It was first established in 1925, with a goal to lobby for Canadian copyright law to contain provisions for the distribution of royalties for music played by radio stations.

The CAB worked with the BBG to assist in the establishment of private radio and television broadcasters.

In the 1970s, the CAB lobbied against attempts by the BBG's successor, the CRTC, to implement policies for Canadian content.

[1] In January 2009, amid growing vertical integration and president Glenn O'Farrell stepping down, the CAB announced that it planned to restructure itself as a "streamlined and effective advocacy association representing private radio and television broadcasters to the federal government".

[1] The CAB agreed to form a smaller board devoted to issues affecting the industry as a whole, such as accessibility, copyright, and administrating media-related funds.