SOCAN Tariff 1.B for Non‑Commercial Radio

Summary#

Copyright Board published SOCAN Tariff 1.B (2022-2027) on August 23, 2025.
It sets a royalty that non-commercial AM, FM and Internet-only radio stations (other than the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) pay to communicate works in SOCAN’s repertoire: 1.9% of the station’s gross operating costs for each year from 2022-2027.

What it does#

• Requires non-commercial AM, FM and Internet-only radio stations (except the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) to pay royalties of 1.9% of gross operating costs to SOCAN for using works in SOCAN’s repertoire over the air or online during 2022-2027.
• Specifies that “gross operating costs” includes gross Internet operating costs.
• Requires an estimated payment no later than January 31 of each year, accompanied by a report of the previous year’s actual gross operating costs; royalties are adjusted once actual costs are reported.
• Stations that broadcast for less than a full year must apply to operate under this tariff by the end of their first month of broadcasting and pay estimated royalties with the application.
• Clarifies that the tariff covers non-profit and not-for-profit stations even if they get some advertising revenue.
• Excludes use of music tied to the transmission of a pay audio signal.
• Gives SOCAN the right to audit a station’s books on reasonable notice during normal business hours.
• States that amounts are exclusive of taxes and that late payments incur daily interest calculated at a rate equal to 1% above the Bank Rate (as published by the Bank of Canada); interest does not compound.

Who's affected#

• Non-commercial AM, FM and Internet-only radio stations across Canada other than the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
• This includes community stations, campus stations and other non-profit or not-for-profit broadcasters (the tariff itself says it applies whether or not a station takes advertising).
• The notice affects payments and reporting for the years 2022-2027.
• If it is unclear whether a particular license or station type is covered, the station should consult the full tariff text or seek advice.

Why it matters#

• Stations will need to budget for a fee equal to 1.9% of their gross operating costs each year.
• There is an administrative burden: annual reporting, estimated payments by January 31, and the possibility of audits.
• The rule creates a predictable, cost-linked way for SOCAN to collect royalties from non-commercial broadcasters, which could affect station finances, fundraising, or programming choices.
• The tariff does not cover the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation or pay audio signals, which limits its scope.