Funding Nonprofit Radio Technology Initiatives in Canada

Authors

  • Geneviève A Bonin-Labelle University of Ottawa
  • Jean-Simon Demers University of Ottawa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/cjnser.2019v10n2a288

Keywords:

Nonprofit radio, Technology, Funding, Canada / Radio à but non lucratif, Technologie, Financement, Canada

Abstract

Media organizations worldwide are struggling to find sustainable financial models since the arrival of the internet. Nonprofit radio is no different. Using a thematic analysis of 62 Canadian nonprofit stations’ financial statements from 2012–2015, this study examines the impact of the Community Radio Fund of Canada’s Radiometers’ grant competition. Although results show a small financial gain for those who received funding, the study fails to determine the value of relying on such a grant for long-term technological sustainability. This study also shows the classic income effect by demonstrating how stations continued spending on technology whether they received grants or not. Recommendations include creating a matching fund program to encourage stations to find alternative sources of income to sustain their projects and increase accountability.

Les organisations de médias à travers le monde luttent pour trouver des modèles financiers durables depuis l’arrivée d’internet. La radio à but non lucratif n’y échappe pas non plus. En effectuant une analyse thématique des états financiers de 62 stations canadiennes à but non lucratif de 2012-2015, cette étude examine l’impact de la compétition Radiomètres du Fonds canadien de la radio communautaire. Malgré le fait que les résultats démontrent un petit gain financier pour ceux ayant reçu du financement, l’étude ne parvient pas à démontrer la valeur de ce type de subvention pour une durabilité technologique à long terme. Cette étude valide aussi l’effet de revenu classique en démontrant que les stations continuent à effectuer des dépenses en technologie, peu importe s’ils ont obtenu ou non une subvention. Les recommandations comprennent la création d’un programme de fonds de contrepartie, afin d’encourager les stations à trouver des sources alternatives de revenus afin de soutenir leurs projets et d’accroître l’imputabilité.

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Author Biographies

Geneviève A Bonin-Labelle, University of Ottawa

Associate Professor, Department of Communication

Jean-Simon Demers, University of Ottawa

Student, Department of Communication, University ot Ottawa

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Published

2019-11-28