CRTC finds radio stations supporting new Canadian artists
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today adopted definitions of new Canadian artists that were proposed by key music industry groups.
In addition, the CRTC made public two studies on the airplay given to new Canadian artists, which indicate that no new regulations are required at this time since these artists are receiving adequate airtime.
“The Canadian radio industry is actively supporting new emerging artists, who promise to contribute to a vibrant music industry in the coming years,” said Konrad von Finckenstein, Q.C., Chairman of the CRTC.
“Many Canadian artists are also taking advantage of online platforms and social media to promote and distribute their music. Given these opportunities, there is no need to impose specific requirements.”
Although radio stations tend to favour hits by established artists, they are also featuring new artists on their playlists. For example, their music accounted for three out of every five Canadian songs played by contemporary hit radio stations in English-language markets and one out of every four Canadian songs played by their counterparts in French-language markets.
The CRTC will ask commercial radio stations, when renewing their licences, to provide information about the exposure they give to artists who meet one of the definitions.
The CRTC is an independent public authority that regulates and supervises broadcasting and telecommunications in Canada.
Reference documents
The Music of Emerging Canadian Artists on Commercial French-language Radio
Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2008-16
Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2006-158
The definition of emerging Canadian artists
The CRTC has adopted definitions of emerging Canadian artists for the English- and French-language markets.
The definitions were developed by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters, the Canadian Independent Music Association and the Association québécoise de l’industrie du disque, du spectacle et de la video (ADISQ).
English-language markets
English-language musicians will be considered emerging artists if they have never reached the Top 40 position on the following music charts:
• RPM 100 Singles
• RPM Retail Singles
• Record Retail Singles
• Canadian Music Network National Airplay
• Billboard Hot 100 Singles, and
• Billboard Canadian Hot 100.
In addition, musicians will be considered emerging artists if they have never reached the Top 25 position on the following music charts:
• The Record Country
• RPM 100 Country Tracks
• Canadian Music Network Country Top 50 Audience
• Billboard Hot Country, and
• Neilson BDS Country Spins.
An artist would retain the status of an emerging artist for three years after having reached the Top 40 or Top 25 position, depending on the chart.
These criteria will also apply to a member of an established group who launches a solo career or forms another group.
