Radio

Canadian radio has played a unique role in shaping the Canada that we know today. In the early 20th century, a country nearly 10 million square kilometres in area with a sparse population welcomed instant wireless communications as one of the instruments that would bring people together.

Radio technology had been in development for some years when a Canadian, Reginald Fessenden, became the first to successfully transmit sound over the airwaves in 1900. Today, radio continues to reflect Canada’s realities and provide a platform for the arts, a meeting place for communities, a source of information about the world, and a cultural bond for all regions of the country.

Canada is served by publicly funded radio that allows Canadians from all regions to stay in touch. This is a tradition that continues. As well, the CBC/Radio-Canada International service remains a voice for Canada by offering programming in over 100 countries. Private radio enterprises provide programming for every taste, reflecting linguistic, cultural and social realities from all parts of Canada. Community radio is, to this day, keeping people connected with local participation and content. In addition, student radio and amateur radio communications reach out to more specific audiences.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate radio licensing in Canada. It also provides guidelines to ensure that our broadcasting system is in harmony with Canadian creativity and talent, our demographics, our values, and the special place of Aboriginal people within our society.

Faster dissemination of information and demand for new formats are bringing deep changes to radio. Canadian broadcasters are innovating with cutting-edge technology and new business models, while maintaining content quality that is second to none.