This pathway introduces the legal and regulatory responsibilities associated with community broadcasting in Canada.

It is required for anyone who hosts, co-hosts, or exercises editorial control during a broadcast. Participants will learn how broadcasting law, CRTC regulations, and copyright requirements apply in real-world community radio settings, and how responsibility is shared — and assigned — on air.

Pathway Steps:

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Step 1 — Regulatory Framework (Required)

This step introduces the legal and regulatory environment governing community broadcasting in Canada, including the Broadcasting Act and the role of the CRTC.

This step is required for anyone who hosts, co-hosts, or exercises editorial control during a broadcast. Prior experience at another station does not exempt participants from this requirement.

This step includes a required knowledge check. Participants must demonstrate understanding before hosting or co-hosting a broadcast.

👉 Complete the Step 1 knowledge check

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Step 2 — On-Air Content Risk and Liability

This step focuses on identifying and managing high-risk content situations, particularly in live and spoken-word programming.

Topics include libel and defamation, what can and cannot be said on air, the difference between live and recorded broadcasts, and the responsibility of hosts when guests are speaking.

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Step 3 — Copyright and Use of Protected Material

This step covers copyright obligations related to music, interviews, clips, and third-party material used on air or in production.

Participants learn how copyright applies to broadcast, podcast, and online content, and how to avoid common compliance mistakes.