As a part of the Task Force on Aboriginal Languages and Cultures project, established in 2002 by the then Minister of Canadian Heritage, APTN was asked to prepare an analysis of the role of Aboriginal language broadcasting in Aboriginal language revitalization across Canada. The Final Report highlights the importance of broadcasting to Aboriginal survival, though they argue it is underutilized; the need for legislation to protect Aboriginal language broadcasting; the need for more resources for broadcasting research and development; and the importance of involving youth broadcasters and speakers. It also comments on the importance of broadcast programming as a resource for archival materials. The authors suggest that a national association and conference program would be useful to allow broadcasters to meet, share resources, and address common issues.

The Northern Native Broadcast Access Program (NNBAP) funded some surveys in the 1980s that suggested that language programming had a positive impact on language retention: however, results were not quantitatively conclusive and there has not been funding available to conduct similar (or follow-up) studies since.

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David, Jennifer and Debwe Communications Inc. Aboriginal Language Broadcasting in Canada: An overview and recommendations to the Task Force on Aboriginal Languages and Cultures. Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, November 26, 2004.