Over 600 independent Canadian broadcasters have signed an open letter urging the federal government to maintain CRTC rules requiring large streaming services to contribute 15% of their annual Canadian revenue to local programming. The group argues that proposed federal investments are insufficient to compensate for a 30% decline in advertising and subscription revenues caused by foreign digital platforms.
The push to maintain CRTC streamer contribution rules highlights a critical friction point between national cultural sovereignty and the global scale of U.S.-based digital platforms. If Ottawa redirects the CRTC away from these levies, independent Canadian broadcasters face a permanent competitive disadvantage, as they remain tethered to local content obligations that foreign streamers currently bypass. This conflict threatens the viability of specialized services like OUTtv and APTN, which rely on structured funds to survive declining linear subscriptions. The industry must now watch for the federal government's formal response to the open letter and the outcome of the ongoing court appeals regarding the initial 5% base contribution.
The broader shift toward IP-based broadcast standard technology is also reshaping how local stations manage their infrastructure and compete with digital-first platforms. Recent Streaming Access and Choice Alliance formation by major platforms further complicates the regulatory landscape for local broadcasters.
Over 600 independent Canadian broadcasters are lobbying the federal government to uphold CRTC rules requiring foreign streamers to pay a 15% local programming levy. This effort aims to address a 30% decline in industry revenue, ensuring that local services remain competitive against global platforms that currently bypass Canadian content obligations.
Broadcasters are fighting to maintain CRTC streamer contribution rules, including a 15% local programming levy, to offset a 30% decline in advertising and subscription revenues caused by foreign digital competition.
The 5% base contribution was established in 2024 but is currently facing legal challenges from U.S.-based streaming platforms.
Broadcasters are calling for the immediate release of priority funds from the Services of Exceptional Importance Fund (SEIF) and the Independent Local News Fund (ILNF).
The coalition includes over 600 stations, such as APTN, Super Channel, and various regional associations like the Ontario, Western, and B.C. Associations of Broadcasters.
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