CRTC wants more cash for artists from radio broadcasters

The federal broadcast regulator made only minor adjustments toCanadian content levels on radio, but wantsbroadcasters to contributemore to develop Canadian music and other programming.

In its review of radio policy, released Friday, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission proposes measures that would pull an additional $3.5 million to $4 million from broadcaster's pockets to support Canadian talent development.

Contributions linked to revenue, not market

Radio stations would contribute based on their revenues, with someadjustment according to the size of the market the station serves, the review says. The current system requires contributions based on the size of the market.

In 2004-'05, radio stations contributed $12.24 million to the Radio Starmaker Fund for music promotion,the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR)or MusicAction and other talent development initiatives.

FACTOR gives song-writing workshops and fosters development of Canadian artists and independent music. MusicAction is itsequivalent for French-speaking artists.

Under the CRTC plan, stations will be expected to continue contributing in the same areas, but in higher amounts.

The CRTC decided not to raise Canadian content requirements on commercial radio stations to 40 per cent, a move that was opposed by broadcasters in their submissions to the regulator.

Instead, Canadian content levels will remain at 35 per cent.

However,radio listenerswill soon be hearing more Canadian concert music, blues and jazz, as the minimum Canadian content for these styles of music has been raised.

The CRTC plans to set a minimum of 25 per cent Canadian content for concert music and 20 per cent for jazz and blues.

It will also ask radio stations to make specific proposals to play music by emerging artists when they apply to renew their licences.