Re:Sound Commercial Radio Tariff 2009–2025

Summary#

The Copyright Board published the Re:Sound Commercial Radio Tariff (2009-2025). It sets the monthly royalty rates, reporting rules and record-keeping rules that commercial radio stations must follow when they broadcast or simulcast published sound recordings in Canada.

What it does#

• Sets who pays royalties to Re:Sound for over‑the‑air radio broadcasts and for simulcasts (internet streams that are materially identical to the over‑the‑air signal).
• Establishes special and tiered royalty rates:
  • A flat $100 on the first $1.25 million of annual advertising revenue (special rate).
  • For “low‑use” stations (those playing published recordings for less than 20% of total broadcast time): 0.75% for earlier periods and 1.2% for later periods of the tariff window.
  • For other stations: tiered percentages — 1.44% on the first $1.25 million and 2.1% on the rest for earlier years; 2.7% on the first $1.25 million and 3.7% on the rest for later years.
• Requires monthly payments and reports of:
  • the station’s gross income, and
  • the station’s simulcasting income.
• Requires detailed music-use reporting (full sequential lists) for every broadcast day, to be delivered electronically within 14 days after the month ends. The lists must include track titles, performer/author names, timings, and identifying codes where available.
• Sets record retention and audit rules:
  • Keep short-term logs for six months and broader financial records for six years.
  • Re:Sound may audit records; if an audit finds an understatement of royalties over 10%, the station must pay audit costs and the owed amounts within 30 days.
• Covers confidentiality, who can see station data, interest on late payments (interest at 1% above the Bank Rate), and delivery methods for notices and payments.
• Includes transitional rules for amounts owing and for how to estimate simulcast income when historical records are missing. Any amounts tied to the tariff rate increases must be paid no later than August 31, 2025.

Who's affected#

• Commercial radio stations in Canada that broadcast published sound recordings over the air or simulcast their signal online.
• Small or “low‑use” stations (those with under 20% music use) may pay lower percentage rates but still must file reports.
• Re:Sound and the other named collective societies (for example, SOCAN, CSI, Connect/SOPROQ, Artisti) are the recipients or parties referenced in the tariff.
• Stations that lack historical simulcast records will be affected by the formula for estimating past simulcast income.

Why it matters#

• Radio stations may see higher or differently structured royalty bills for both broadcast and online simulcasts, especially for the tariff periods starting in July 2020 and later. That can affect station budgets and advertising margins.
• The tariff imposes detailed reporting and record-keeping. Stations will likely need stronger tracking systems and staff time to compile full daily lists and monthly income reports.
• Stations with missing historical simulcast records could face estimated catch‑up payments calculated by the tariff’s formulas, due by August 31, 2025.
• For listeners, advertisers and local communities, the main effects are indirect: higher operating costs or administrative burdens for stations could influence programming choices or local service over time.