CBC/Radio-Canada has officially become a full Member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), following a unanimous vote at the 96th General Assembly in Prague today. This significant development formalises and deepens the long-standing relationship between Canada’s national public broadcaster and the EBU, which began with associate membership in 1950. The move opens new avenues for collaboration and strengthens public service media ties across the Atlantic.
A New Chapter for Canadian Public Service Media
The decision, made during the EBU’s 96th General Assembly in Prague, marks an important milestone for CBC/Radio-Canada. Previously an Associate Member since 1950, the Canadian broadcaster has consistently collaborated with European public broadcasters on journalism, standards, and technology, fostering productive partnerships with leading EBU Members.
As a full Member, CBC/Radio-Canada now gains access to the full breadth of EBU collaboration. This includes Member-only networks for investigative journalism, verification, digital news, and data. Crucially, it also encompasses participation in the esteemed Eurovision News Exchange and Euroradio Music Exchange services.
Statements from EBU and CBC/Radio-Canada Leadership
Noel Curran (Director General of the EBU) welcomed the upgrade, stating:
“CBC/Radio-Canada has been part of the EBU family since our foundation in 1950. As one of the world’s leading public broadcasters, it has already contributed hugely to our Union — helping us set and uphold the standards of public service journalism that matter most right now. Full Membership means we can now do even more together: on platform accountability, on trusted news, on the resilience that public broadcasters need to build for the years ahead. Canada’s voice in this community makes us stronger.”
Marie-Philippe Bouchard (President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada) expressed gratitude for the new status. She commented:
“Thank you to the European Broadcasting Union for welcoming CBC/Radio-Canada as a full Member. This new chapter in our relationship with the EBU and its members will deepen our cooperation at a time when the collective impact of public service media is essential. It’s an important milestone that will benefit people on both sides of the Atlantic by helping to combat disinformation and support cultural expression.”
Bouchard also announced CBC/Radio-Canada’s immediate engagement:
“As a full Member, we are hitting the ground running by announcing our full participation in the Eurovision News Exchange. This will allow more Canadian news and perspectives to reach audiences in Europe, and bring more international coverage to Canadians.”
Revised Statutes Pave the Way
The vote to elevate CBC/Radio-Canada to full Member status followed a significant revision to the EBU’s Statutes, also approved by the General Assembly today. This updated framework now allows for extra-European Membership for broadcasting organisations from countries with a public service media system that aligns with core Council of Europe standards and holds formal observer status with the Council of Europe. Canada meets both of these essential criteria.
Founded in 1936 as a radio broadcaster, CBC/Radio-Canada has evolved into a multiplatform public service media company, serving Canadians across six time zones in English, French, and eight Indigenous languages. Its commitment to shared standards and interoperability aligns directly with the EBU’s role in technical coordination. The broadcaster’s editorial standards have also been independently validated by the Journalism Trust Initiative.
With this addition, the EBU’s membership now encompasses 115 organisations across 57 countries, further strengthening the global public service media community.
