Before submitting a request, we ask that you do a little homework. If you are only interested in hearing or watching an item again, do check if the material is still available on CBC.ca. Many radio programs have back episodes on the CBC Listen site for a few years. You can also review CBC Gem for documentaries and the CBC video player for editions of local news programs.
If you cannot find the content you are looking for on CBC.ca it may be archived. In that case, you can apply to purchase or license the content. (You can also purchase and license “active” content that is on CBC.ca - no need to wait for it to be archived!)
What do we need?
The more information about the material you can provide us, the faster and easier the process will be. That info includes broadcast dates, program names, subject matter, names of those featured, etc.
Please note that we can only provide copies of material for personal use if you or a family member appeared in it.
If you are looking for video content specifically, please search the Archives Sales database to see the types of holdings that exist; you may be able to narrow down your choices before submitting your request.
Keep in the mind the following important points, which apply to all:
- CBC does not have copyright over all footage aired on our networks. Material not owned by the CBC is not available for licensing, including photos, amateur video, images from newspaper clippings, footage obtained by other news sources, etc.;
- If you’d like to use arts and entertainment and sports material in your project, remember that the rights belonging to all rights holders including professional sports leagues, performers, writers, composers and musicians (and the works), etc., will need to be cleared before we can release clean footage;
- Identifiable shots of the general public are restricted;
- CBC can only provide clients with “natural” or “wild” sound. Narration tracks, reporter voice overs, anchor introductions and music cannot be sold;
- Our policy is to restrict interviews unless the interviewee, or the estate of the interviewee, signs a release giving us permission to release their interview.
When you are ready to order, please reach out to the Licensing team via the Archives Sales website: https://distributionarchives.cbcrc.ca/en
Anything else?
Unfortunately, we won't be able to make you CD or DVD copies of archived CBC TV or CBC Radio series. Most older TV and radio programs, especially dramas, comedies and music programs, were not cleared for public sales. You can review the online stores listed at CBC Shop for those that do sell programs which have been cleared for home use.