communications, Torres Media, Vista Radio, and Whiteoaks Communications Group.
“These recommendations are presented with the firm belief that government support would significantly strengthen the independent radio sector, allowing it to maintain its pivotal role in promoting Canadian music, safeguarding the public in times of crisis, and upholding fundamental democratic values,” the release says.
