The Sectoral Initiatives Program is available to the three largest associations representing community radio broadcasters: the Association des radiodiffuseurs communautaires du Québec (ARCQ), the Alliance des radios communautaires du Canada (ARCC) and the National Campus and Community Radio Association (NCRA/ANREC).
This support is offered in order to foster resource development and capacity building for the sector by launching a call for project proposals that will contribute to a stronger and more dynamic campus and community radio sector in Canada.
The ultimate goal of the Sectoral Initiatives Program is to stabilize operations at community radio broadcasters through training, governance support, and other activities which strengthen the sector so that radio stations can reliably and effectively broadcast independent local content, reflect the diversity of their listeners and build their capacity to connect and inform the population they serve.
The funding distributed through this program comes from Canada’s private broadcasters through a portion of their Canadian Content Development (CCD) contributions. We thank them for their contribution to the community radio sector.
The National Campus and Community Radio Association / Association nationale des radios étudiantes et communautaires’s initiative strengthens the community and campus radio sector by fostering new talent and elevating professional standards through a three-pronged strategic approach. It focuses on cultivating the next generation of broadcasters by engaging emerging content creators while simultaneously ensuring equitable access to national training and events (2026 National Campus and Community Radio Conference) through financial and logistical support for underrepresented and small-market stations. Furthermore, the project advances sector-wide professionalization by developing and launching formal accreditation modules within the Strategic Learning and Development Plan (SLDP), creating a standardized framework for excellence across the country.
Expected Results and Outcomes
- 50 new content creators will receive training and support through onboarding and workshops.
- Two accreditation modules focused on programming and volunteer onboarding will be completed and distributed to at least 40 stations.
- At least 15 individuals from underrepresented communities or small stations will receive full or partial subsidies to attend sector events.
- Speaker, venue, and accessibility costs will be funded to support the successful delivery of the 2026 National Campus and Community Radio Conference.
- Two accreditation modules will be developed, tested, and launched as part of a new national training framework.
- At least 40 individuals will complete pilot certification during the project year, with feedback collected from all participants and host stations.
The Alliance des radios communautaires du Canada’s initiative amplifies the role and impact of Francophone community radio stations outside of Quebec through a three-pronged approach centered on content, training, and collaboration. The initiative focuses on producing and broadcasting a pan-Canadian news program to highlight diverse Francophone realities, while simultaneously enhancing the quality of radio and digital products through specialized workshops and practical tools. By integrating a mentorship program to facilitate the exchange of expertise between established and emerging stations, the project fosters innovation and solidarity across the network to ensure a more professionalized and cohesive broadcasting presence.
Expected Results and Outcomes
- Production of 40 episodes of “Peut contenir des infos” to be broadcast on 20+ stations.
- Specialized training / workshops focusing on key areas such as advertising sales, project management, digital analytics, and governance.
- 4 to 6 station managers will undergo intensive one-on-one training in Ottawa.
The Association des radiodiffuseurs communautaires du Québec’s initiative asserts the role of radio within Quebec’s media and cultural ecosystem. It is based on three complementary pillars: afrancophone community radio conference Jours de la radio will bring together professionals, partners, and cultural stakeholders to discuss innovation, broadcasting trends, and the societal role of radio. The Forum des Directions générales (May 2026) will provide a space for strategic exchange to share best practices, challenges, and common pathways to ensure the vitality of the sector. Five radio programs will showcase the diversity of member stations and the richness of their initiatives.
Expected Results and Outcomes
- At least 80 participants attending the Jours de la radio (Nov 2025)
- At least 22 participants attending the Forum des Directions générales (May 2026)
- Production at least 5 weekly programs for a period of 25 to 35 weeks
