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Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2026-25

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Reference: 2025-220

Gatineau, 5 February 2026

Résonance Média Inc.
Val-des-Sources, Quebec

Public record: 2025-0314-3
Public hearing in the National Capital Region
30 October 2025

CJAN-FM Val-des-Sources – Change in ownership and effective control

Summary

The Commission approves an application by Résonance Média Inc. (Résonance), on behalf of Coopérative Web Média des Sources (Coopérative) for authority to change the ownership and effective control of the French-language commercial radio programming undertaking operating the radio station CJAN-FM Val-des-Sources, Quebec. Through this transaction, Résonance will acquire from Coopérative the assets related to the operation of CJAN-FM.

The Commission also approves Résonance’s request for a new broadcasting licence to continue the operation of the station.

The Commission finds that approving this transaction is in the public interest, as it will help ensure that the station continues to provide local programming to the community of Val-des-Sources.

Application

  1. On 22 June 2025, the Commission received an application from Résonance Média Inc. (Résonance), on behalf of Coopérative Web Média des Sources (Coopérative), for authority to change the ownership and effective control of the French-language commercial radio programming undertaking operating the radio station CJAN-FM Val-des-Sources, Quebec. Through this transaction, Résonance will acquire from Coopérative the assets related to the operation of CJAN-FM.
  2. Résonance also requested a new broadcasting licence to continue the operation of the station under the same terms and conditions as those currently in effect.
  3. Résonance is a corporation incorporated in Quebec and wholly owned and controlled by Jonathan Cyrenne.
  4. Résonance initially proposed a value of the transaction of $230,569 and a tangible benefits package of $13,834. There are no liabilities being assumed nor working capital transferred at closing. In response to a request for information, Résonance reviewed the value of the transaction to $258,453, which includes the purchase price corresponding to the broadcasting assets ($187,262) and the total value of leases payable over five years ($71,191). Résonance also adjusted the tangible benefits package to $15,507, which represents the minimum of 6% of the proposed value of the transaction.

Intervention

  1. The Commission did not receive any interventions in regard to this application.

Regulatory framework

  1. The review of ownership transactions is an essential element of the Commission’s regulatory and supervisory mandate under the Broadcasting Act (the Act). Obtaining a licence to operate a broadcasting undertaking (in this case, a radio station) is a regulatory privilege granted by the Commission. A licensee does not have the authority to transfer a licence to a new operator as they see fit.
  2. For this reason, licensees must obtain the Commission’s approval before concluding any action, agreement, or transaction that changes, directly or indirectly, the effective control of the radio station. This requirement is set out in subsection 11(4) of the Radio Regulations, 1986 (the Regulations).
  3. When seeking the Commission’s approval, the applicant must demonstrate that the benefits of the transaction are commensurate with the size and nature of the transaction and that the application represents the best possible proposal under the circumstances. The Commission will consider the application on its merits and will approve the transaction if the change in ownership and effective control is in the public interest. The public interest is reflected in the Canadian broadcasting and regulatory policy set out in subsections 3(1) and 5(2) of the Act.
  4. Under subsection 18(1) of the Act, the Commission must conduct a public hearing for the issuance of a broadcasting licence. Broadcasting Information Bulletins 2011-222 and 2008-8-2 outline that the Commission generally reviews applications related to the acquisition of assets through public hearings, either appearing or non-appearing. Applications are non-appearing where the Commission is satisfied that the applicant and interested parties had an opportunity to present their views and that the written record is sufficient and further discussion is not necessary.

Issues

  1. After examining the record for this application in light of applicable regulations and policies, the Commission considers that it must address the following issues:
    • whether the applicant’s ownership structure satisfies the requirements for Canadian ownership and control;
    • whether the proposed transaction is in the public interest;
    • the value of the transaction and tangible benefits;
    • the allocation of tangible benefits; and
    • whether the proposed transaction fulfills the regulatory requirements.

Canadian ownership and control

  1. Pursuant to paragraph 3(1)(a) of the Act, the Canadian broadcasting system shall be effectively owned and controlled by Canadians. As required by the Direction to the CRTC (Ineligibility of Non-Canadians)Footnote 1 (the Direction), no broadcasting licence can be issued to a non-Canadian.
  2. Résonance is a corporation incorporated in Quebec and wholly owned and controlled by Jonathan Cyrenne, a Canadian.
  3. As such, the proposed transaction satisfies the eligibility criteria set out in the Direction.

Public interest of the proposed transaction

  1. When the Commission evaluates whether a transaction is in the public interest, it examines the extent to which the transaction improves the Canadian broadcasting system and contributes to meeting the policy objectives of the Act. Section 3 of that Act describes a broadcasting system that contributes to the creation and presentation of Canadian programming, and through its programming reflects the multicultural and multiracial nature of Canadian society. Furthermore, the programming that the system provides should be drawn from local and regional sources and should ensure that a diversity of news voices is offered to the public.
Position of the applicant
  1. Résonance entered into a purchase agreement with Coopérative to acquire the assets of CJAN-FM. Résonance is a new business offering marketing and advertising sales services. With the acquisition of CJAN-FM, the company aims to expand into broadcasting activities.
  2. According to the application, the Cooperative’s business model has been weakened by the departure of several members, leading to financial instability and uncertainty about its long-term viability. Résonance proposed acquiring the station and continuing the organization’s mission, in the form of a private undertaking.
  3. By acquiring the assets of CJAN-FM, Résonance intends to offer strong local programming by implementing its own marketing model, and to produce relevant news bulletins in order to become a key player in the provision of local information.
Commission’s decision
  1. The Commission recognizes that CJAN-FM is currently in a precarious financial situation. It believes that Résonance’s acquisition of the station would help maintain broadcasting service to the population of Val-des-Sources and surrounding areas. The Commission notes that Résonance is located in Val-des-Sources and recognizes its intention to strengthen local news and journalism.
  2. Further, the transaction would generate $15,507 in tangible benefits (discussed further in the sections below). As a result, different funds, programs, and various initiatives will receive funding, which will benefit Canadian artists, the radio sector, and the broadcasting system.
  3. In light of the above, the Commission finds that approval of this transaction is in the public interest.

Value of the transaction and tangible benefits

  1. The Commission’s approach is that the public interest is served by requiring that the person or the qualified corporation acquiring the assets and effective control make financial contributions to Canadian content development (CCD) that are proportionate to the size and nature of the transaction. These contributions are known as “tangible benefits.” The Commission’s policy on tangible benefits is set out in the Tangible Benefits Policy.Footnote 2 Tangible benefits serve the public interest because they increase the quantity and quality of Canadian programming and support the creation, distribution and promotion of such programming. Since the Commission does not solicit competing applications for changes to the ownership or effective control of broadcasting undertakings, the Commission requires that applicants propose tangible benefits when they seek the Commission’s approval to change the effective control of radio and television programming services.
  2. The amount of tangible benefits payable depends on the value of the transaction. In the case of radio stations, tangible benefits represent at a minimum 6% of the value of the transaction. The Commission looks at the value of the transaction as a whole, including the value of gross debt, working capital to be transferred at the close of the transaction, ancillary agreements, and any leases assumed by the purchaser for real property (buildings, studios and offices) and transmission facilities. The value of leases is calculated over a period of five years. These elements, if applicable, are added to the purchase price.
Position of the applicant
  1. Résonance proposed a value of the transaction of $258,453. This amount includes the purchase price corresponding to the broadcasting assets ($187,262) and the total value of the leases payable over five years ($71,191). More specifically, Résonance proposed to calculate the value of the transaction as a function of the broadcasting revenues component relative to the revenues of all the assets that were the focus of the transaction. It added that the component of the revenues generated by regulated activities represents approximately 72% of total revenues and that the majority of revenues generated by unregulated activities come from advertisement. No working capital would be transferred at closing, and Résonance confirmed that it would not assume any debt or liabilities.
  2. On that basis, Résonance proposed a tangible benefit package of $15,507, which represents the minimum 6% of the proposed value of the transaction.
Commission’s decision
  1. The Commission notes that the method used by Résonance to exclude the value of unregulated activities is consistent with the Tangible Benefits Policy. The Commission therefore accepts the value of $187,262 for broadcasting assets.
  2. The Commission points out that, in its initial application, Résonance had calculated the value of the leases on the basis of the amounts remaining until their expiry. However, under the Tangible Benefits Policy, this value must be calculated over a five-year period, regardless of the expiry date of the leases. Following a request for information, Résonance reviewed the total value of leases payable over five years and confirmed that the value was $71,191. To reflect this adjustment, Résonance also revised the transaction value to $258,453.
  3. In light of the above, the Commission finds that the value of the transaction is $258,453, itemized as follows:
    Purchase Price $187,262 
    Debt $0
    Value for the assumed leases over five years $71,191 
    Working capital $0
    Value of the transaction $258,453

Allocation of tangible benefits

  1. As per the Revised Commercial Radio Policy,Footnote 3 tangible benefits amounts are to be paid over seven consecutive broadcasting years and be allocated as follows:
    • 3% to the Canadian Starmaker Fund and Fonds RadioStar;
      • 60% to Canadian Starmaker Fund and 40% to Fonds RadioStar
    • 1.5% to FACTOR and Musicaction;
      • 60% to FACTOR and 40% to Musicaction
    • 1% to any eligible CCD initiative at the discretion of the purchaser; and
    • 0.5% to the Community Radio Fund of Canada (CRFC).
Position of the applicant
  1. Résonance proposed a tangible benefits package of $15,507, which represents 6% of the revised value of the transaction.
  2. In regard to the allocation of funds, Résonance requested an exception to the Revised Commercial Radio Policy. It proposed that the 3% allocated to the Canadian Starmaker Fund and Fonds RadioStar and the 1.5% allocated to FACTOR and Musicaction be 100% allocated to Fonds RadioStar and Musicaction, rather than according to the 60-40% ratio set out in the policy.
  3. The proposed allocation of tangible benefits, to be paid over seven consecutive broadcasting years, would be as follows:
    • 3% ($7,753.59) to Fonds RadioStar;
    • 1.5% ($3,876.79) to Musicaction;
    • 1% ($2,584.53) to any eligible CCD initiative at the discretion of the purchaser; and
    • 0.5% ($1,292.27) to the CRFC.
  4. Résonance argued that this exception is justified since the station is French-language and would promote the public interest of Francophones. However, Résonance has indicated that if the Commission refuses this request for an exception, it will allocate the funds in accordance with the revised allocation set out in the Policy.
  5. For discretionary projects, Résonance plans to support and give priority to local projects that will serve the communities served by its station and that meet the Commission’s eligibility criteria.
Commission’s decision
  1. The Revised Commercial Radio Policy states that tangible benefits must be distributed according to established ratios to ensure stable and predictable funding for beneficiaries.
  2. The 60-40% ratio, which was adopted in 2022 as part of the Revised Commercial Radio Policy, is intended to ensure a balanced distribution between English-language funds (Canadian Starmaker Fund and FACTOR) and French-language funds (Fonds RadioStar and Musicaction), in a context where the size and frequency of transactions are increasingly unpredictable. This approach ensures the fairness and financial stability of the broadcasting system.
  3. After review, the Commission considers that the distribution proposed by Résonance does not correspond to the objectives of the policy, which aim to maintain stability and equity in the funding of beneficiaries. Given the current economic challenges, it remains essential to maintain coherent and reliable mechanisms.
  4. In light of the above, the Commission finds that the amount in the tangible benefits package proposed in the application is appropriate but denies the requested exception in regard to the allocation. The Commission finds it appropriate for the allocation to be in conformity with that set out in the Tangible Benefits Policy and the Revised Commercial Radio Policy.
  5. The modernized Actnow includes express provisions relating to the imposition of expenditure requirements. As a result, tangible benefits are imposed by order made pursuant to subsection 11.1(2) of the Act. Accordingly, the Commission considers it appropriate to order Résonance Média Inc. to allocate $15,507 in tangible benefits, to be paid in equal instalments over seven consecutive broadcast years, consistent with the Tangible Benefits Policy and Revised Commercial Radio Policy.
  6. Further, the Commission considers it appropriate to order Résonance Média Inc. to report, as part of its Annual Return required under subsection 9(2) of the Regulations, on its progress in making these payments.

Regulatory requirements

Programming
  1. Local programming is important to the broadcasting system, and the Commission expects radio stations to reflect the communities they serve through the programming they broadcast. As an incentive to broadcast local programming, commercial FM radio stations that do not serve a single-station market can only solicit or accept local advertising if they devote at least one-third of their programming (equivalent to 42 hours weekly) to local programming, which can include both spoken word, such as news, weather, sports, and information, and musical content. A standard condition of service to that effect is set out in the appendix to Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2022-334.
  2. Résonance is committed to maintaining local programming focused on the needs and interests of the population, including local news, relevant cultural content, and an independent media voice for the community.
  3. Résonance has indicated that it plans to broadcast 126 hours of programming per broadcast week, including 77 hours of local programming, which would include spoken word creations and music. Spoken word programming and news bulletins would cover local, national, and international news, with the possibility of additions if revenues permit.
  4. In addition, Résonance would offer 9 hours and 10 minutes of broadcast time per year to community organizations in the MRC Les Sources (Les Sources Regional County Municipality) to promote local initiatives.
  5. The Commission notes that the commitments of Résonance exceed the threshold articulated in the relevant condition of service.
  6. In light of the above, the Commission finds that Résonance’s proposal does meet the local programming and news requirements.
Compliance with terms related to tangible benefits payments
  1. The Commission notes that, at the time of publication of the notice of consultation in regard to the present request (29 August 2025Footnote 4), certain financial obligations relating to tangible benefits arising from a previous transactionFootnote 5 remained unpaid for CJAN-FM, which represented a non-compliance. The shortfall totalled $868.29 in tangible benefits in regard to discretionary projects in the broadcast years 2021–2022, 2023–2024, and 2024–2025. Resonance has since informed the Commission that these outstanding tangible benefits, including those due for the current broadcast year (in the amount of $1,766.13), have been paid in full. Having carried out its own verification process, the Commission is able to support this claim. It therefore considers that the above-mentioned commitments in regard to the previous transaction have now been satisfied. The Commission confirms that these obligations have been fulfilled and that no further measures are necessary in this respect.
Licence term
  1. In Broadcasting Decision 2023-107, the Commission renewed the licence for CJAN-FM until 31 August 2030.
  2. Résonance is requesting a new licence with the same terms and conditions as those currently in effect.
  3. Under paragraph 9(1)(b) of the Act, the Commission has the authority to issue a licence and determine its term. To simplify the process for the buyer of the station and for the Commission, the Commission considers that it would be appropriate to issue a new broadcasting licence with the same expiry date currently in place for CJAN-FM.
  4. In light of the above, the Commission determines that the new licence term for CJAN-FM will expire on 31 August 2030.Footnote 6

Conclusion

  1. In light of all of the above, the Commission approves the application from Résonance, on behalf of Coopérative, for authority to change the ownership and effective control of the French-language commercial radio programming undertaking operating the radio station CJAN-FM Val-des-Sources, Quebec. The Commission will issue a new broadcasting licence to Résonance to continue the operation of CJAN-FM.
  2. Upon surrender of the licence currently held by Coopérative, the Commission will issue a new broadcasting licence to Résonance, which will expire on 31 August 2030. This licensee will be subject to the terms and conditions of service set out in the appendix to this decision.
  3. The Commission directs Résonance Média Inc. to submit the final agreement related to the transaction, including all annexes, schedules, and associated documentation, to the Commission within 30 days of the closing date of the transaction.
  4. This decision is to be appended to the licence.

Conditions of service

  1. Given that the applicant proposed to operate CJAN-FM under the same terms and conditions as those in effect under the current licence, the Commission makes the following orders, consistent with the existing conditions of service as amended by this decision.
  2. The Commission notes that it updated the standard conditions of service for commercial FM radio stations in Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2022-334. As a result, the Commission considers it appropriate to require Résonance to adhere to these updated standard conditions so that CJAN-FM’s conditions are consistent with the conditions of service for other FM stations.
  3. Further, pursuant to subsection 49(2) of the Online Streaming Act, any regulation made under paragraphs 10(1)(a) or 10(1)(i) of the old Broadcasting Act is deemed to be an order made under section 9.1 of the new Broadcasting Act. As a result, the Commission considers it appropriate to require that the licensee adhere to these requirements as conditions of service.
  4. Accordingly, pursuant to subsection 9.1(1) of the Act, the Commission orders Résonance Média Inc. to adhere to the standard conditions of service for commercial FM radio stations set out in the appendix to Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2022-334, as well as to all applicable requirements set out in the Regulations, that were made under paragraphs 10(1)(a) or 10(1)(i) of the old Act.
  5. Furthermore, pursuant to subsection 9.1(1) of the Act, the Commission orders Résonance Média Inc. to comply with the requirements related to the implementation of the National Public Alerting System, as set out in subsection 16(2) of the Regulations, and in Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2014-444, and Broadcasting Orders 2014-445, 2014-446, 2014-447 and 2014-448.
  6. Finally, pursuant to subsection 11.1(2) of the Act, the Commission orders Résonance Média Inc. to pay tangible benefits in the amount of $15,507, to be paid in equal instalments over seven consecutive broadcast years and allocated in a manner consistent with the Tangible Benefits Policy and the Revised Commercial Radio Policy. In addition, pursuant to subsection 9.1(1) of the Act, the Commission orders Résonance Média Inc. to file all proof of payment and eligibility regarding these contributions each year in a form deemed acceptable by the Commission consistent with subsection 9(2) of the Regulations.
  7. The specifics of these orders will be reflected in the conditions of service for the undertaking.
  8. The Commission notes that the formal broadcasting licence document issued to a licensee may set out additional requirements for the undertaking, relating to, for example, technical parameters or prohibition on transfer. The licensee shall, therefore, also adhere to any such requirements set out in the broadcasting licences for the undertakings.
  9. The terms as well as the conditions of service are set out in the appendix to this decision.
  10. Finally, the Commission notes that this application, including the matters set out in the above orders, was subject to a public proceeding that provided both the applicant and other interested parties notice of and an opportunity to make representations with respect to the proposed orders. The Commission is satisfied that, in this case, the public proceeding was sufficient to achieve the purposes of the publication and consultation requirement set out in subsections 9.1(4) and 11.1(7) of the Act.

Reminders

Force and effect of broadcasting licences

  1. Pursuant to section 22 of the Act, the broadcasting licence will cease to have any force or effect if the broadcasting certificate issued by the Department of Industry (also known as Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada) lapses.

Local news

  1. Radio stations are an important daily source of local news and information for communities. Carrying on a broadcasting undertaking comes with conditions, regulatory obligations and responsibilities, which include contributing to the Canadian broadcasting system by ensuring that Canadians have access to local programming that reflects their needs and interests and informs them of important current issues.
  2. Although the Revised Commercial Radio Policy does not specify a minimum level of weekly news to be broadcast, it does specify the type of spoken word material that must be included as part of a station’s local programming. In accordance with that regulatory policy, the Commission reminds the licensee that its station, in its local programming, must incorporate spoken word material of direct and particular relevance to the communities served, and that this programming must include local news, weather, sports coverage, and the promotion of local events and activities. In addition, the Commission encourages the licensee to ensure that a reasonable amount of daily local news and information is made available to those communities.

National Public Alerting System

  1. The Commission has implemented obligations in respect of the broadcast of emergency alerts. For reference, see section 16 of the Regulations as well as Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2014-444. The licensee must implement the public alerting system for each of its transmitters, and ensure that any alert broadcast decoders (e.g., ENDEC) used for the purposes of broadcasting emergency alert messages are installed and programmed to properly account for the applicable contour (as set out in paragraph 16(2)(b) of the Regulations) of the stations as well as that of any rebroadcasting transmitter that may appear on the licence for those stations.

Employment equity

  1. In accordance with Public Notice 1992-59, the licensee should consider employment equity in its hiring practices and in all other aspects of its management of human resources.
  2. The amendments to the Broadcasting Act resulting from the Online Streaming Act place greater emphasis on the inclusion of Indigenous persons, Canadians from Black or other racialized communities, and Canadians of diverse ethnocultural backgrounds, socio-economic status, abilities and disabilities, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and ages, in the Canadian broadcasting system. The Commission has announced consultations on diversity and inclusion in its Regulatory plan to modernize Canada’s broadcasting framework . In the meantime, the Commission expects the licensee to reflect this emphasis in its operational decisions.

Secretary General

Related documents

Appendix to Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2026-25

Terms, conditions of service, and expectations for the French-language commercial radio programming undertaking CJAN-FM Val-des-Sources, Quebec

Terms

The licence will expire 31 August 2030.

Conditions of service

  1. The licensee shall adhere to the conditions set out in the appendix to Revised conditions of licence for commercial AM and FM radio stations, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2022-334, 7 December 2022, as well as to the requirements set out in the broadcasting licence for the undertaking.
  2. The licensee shall adhere to all applicable requirements set out in the Radio Regulations, 1986, that were made under paragraph 10(1)(a) or under paragraph 10(1)(i) of the old Broadcasting Act.
  3. In order to fulfill its commitment relating to tangible benefits, the licensee shall expend, in equal payments over seven consecutive broadcast years and by no later than 31 August of each year, a total amount of $15,507, allocated as set out at paragraphs 4 and 48 of Simplified approach to tangible benefits and determining the value of the transaction, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2014-459, 5 September 2014 and at paragraph 160 of Revised Commercial Radio Policy, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2022-332, 7 December 2022.


    The licensee shall file all proof of payment and eligibility regarding these contributions each year in a form deemed acceptable by the Commission consistent with subsection 9(2) of the Radio Regulations, 1986.

  4. The licensee shall implement the National Public Alerting System in the manner set out in subsection 16(2) of the Radio Regulations, 1986, and in Amendments to various regulations, the standard conditions of licence for video-on-demand undertakings and certain exemption orders - Provisions requiring the mandatory distribution of emergency alert messages, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2014-444 and Broadcasting Orders CRTC 2014-445, 2014-446, 2014-447 and 2014-448, 29 August 2014.

Expectations

Diversity

The Broadcasting Act places significant emphasis on the inclusion and reflection of Indigenous persons, Canadians from Black or other racialized communities, and Canadians of diverse ethnocultural backgrounds, socio-economic status, abilities and disabilities, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and ages, in the Canadian broadcasting system. The Commission expects the licensee to take concrete measures to ensure it contributes to this inclusion and reflection in both its programming and employment practices.

Canadian emerging artists

Consistent with the Commission’s determination set out in Revised Commercial Radio Policy, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2022-332, 7 December 2022 (Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2022-332), the Commission expects the licensee to devote, in each broadcast week, at least 5% of the station’s musical selections to selections from Canadian emerging artists broadcast in their entirety. The licensee should report annually on how it has met this expectation, including the percentage of selections from Canadian emerging artists out of the total number of musical selections that were aired, and the number of distinct artists whose music has been aired. The licensee should also be able to provide, upon request, information such as a list of all titles, artists, and International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) numbers.

For the purposes of the above paragraph, the definition of “Canadian emerging artist” is the same as that set out in paragraph 346 of Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2022-332.

Indigenous musical selections

Consistent with the Commission’s determination set out in Revised Commercial Radio Policy, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2022-332, 7 December 2022 (Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2022-332), the Commission expects the licensee to include Indigenous musical selections on the station’s playlist. The licensee should report annually on the amount of Indigenous content aired on the station throughout the broadcast year (i.e., from 1 September to 31 August), including the percentage of Indigenous musical selections out of the total number of musical selections that were aired, and the number of distinct artists whose music has been aired. The licensee should also be able to provide, upon request, information such as a list of all titles, artists, and International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) numbers.

For the purposes of the above paragraph, the licensee may use the provisional definition of “Indigenous-Canadian musical selection” set out in paragraph 441 of Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2022-332 to determine whether a musical selection can be considered an Indigenous musical selection.

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