Every Canadian broadcaster operates under a licence granted by the CRTC. These licences aren't permanent — they expire, typically every five to seven years, and the broadcaster must apply for renewal. The renewal process is one of the most important moments in broadcasting regulation, and it's open to public participation.
Why Renewals Matter
A licence renewal is the CRTC's opportunity to evaluate whether a broadcaster has met its obligations during the previous licence term. It's also the moment when new conditions can be added, existing conditions can be strengthened, and the public can weigh in on whether the broadcaster is serving their interests.
Think of it like a performance review. The broadcaster submits an application explaining what they've done, what they plan to do, and why their licence should be renewed. The CRTC evaluates that application against the broadcaster's track record and the objectives of the Broadcasting Act.
The Timeline
The process follows a predictable pattern. The CRTC issues a Notice of Consultation, usually about a year before the licence expires. This notice opens a window — typically 30 days — for the public to submit written interventions supporting, opposing, or commenting on the renewal application.
After the intervention deadline closes, the broadcaster has an opportunity to reply to the interventions. For major renewals, the CRTC may hold an oral hearing where selected interveners can present in person.
The CRTC then deliberates and issues a decision, which may renew the licence with conditions, renew it with modifications, or in rare cases, decline to renew.
What the CRTC Looks At
The Commission considers several factors during a renewal:
The broadcaster's compliance record — did they meet their Canadian content obligations, tangible benefits commitments, and other conditions of licence? The CRTC reviews complaints filed against the broadcaster during the licence term, making every individual complaint part of the permanent record.
The broadcaster's plans for the next term — what are they committing to going forward? The CRTC can negotiate new conditions based on changing technology, audience patterns, or policy priorities.
Public input — the interventions filed by Canadians, consumer groups, and industry participants. When multiple people raise the same concern, the CRTC takes notice.
How You Can Participate
Any Canadian can submit a written intervention during the public comment window. You don't need legal training or industry expertise. What you need is a clear statement of your concerns and, ideally, specific requests for conditions the CRTC should attach to the renewed licence.
The most effective interventions reference the broadcaster's actual performance, cite relevant CRTC policies, and propose concrete solutions rather than general complaints.
For a detailed walkthrough of how to file an intervention, see our guide to participating in CRTC hearings.
When to Watch For Them
The CRTC publishes all upcoming proceedings on their Consultations and Hearings page. You can monitor this page directly, or join our email list — we track upcoming renewals and alert our community when important proceedings open for comment.
Broadcasting licences across Canada expire on different dates, so there are renewal proceedings happening throughout the year. Some are routine renewals for small local stations. Others are major events that attract national attention and dozens of interventions.
The best time to prepare is before the Notice of Consultation is issued. If you know a broadcaster's licence expiry date, you can research their track record and draft your key points in advance.
The Bottom Line
Licence renewals are the most direct mechanism ordinary Canadians have to hold broadcasters accountable. A complaint gets filed and addressed; an intervention shapes the terms under which a broadcaster operates for the next five to seven years.
If there's a broadcaster whose performance concerns you, their next licence renewal is your opportunity to put that concern on the official record — and to ask the CRTC to do something about it.
Canadians for Broadcast Accountability monitors broadcaster compliance and helps Canadians navigate the CRTC process. Learn more about what we do or join our email list for updates.