CBC Radio Tariff: SOCAN and Re:Sound Fees

Summary#

This Canada Gazette notice publishes the CBC Radio Tariff (SOCAN: 2015-2018; Re:Sound: 2012-2019) from the Copyright Board, dated November 14, 2020. It sets the monthly fees the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) must pay to SOCAN and Re:Sound for music played on its over‑the‑air radio stations and for live simulcasts, and it spells out reporting, payment and late‑payment rules.

What it does#

• Sets fixed monthly royalties that the CBC must pay to SOCAN and Re:Sound for over‑the‑air radio broadcasts and simulcasts. Key yearly amounts include:
  • 2012 — Re:Sound: $112,110.68 (SOCAN: n/a)
  • 2013 — Re:Sound: $113,399.95 (SOCAN: n/a)
  • 2014 — Re:Sound: $114,851.30 (SOCAN: n/a)
  • 2015 — SOCAN: $144,406.60, Re:Sound: $117,140.57
  • 2016 — SOCAN: $144,406.60, Re:Sound: $118,616.53
  • 2017 — SOCAN: $144,406.60, Re:Sound: $119,802.70
  • 2018 — SOCAN: $144,406.60, Re:Sound: $121,348.15
  • 2019 — Re:Sound: $121,348.15 (SOCAN: n/a)
• Requires the CBC to pay those amounts each month on the first day of each month.
• Requires detailed, day‑by‑day music‑use reporting each month (called “sequential lists”). Each reported entry must include:
  • date, time and duration of the broadcast and type of broadcast;
  • title of the work and sound recording and names of author/composer/arranger;
  • type of use (e.g., feature, background);
  • album title and catalogue number, main performer, record label and whether it’s a published sound recording;
  • program name, station call letters and station location;
  • where available, codes such as ISWC, UPC, ISRC, other performers, track numbers and listed durations.
• Sets reporting deadlines and formats:
  • reporting must be provided electronically, with separate fields for each data item, no later than 15 days after the end of the month.
  • reporting should be sent by email (Excel or agreed format).
• Imposes interest on late payments: interest is calculated daily at a rate equal to 1% above the Bank Rate and does not compound.
• Handles transitional arrears: amounts owing on or before December 1, 2020 are due February 1, 2021 and are increased using multiplying factors tied to the Bank Rate (a table of factors is included in the tariff).
• Lists contact details and allowable delivery methods for notices and payments (email, mail, fax, FTP, EBT, credit card).

Who's affected#

• Directly affected: the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) — it must pay the fees and do the reporting.
• Beneficiaries: creators and rights holders represented by SOCAN (songwriters/composers) and Re:Sound (recording artists and record companies).
• Also affected: record labels, performers and program staff who will appear in the required reports.
• Most listeners and the general public are unlikely to notice day‑to‑day changes. It is not clear from the notice whether the tariff will change programming or ticket prices.

Why it matters#

• These amounts determine how much the CBC pays for using music on its radio services. That money flows to songwriters, composers, performers and record companies.
• The reporting requirements increase transparency about what music is played and when. That matters for fair payment to creators.
• The tariff clarifies how late payments and past‑due amounts are handled, including a specific February 1, 2021 deadline for older arrears, which could affect accounting and budgeting for both the CBC and the collecting societies.