CRTC raises streaming contribution to 15% under Online Streaming Act

Canada's broadcast regulator has announced new rules requiring large online streaming services to contribute 15 percent of their Canadian revenues to support domestic content, a significant increase from a previous requirement. The decision, made public on Thursday by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), also lowers the financial obligations for traditional television broadcasters.

The new 15 percent contribution rate for major streaming platforms triples a base requirement of five percent that the CRTC initially set out in 2024. That earlier mandate is currently being challenged in federal court by several streaming services, including Apple, Amazon, and Spotify, with payments paused pending the outcome. The rules apply to streaming services and broadcasters generating at least $25 million in annual Canadian broadcasting revenues.

In a parallel move, the regulator reduced the contribution requirement for traditional broadcasters, such as CTV and CBC. Those companies, which currently pay between 30 and 45 percent of their revenues, will now see their obligation standardized at 25 percent.

The CRTC framed the changes as part of implementing the...