TORONTO (May 22, 2013) – The competition is heating up as MuchMusic and Coca-Cola announced the Top 3 finalists for the 2013 MuchMusic and Coca-Cola Covers competition on a special episode of NEW.MUSIC.LIVE., earlier today. Chosen with the help of fans across Canada, the Top 3 finalists are: the Oducado twins (23) from Toronto, ON, Neil Pranjivan (20) from Surrey, BC, and Kirstyn Johnson (17) from Strathmore, AB. These talented competitors have scored a VIP trip to the 2013 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS on June 16, and their very own, 30-second commercial.

Starting right now, fans can view and rate the latest Covers submissions from the Top 3 finalists at muchmusic.com/covers, as they compete for the grand prize of being crowned the winner of the Covers MuchMusic Video Award presented at this year’s 2013 MMVAs. The winner, or winners, also get to sign a Singles Deal with Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc., which includes a song release and music video funded by MuchFACT.

Beginning in March, Much viewers were given the chance to submit their own versions of select hit songs and post them on muchmusic.com/covers. After more than 1,600 submissions, and multiple rounds of judging by fans and an expert panel including Sony Music and MuchMusic representatives, the Top 3 were chosen.

Canada, meet the Top 3 Covers finalists!

Oducado twins (23) – Toronto, ON
Music has always been an integral part of Genevieve and Jasmine’s lives. From an early age music has been a source of happiness and has always been a way for them to share their joy with others. The Oducado twins are notorious for bursting out in song at work and their co-workers agree it's contagious. They sing wherever and whenever they can and hope it will bring a smile to peoples’ faces.

Neil Pranjivan (20) – Surrey, BC
Before discovering his true passion for singing he began to convey it by becoming a dancer at the age of five. Known for entertaining and captivating audiences with his talent and enthusiasm, Neil is always ready to deliver a memorable performance.    

Kirstyn Johnson (17) – Strathmore, AB
Hailing from a small town in Alberta, Kirstyn’s dreams of one day performing with some of her idols including Lights, and Amy Lee of Evanescence. Her keenness for singing had her performing in front of audiences since the age of three.

For more information, go to muchmusic.com/covers.

TORONTO (May 22, 2013) City Montreal expands its homegrown content with the launch of the new 30-minute weekly sports magazine show Montreal Connected, premiering Thursday, May 30 at 7 p.m. ET. Co-hosted by Sportsnet reporter Alyson Lozoff and television personality Wilder Weir, both Montrealers, the English-language program takes audiences beyond the game highlights for an in-depth look at the city’s professional and amateur teams, along with athlete profiles and feature stories on local, national, and international sports.  

Following the May 30 premiere, Montreal Connected will air Thursdays at 7 p.m. ET with encores on Saturdays at 3:30 p.m. ET and 7:30 p.m. ET, and Sundays at 6 p.m. ET on City Montreal. Beginning June 1, Sportsnet East will air Montreal Connected on Saturdays at noon ET.

"Montreal is a great sports city, and Montrealers support not only their pro teams but embrace amateur and collegiate sports as well,” said Scott Moore, President, Broadcast, Rogers Media. “With in-depth coverage and exclusive access to the city’s illustrious sports scene, Montreal Connected offers audiences a unique perspective on professional and amateur sports with a Montreal-centric view, plus a look at stories of interest at the national and international levels.”

Sportsnet reporter Alyson Lozoff was born and raised in N.D.G. She first discovered her passion for sports broadcasting when she worked as an in-game host during Montreal Canadiens games. Officially hooked on the gig after reporting live from the Red Bull Crashed Ice finish line, Lozoff joined Sportsnet in 2012, regularly covering the Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Alouettes, and Montreal Impact. A lawyer in Ontario and Quebec, Lozoff received a Civil Law Degree, a Common Law Degree, and a Masters Degree in Law at l’Université de Montréal. She also studied at the China University of Political Science and Law in Beijing, where she obtained a Chinese Law Study Certificate. 

Wilder Weir, raised in Beaconsfield, is the son of retired professional hockey player, Wally Weir. The puck was passed to Weir who continued his father’s legacy playing senior hockey for Lower Canada College and making the varsity team at Queen’s University. A budding hockey star, in 2005 Weir made his television debut as a hockey player in the Canadian reality series Making the Cut: Last Man Standing, a program that pitted Canada’s top 60 amateur hockey players against each other. His transition to an on-air television personality occurred in 2008 as host of national television series Oh So Cosmo, where Weir then worked on-air for six consecutive seasons. He returns home to Montreal with countless celebrity interviews, live event hosting, and on-air experience under his belt.

In addition to Lozoff and Weir, the roster of talent joining Montreal Connected also includes Sportsnet’s award-winning Stephen Brunt, considered one of Canada’s top sports journalists; Sean Gordon, Globe and Mail sports reporter; Herb Zurkowsky, Montreal Gazette sportswriter; and Arpon Basu, managing editor at NHL.com.

Montreal Connected will be produced by three-time world water ski champion and member of the Order of Canada and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, George Athans, alongside Kelly Greig, a former producer in Montreal. Bob Babinski is Executive Producer and Local Content Manager, City Montreal, Jordan Schwartz is Vice-President, In-House Production, Rogers Media, Scott Woodgate is Vice-President, News & Information, Sportsnet, and Scott Moore is President of Broadcast, Rogers Media.

TORONTO, May 22, 2013 /CNW/ - Appolicious, named "the most useful of the app search engines," by the New York Times, along with its educational ranking website, www.appoLearning.com, have named two applications by Le Groupe Média TFO: Mini TFO and La Cible, as Top-5 'best in class.' These recognitions place TFO, a multiplatform digital content company, among world leaders in education, where it stands out as the only Canadian producer in any of the French-language categories.

The Appolearning website lets parents know which educational apps they should encourage their kids to use, while also detailing the skills that are taught within each recommended application.

"With these latest awards, TFO has once again been recognized as a digital education leader, praised for delivering engaging, relevant and innovative products for the whole family," explains Glenn O'Farrell, President and CEO of Groupe Média TFO.  "Our teams of creative designers and educators work diligently to deliver world-class products to Ontario's Francophone and Francophile audiences."

The winnings apps are as follows.

-- Mini TFO - The single highest rated app (Score 96) in the Early Childhood > French category, it was loved by reviews because it "combines preschool videos with simple games like coloring pages and jigsaw puzzles, all in a French interface."   Appolearning believes it will help "give your child a head start towards bilingualism."

-- La Cible - Named among the Top-5 highest rated apps in the Middle School > French category.  It is heralded for being "the most advanced app on the list and is easily suited to older kids as well as middle schoolers. The games do not teach French as a second language, but rather just build vocabulary and general knowledge. There are math, science, ancient civilizations and other general topics."

All of the apps endorsed by Appolearning are curated and evaluated by a panel of teachers, parents, and app gurus. Every app that appoLearning showcases is given a Report Card based on our proprietary appoLearning Rubric, based on a number of factors, including Educational Content, Kid Appeal, Assessment, Features and Design, Value, and Safety and Privacy.

TORONTO, May 22, 2013: ichannel, a national television information service, has launched a unique website designed to help newcomers to Canada access much-needed medical care.

The site, http://ymoyl.ichannel.ca, is a companion to ichannel’s ground-breaking documentary Your Money Or Your Life, which sheds light on the Canadian health care system’s failure to meet the needs of immigrants and refugees.

In addition to featuring the complete documentary, the site offers a wealth of complementary materials, including web-exclusive interviews with people like midwife Manavi Handa, who speaks about the shocking lack of care women in Canada receive when they lack health insurance.  She recalls, heartbreakingly, the case of one uninsured pregnant woman whose infant died – possibly because a hospital refused her timely care. “She will always feel like her baby died because she didn’t have money,” Ms. Handa says.

In addition, the new site boasts a first-of-its-kind interactive “clinic finder” designed to help new Canadians locate medical clinics that will provide them with treatment, for little or no money, even if they lack a provincial health card.

“Our research on the documentary revealed an overwhelming need for such a resource,” says the film’s producer Kevin O’Keefe (Milk War, Bad Habits). “We felt it wasn’t enough to shine a light on the problems new Canadians face accessing health care: we want to contribute to solving those problems.”

Many immigrants and refugees, Mr. O’Keefe explains, don’t know how to find practitioners who will treat the uninsured, or provide care under the IFH (Interim Federal Health plan), which covers medical expenses for refugees. Exclusive to the new website, the comprehensive “clinic finder” enables users to identify immigrant- and refugee-friendly doctors and clinics anywhere in Canada, simply by entering a postal code.

First broadcast in November 2012, Your Money Or Your Life powerfully makes the case that new arrivals to Canada are being let down by our health care system. ichannel is proud to launch ymoyl.ichannel.ca – a valuable resource for new Canadians.

ichannel will present a special encore presentation of Your Money Or Your Life on Monday June 17 at 9 pm and Midnight ET, to coincide with the National Day of Action organized by Canadian Doctors For Refugee Care, an association of health care providers committed to speaking out against federal government cuts to medical care for refugees.

The documentary film Your Money Or Your Life was produced with the support of the Canada Media Fund.

The complementary website was created with the support of the CMF’s Convergent Digital Incentive Program.

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., May 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Netflix will premiere "Derek," an original series starring, written, directed and executive-produced by Emmy® and Golden Globe winner Ricky Gervais on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at 12:01 AM PT. All seven 30-minute episodes in the series will be available at launch.

Netflix members will have access to "Derek" in all territories where Netflix is available – U.S., Canada, Ireland, Latin America, Brazil and the Nordics – except for the UK, where the series premiered on Channel 4 and was recently renewed for a second season. David Earl, Karl Pilkington and Kerry Godliman star in "Derek" along with Gervais. "Derek" is produced by Derek Productions Ltd. for Netflix.

"Ricky Gervais is one of the most distinctive comedy voices of his generation," said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer for Netflix. "With 'Derek,' Ricky takes on new territory and mixes comedy with drama that is sometimes touching and sometimes heartbreaking. We are proud to partner with Ricky to present this unique and wonderful series to our members"

A bittersweet comedy-drama about a group of outsiders living on society's margins, "Derek" centers around Derek Noakes (Gervais), a tender, innocent man whose love for his job at a retirement home shines through. Derek cares deeply for the home's residents, because they are kind and funny and tell him stories of what life used to be like. Working alongside Derek is Dougie (Pilkington), his landlord who is one of life's unlucky individuals; Kev (Earl), a loveable train wreck; and Hannah (Godliman), a care worker in the home and Derek's best friend. She is smart, witty and hard-working, but unlucky in love, and, like Derek, always puts other people first.

Creator and star of 'The Office' and 'Extras', Ricky Gervais has won three Golden Globes, two Primetime Emmys, and seven BAFTAS. 'The Office' is the most successful British comedy of all time, shown in more than 90 countries with seven remakes.

The NBC version is the most successful US remake of a British show in more than 30 years. Considered the most influential British comedian since Charlie Chaplin, Gervais is an award-winning stand-up, and his tour 'Fame' became the fastest selling UK stand up show in history.

Gervais is also featured in The Guinness Book of World Records for having the most downloaded internet show of all time. He has written, directed, produced and starred in 'Cemetery Junction', 'The Invention of Lying' and starred in 'Ghost Town'. In 2010, Gervais was asked to be the first host of the 'Golden Globes' since 1995, for a broadcast seen by an estimated audience of 250 million. He was named in 'Time' magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World and awarded the 'Sir Peter Ustinov Comedy Award' from the Banff World Television Festival.

Ricky has since hosted the 'Golden Globes' in 2011 and was invited back for a third time in January 2012. His HBO show 'Life's Too Short' premiered on February 19th, 2012 while the third season of his show 'An idiot Abroad' premiered on January 19th, 2013 on The Science Channel. Most recently, Gervais has been cast as the lead in 'The Muppets' sequel.

MONTREAL, May 21, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - A fresh wind is blowing over the FrancoFolies… In fact, the organizers of the FrancoFolies de Montréal are delighted to announce the arrival of Bell as primary presenting sponsor of the largest French-language music event in the world! The two partners have signed a major four-year agreement that will cover the years 2013 through 2016 and enable the FrancoFolies to pursue their mission with even more energy and brilliance! This announcement is greeted with all the more enthusiasm as this year will be the 25th edition of the FrancoFolies de Montréal, a special event that will take place from June 13 to 22, 2013, and one that calls for a great celebration! To proudly mark this 25th anniversary and in tandem with this partnership, the FrancoFolies have also adopted a brand new logo that fits with a modern, more youthful image.

Alain Simard, president and founder of the FrancoFolies de Montréal, says he is delighted with this alliance between the French-language song festival and the leading communications company in Québec. "We are extremely pleased to be able to count on the support of a partner as prestigious as Bell to help us continue the adventure we embarked upon 25 years ago: that of promoting, and making accessible to the general public, French-language music by performers ranging from the biggest names to young artists on their way up. More than ever, such broadcasting calls for communication media that are both effective and innovative. Our partnership with Bell is therefore all the more fitting, since its technological expertise and position at the forefront of the media are invaluable advantages when it comes to broadcasting the festival content and bolstering the event's visibility. With the collaboration of Ford, which was already co-sponsoring the FrancoFolies, among others, the event can rely on several faithful and strong partners to help it grow and extend its influence in the years to come."

Martine Turcotte, Bell's Executive Vice-President, Québec, added: "Having been a partner of L'Équipe Spectra for over 20 years, namely as a supporter of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal and MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE, among others, Bell is thrilled to be supporting the organizers of the FrancoFolies de Montréal once again. Our commitment to Québec and French-language culture is expressed through events that rally the communities that we serve. The FrancoFolies de Montréal festival is the must-do event, and one that helps promote Québec artists and emerging talents. Like thousands of Quebecers, we are very pleased to be at the heart of the festivities and vibrate to the rhythm of the 25th edition of the Francofolies."

The beginning of a new era for the FrancoFolies!
With the best partners imaginable, the FrancoFolies now have the wind in their sails more than ever! This is a very good piece of news, offering hope that the financial troubles of recent years—which in no way affected the growing popularity of the event—will soon be a thing of the past. The FrancoFolies can now look to the future with renewed optimism, especially since they have indisputably scored a real coup by shifting their timing to June, starting off the summer festival season.

This special partnership is a particularly happy one because the FrancoFolies de Montréal and Bell largely reach the same audience: a young, trendy crowd that's in step with all the latest technological innovations and artists. A cutting-edge leader in communications, Bell has the desire and the wherewithal to shine a light on this major event that reflects our culture and to promote French music around the globe. Bell's participation will constitute a spectacular contribution to the lasting success of the FrancoFolies, enabling them to take their primary mission even further.

Bell in the spotlight
As primary presenting sponsor of one of the largest cultural events in Québec, Bell will lend its name to the prestigious Les Grands spectacles series taking place at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier and the Théâtre Maisonneuve at Place des Arts. The main stage of the FrancoFolies at the Place des Festivals, where some of the largest crowds gather every year, will also bear the company's name. And to give added spice to the celebration, Bell has confirmed it will make a special contribution to be sure this anniversary edition of the FrancoFolies is even more remarkable: it will sponsor a free show on June 17, specially designed to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the FrancoFolies, with 25 artists performing 25 songs!

The 25th edition of the festival, presented by Bell in collaboration with Ford of Canada, will be held from June 13 to 22.

TORONTO (May 21, 2013) – Earlier today audience members joined the NEW.MUSIC.LIVE. team to announce that Vancouver’s own pop-rockers Marianas Trench lead the pack with an incredible six nominations for the 2013 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS. Toronto’s homegrown hero Drake nabbed five nods, while East Coast rapper Classified scored four, and previously announced performer, Demi Lovato, is nominated in two categories this year.

First-time nominees include co-host PSY, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Phillip Phillips, and Canadians The Weeknd, Serena Ryder, and 2012 Coke Covers award winner Tyler Shaw.The nominees join the biggest street party on the planet, the 2013 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS, airing live on MuchMusic Sunday, June 16 at 9 p.m. ET. The 2013 MMVAs are also simulcast live in the U.S. on Fuse, the national music television network of The Madison Square Garden Company. The MMVAs RED CARPET SPECIAL kicks off the night at 8 p.m. ET.

“We have an incredibly diverse list of MMVA nominees this year, and we congratulate each of them on their achievements,” said Sheila Sullivan, Executive Producer, 2013 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS. “From international superstars to homegrown talent, this year’s list of nominees proves that the MMVAs highlight the best artists from across the country and around the world.”

Also announced today were this year’s Wildcard nominee winners for the Your Fave categories. They are:

Your Fave Video of the Year – Billy Talent, “Surprise Surprise”

Your Fave International Artist or Group – P!NK

Your Fave Artist or Group – Marianas Trench

Viewers can get involved behind the scenes by helping pick the winner in each Your Fave category. Fans can vote by “liking” their faves at mmva.muchmusic.com.

Fans can stay tuned to Much, muchmusic.com, and follow @muchmusic to get the latest announcements on performers, presenters, celebrity guests, the chance to win big prizes, and updates on the all-important Your Fave Wildcard voting.

TORONTO (May 21, 2013) – Space-time coordinates aligned on Saturday night, as the head-spinning conclusion of Doctor Who Season 7B became the most-watched finale in series history with 584,000 viewers. Complete with secrets, revelations, and mysterious twists, “The Name of the Doctor,” made Space the #1 network – conventional or specialty – in the series’ 9 p.m. timeslot with total viewers and in the key demos A25-54 and A18-49. Featuring a surprise appearance by John Hurt (THE ADVENTURES OF MERLIN), who will resurface for the 50th Anniversary Special, the finale reached nearly 1 million total viewers. The DOCTOR WHO finale was also the most-watched entertainment specialty program of the day on Saturday, capping off a strong Season 7 for the Doctor and “the impossible girl” with a season average audience of 608,000.

Space Original Series ORPHAN BLACK at 9 p.m. ET, and the premiere episode of the three-part zombie series IN THE FLESH at 10 p.m. ET, also made Space the #1 entertainment specialty network from 9 p.m. – 11:15 p.m. ET in the key A25-54 and A18-49 demos. With only two episodes left, ORPHAN BLACK was watched by 287,000 viewers, while 152,000 viewers watched IN THE FLESH.

In next week’s episode of ORPHAN BLACK, “Unconscious Selection,” premiering Saturday, May 25 at 9 p.m. ET, after Kira’s life is threatened, Sarah is on the warpath, but Dr. Leekie makes her think twice about her plans for revenge. Meanwhile, Cosima faces the truth about Delphine, forcing her to choose sides. Now, it’s up to Sarah to decide the killer's fate, but the truth about her past might end up putting all of their lives in jeopardy.

Then, at 10 p.m. ET in Part Two of In The Flesh, Kieren escapes to his grave, where he is reunited with his old hunting partner Amy Dyer (Emily Bevan, THE THICK OF IT). He also discovers that his former best friend Rick (David Walmsley, DOCTORS) is back in town. Kieren finds himself on a hunting mission in the woods, where the night patrol has reported live rabid zombies are roaming free.

Source: BBM Canada

(May 21, 2013 – Toronto, Canada) Mystery, drama, comedy, reality and a docu-soap series have all been added to Corus Entertainment’s ABC Spark’s most exciting summer line-up yet. The fresh new slate boasts the premiere of four new original series including family drama The Fosters, mystery drama Twisted, docu-soap The Vineyard and reality competition series Dancing Fools. Returning original series include Melissa & Joey, Baby Daddy and Switched at Birth.

In addition to this slate of summer premieres, ABC Spark fans can look forward to a new one-hour drama series, Chasing Life (former working title Terminales), currently in production and scheduled to premiere on ABC Spark in early 2014. Richmond Hill, Ontario native Italia Ricci (Unnatural History) stars.

NEW SERIES

DANCING FOOLS – WORLD PREMIERE

Premieres (day-and-date) Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT beginning May 29

Dancing Fools is a half-hour comedy clip show features the funniest, most outrageous and memorable dances caught on camera. The dancers from the top two clips of the week compete on stage for a chance to win $10,000. The series is hosted by Melissa Peterman, who also stars in ABC Spark's Baby Daddy.

THE FOSTERS – WORLD PREMIERE

Premieres (day-and-date): Mondays at 9 p.m. ET/PT beginning June 3

From executive producer Jennifer Lopez, (American Idol, What to Expect When You're Expecting, The Back-Up Plan) and created by Bradley Bredeweg and Peter Paige (Queer As Folk), The Fosters is a compelling, one-hour drama about a multi-ethnic family mix of foster and biological kids being raised by two moms. Stef Foster (Teri Polo), a dedicated police officer, and her partner Lena Adams (Sherri Saum), a school vice-principal, have built a close-knit, loving family with Stef's biological son from a previous marriage, Brandon (David Lambert), and their adopted twins, Mariana (Cierra Ramirez) and Jesus (Jake T. Austin). Their lives are disrupted in unexpected ways when Lena meets Callie (Maia Mitchell), a hardened teen with an abusive past who has spent her life in and out of foster homes. Lena and Stef warily welcome Callie into their home thinking it's just for a few weeks, until a more permanent placement can be found. Click here for a sneak peek.

TWISTED – WORLD PREMIERE

Premieres (day-and-date):  Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/ PT beginning June 11

Twisted is a one-hour mystery full of twists and turns that follows Danny Desai, played by Vancouver actor Avan Jogia, a charismatic 16-year-old with a troubled past who returns to his hometown after spending five years in juvenile detention. Immediately branded an outcast, Danny attempts to reconnect with his two childhood best friends, Jo (Maddie Hasson) and Lacey (Kylie Bunbury), and to smooth over tensions with his mother, Karen (Denise Richards), whose socialite status plummeted after her son's imprisonment and the mysterious disappearance of her husband, Danny's father. Robin Givens also guest stars. Click here for a sneak peek.

THE VINEYARD – WORLD PREMIERE

Premieres (day-and-date): Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT beginning July 23

The Vineyard is a dramatic coming-of-age docu-soap that follows a handful of 20-somethings on Martha's Vineyard for the summer. Tight quarters, new friends and new rivals, all living, working and playing together, make this picturesque playground ripe for mischief and romance.

CONTINUING SERIES

MELISSA & JOEY – Season 3 Premiere

Premieres (day-and-date): Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/ PT beginning May 29

Starring Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence, the Season 3 premiere of Melissa and Joey, entitled "Works for Me," Joe pursues a new job opportunity, sending Mel into a panic when she realizes he may actually leave. But the job isn't quite what Joe expected, causing him to reevaluate his place in the house and Mel's scheming to prove how much everyone needs him. Meanwhile Lennox thinks her artist boyfriend, Zander, may have found another muse, and Ryder's class trip has an unexpected outcome. Guest stars in the premiere episode include Sterling Knight and Hayley Erin, plus an appearance by OMG Insider hosts Thea Andrews and Kevin Frazier.

BABY DADDY – Season 2 Premiere

Premieres (day-and-date):  Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT beginning May 29

Following Melissa & Joey, the laughs continue in the Season 2 premiere of Baby Daddy starring Vancouver actor Jean-Luc Bilodeau as Ben and Chelsea Kane as Riley. In the episode, entitled "I'm Not That Guy," Ben thinks he might like Riley and tries to convince her he's changed his playboy ways. Riley invites Ben to be her date at a work party, but Ben's efforts to prove he's dependable fall short. Danny hopes to come to Riley's rescue, but arrives only to find Riley getting friendly with another man (guest star Matt Dallas). Meanwhile, Tucker (Tahj Mowry), schemes to go out with a model, and Bonnie (Melissa Peterman), attempts to get to know a handsome stranger with a little help from Emma.

SWITCHED AT BIRTH – Season 2 – New Episodes

Premieres (day-and-date): Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT beginning June 10

Following the Switched at Birth marathon, the season premiere begins with Regina (Constance Marie)   returning from rehab and trying to transition back to life at the Kennish house. While Regina has been away at rehab, Daphne (Katie Leclerc) has grown closer to the Kennish family, spending her days at their country club and her nights in their guest room. This new family dynamic does not sit well with Regina, who unexpectedly returns home early in hopes of spending more time with Daphne. Bay (Vanessa Marano) begrudgingly starts working at her dad's office and, when her car breaks down near a local carnival, runs into her ex-boyfriend, Ty (guest star Blair Redford, The Lying Game), who has returned from serving in Afghanistan. The groundbreaking drama was recently honored with a Peabody Award.

www.abcspark.ca

TORONTO (May 21, 2013) After auditioning hundreds of bidders looking to score big, OLN today announced cast and production details for the highly anticipated original reality series Storage Wars Canada. With principal filming on the 36-episode, half-hour series now underway in Ontario, the cast features a seasoned auctioneer and six determined professional bidders, each with the same amount of motivation, but all with their own unique strategy. Commissioned by OLN’s original programming team, produced by Proper Television, and licensed by FremantleMedia, Storage Wars Canada is slated to premiere on OLN this summer. Full broadcast details to be announced at a later date.

“OLN consistently delivers outrageous real life stories loaded with uncensored, unapologetic, and off-the-cuff characters,” said Claire Freeland, Director of Original Programming, Rogers Media. “In Storage Wars Canada, viewers can expect to see a group of fiercely competitive players with distinct personalities, ready to battle it out for the next locker.”

Storage Wars Canada is a modern-day treasure hunt, as professional bidders use their combined knowledge, expertise, and wit to bid on the contents of abandoned, repossessed, and forgotten storage containers. Second-generation auctioneer Don Reinhart is joined by six fierce bidders, including: Roy Dirnbeck – “The Instigator”; Cindy Hayden and Rick Coffill – “The Veterans”; Ursula Stolf – “The Knock Out”; and father-and-son duo Paul and Bogart Kenny – “High Roller and The Kid.”

“We were surprised at the number of high-calibre candidates who applied for Storage Wars Canada,” said Guy O’Sullivan, President, Proper Television.  “From veterans to beginners, I honestly didn’t think we would have this many great contenders to choose from. The cast members really impressed us and we can’t wait to watch them go into battle and score big.”

Coming together with different levels of experience and knowledge, these buyers only have one thing in common:  they will do anything to get what they want, and what they want is to find the next big deal. See below for full cast biographies.

Storage Wars Canada Cast

Don Reinhart – Auctioneer
Hometown:  Caledon, ON
Auctioneering Experience:  Setting up auctions for 48 years, Don has auctioned off everything from smashed up cars to houses. 

Words to Live By: “If you don’t play the rules my way, you don’t play.”
Born into a family of auctioneers, Don is self-taught and has been conducting auctions since 1965. Crediting his success to strict work ethic and his broad range of knowledge, Don’s loyal following of bidders guarantees that wherever he goes, he always draws a crowd.  

Roy Dirnbeck – “The Instigator”
Hometown:  Mississauga, ON
Best Deal:  He bought a locker for $3,200 that contained a $17,000 Rolex. 

Words to Live By: "You know what, Canada? Start paying your bills or I'm gonna own your s%*t!"

Not looking to make new friends, Roy will risk everything to be the top bidder. Dirty tricks, intimidation, sheer determination, and the occasional disguise are all part of his strategy. As the owner of a successful courier company, Roy has deep pockets and is “not interested in dealing in the garbage.”

Ursula Stolf – “The Knock Out”
Hometown:  Woodbridge, ON
Best Deal: She bought a pair of $1,500 Mui Mui boots for $65, and re-sold them for $600. 
Words to Live By:  "Don't tell me I can't, 'cause I can; and don't tell me don't, 'cause I will."

With the success of her online business re-selling high-end clothing and accessories, Ursula sees great potential in the storage locker scene. Her late father introduced her to the idea of storage auctions when she was a child.

Cindy Hayden and Rick Coffill – “The Veterans”
Hometown:  Newmarket, ON
Best Deal: They bought a $1,350 locker and found an antique diamond ring worth $50,000.

Words to Live By: "I'm usually a good girl, but if you cross that line at an auction, I'm coming after you." - Cindy

These fierce competitors are veterans of the storage locker auction scene and are well-known for being aggressive bidders. On a mission to fill their store with whatever high-end antiques and collectables they come across, Cindy and Rick use a variety of unseemly tactics to scare off other bidders, and have no fear of fighting dirty.

Paul and Bogart Kenny – “High Roller and The Kid”
Hometown:  Toronto, ON
Best Deal:  They bought a set of china for $750 and re-sold it for $30,000.  

Words to Live By: "My wife says 'don't be caustic, sarcastic, or demeaning to anybody today.'  Sometimes I make it through the day, sometimes I don't." – Paul

A born hustler, Paul made a living as a professional poker player for more than 30 years, and parlayed his winnings into a very successful side business of buying and selling collectibles.  With Paul’s uncanny ability to “make a dollar out of 15 cents,” he knows the true re-sale value of most finds, and is now teaching his son, Bogart, the tricks of the trade.  Bogart seems to be the only one not intimidated by Paul, and argues with him about everything.

Storage Wars Canada is an OLN original series produced by Proper Television and based on a format created by Original Productions, a FremantleMedia Company. Guy O’Sullivan (Come Dine with Me Canada) and Allison Grace (Tribute Bands) serve as executive producers, and Geoff Siskind (Canada’s Worst Driver) is the series producer. Claire Freeland is director of original programming for Rogers Media and an executive producer of Storage Wars Canada. Malcolm Dunlop is the executive vice-president of programming, Rogers Media. Scott Moore is the president of broadcast, Rogers Media.

CANNES, France, May 20, 2013—The Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA) and the Screen Producers Association of Australia (SPAA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This MOU establishes a framework of cooperation and is intended to enhance co-production opportunities between Canadian and Australian independent screen-based producers.

“Excellent content knows no borders, especially in the digital economy. It just has to resonate with consumers,” says Michael Hennessy, President and CEO, CMPA. “The co-production model is the path to supporting quality productions as the industry at large focuses on audiences around the globe.”

Both Association Presidents complimented their respective governments for encouraging economic and cultural exchanges between Australia and Canada.

“There is a natural linguistic, cultural, production and regulatory affinity between our two countries,” says Matthew Deaner, Executive Director of SPAA. “Combine that with two strong story-telling traditions, and you have a winning formula for on-screen content that will engage internationally.”

About the CMPA:
The CMPA is a national non-profit organization that represents the interests of over 350 leading screen-based media companies engaged in the production and distribution of English-language television programs, feature films and digital media content in all regions of Canada.
About SPAA:
SPAA represents Australian independent screen content producers on all issues affecting the business and creative aspects of screen production. SPAA members include television, feature film, animation, documentary, television commercial and interactive media production companies as wellas services and facilities providers such as post‐production, finance, distribution and legal companies.
For more information please contact: 
Anne Trueman, Director Communications & Media,
E: anne.trueman@cmpa.ca
T 800 656 7440 ext 327
Rachelle Gibson, Manager, Marketing & Communications,
E: rachelle.gibson@spaa.org.au
T: (02) 9360 8988

TORONTO, May 17, 2013 /CNW/ - SiriusXM Canada (TSX: XSR), the country's leading audio entertainment company, today announced the launch of COMEDY CENTRAL Radio. The new channel offers an all-access pass to content from the leading name in stand-up comedy and will launch at midnight ET on Sunday, May 19th on channel 95.

For the first time, COMEDY CENTRAL is creating a 24/7 audio channel with SiriusXM consisting of new stand-up and exclusive performances from its expansive and world-class library. COMEDY CENTRAL Radio will offer hundreds of hours of stand-up comedy performances from COMEDY CENTRAL's massive library including stand-up series such as COMEDY CENTRAL Presents and Premium Blend, and select performances from COMEDY CENTRAL Roasts and its roster of one-hour stand-up specials.

In addition, COMEDY CENTRAL Radio will feature new performances, behind-the-scenes and backstage broadcasts from COMEDY CENTRAL events, broadcasts from COMEDY CENTRAL Certified clubs, and exclusive shows from comedians taking listener calls and being "guest DJ" on the channel, often tied in with launches and specials on COMEDY CENTRAL.

"COMEDY CENTRAL is the leader in the world of comedy," said John Lewis, VP Programming, SiriusXM Canada. "We are always looking to expand our programming for our subscribers to offer them the best comedy, sports, talk and music content. By adding COMEDY CENTRAL Radio to our already impressive comedy lineup, we are continuing to offer SiriusXM listeners unmatched and exclusive comedy content."

COMEDY CENTRAL Radio joins SiriusXM's broad collection of comedy channels, including Canada Laughs, Laugh USA, Blue Collar Radio, Jamie Foxx's The Foxxhole, Raw Dog Comedy and more.

Select programming from COMEDY CENTRAL Radio will be available on SiriusXM On Demand after it airs for subscribers listening via the SiriusXM Internet Radio App for smartphones and other mobile devices or online at siriusxm.ca. Visit www.siriusxm.ca/ondemand for more info on SiriusXM On Demand.

For more information on SiriusXM, please visit www.siriusxm.ca.

On Friday, May 10, Rogers Radio stations CHYM 96.7, 570News, and KIX 106.7 FM, in partnership with Rogers TV Waterloo Region raised a record-breaking $281,497 during the Eighth-Annual Kids Can’t Wait Radiothon in support of KidsAbility Centre for Child Development. The annual fundraiser aims to provide hope, life-changing therapy, and support services for children with special needs at KidsAbility.

Kids Can’t Wait Radiothon was launched by Rogers Radio stations in Kitchener. In eight years, Kids Can’t Wait Radiothon has raised an incredible $1,679,701 to support and empower children with special needs in the Waterloo Region and Wellington County.

Donations to KidsAbility can be made by visiting www.kidsability.ca or by calling the foundation office Monday through Friday at 519.886.8886.

TORONTO (May 17, 2013) – Mark Silver, Senior Director of TSN Digital, was named to the “5 to Watch” list at last night’s second annual Celebration of Leadership in Canadian Sport Business Awards.  Silver was selected by a panel of leading sports marketers and business influencers. The announcement was made at a reception held at George Brown College in Toronto that included honorees from The Globe and Mail’s Power 50, the annual list of the most influential people in sports.

“As the digital world impacts the way we follow sports, Mark has brought a tremendous amount of strategic value to TSN and how we serve our viewers and partners,” said Stewart Johnston, President of TSN. “We certainly agree that Mark is one to watch and congratulate him on receiving this special honour.”

As the head of TSN’s digital strategy, Silver drives the TSN brand with a multi-platform strategy that continues to deliver best-in-class sports content to Canadians across every screen. Most recently, Silver led the redesign of the TSN app for iPhone and the refresh of the industry-leading TSN app for iPad.

Before joining TSN, Silver was Senior Director of Digital Media for Canada’s Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium, where he built and executed its acclaimed digital coverage of the London 2012 Olympic Games across multiple platforms.

The Celebration of Leadership in Canadian Sport Business Awards is presented by George Brown College’s Sport and Event Marketing Program in partnership with The Globe and Mail. The factors considered in the selection process include achieving remarkable results while making an impact, and off the job contributions, such as mentoring. Candidates must also be under 40 years old.

Last year, Shawn Redmond, TSN’s Vice-President of Programming, and Adam Ashton, Senior Vice-President, Business Operations, Bell Media, were named to the inaugural “5 to Watch” list.

(Kamloops, B.C.) - Bell Media, Astral Media Inc. (Astral) and the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group Limited Partnership (Pattison) today jointly announced Pattison’s acquisition of three key FM radio stations located in Calgary and Winnipeg. Subject to regulatory approvals, Pattison will purchase the following two Bell Media stations and one Astral station:

Bell Media:

· KooL FM 101.5 (CKCE-FM) - hot adult contemporary format in Calgary

· FAB 94.3 (CHIQ-FM) - classic pop format in Winnipeg

Astral:

· QX 104 (CFQX-FM) - country format in Winnipeg

Rick Arnish, Chairman of Jim Pattison Broadcast Group stated, “This is a very important acquisition for our Broadcast Group and, with the approval of this transaction from the CRTC, we will expand our presence in the major markets of Calgary and Winnipeg, which we have been focusing on for some time.”

Mr. Arnish went on to say, “With the pending launch of our newest station CHPK-FM (95.3 The Peak) in Calgary, combining forces with KooL FM (Today & Back in the Day) and its great team will allow our Group to have a very strong competitive FM radio combo in Alberta’s fastest growing  city. We’re also very excited about the opportunity to expand in western Canada and specifically into the Winnipeg radio market with two separate stations, QX 104 (Today’s Country) and FAB 94.3 (Super Hits of the 60s & 70s). We are really looking forward to working with and learning from the superb teams at these separate Winnipeg operations as we expand into a new marketplace for our Group.”

Rod Schween, President of Pattison Broadcasting said “We’re just delighted that we are being given this opportunity to expand our radio reach in western Canada, and the addition of these three exciting stations will definitely strengthen our Group and our resources in B.C., Alberta, and now in Manitoba. We look forward to building on the legacies created by both Bell Media and Astral. Our history has been built on acquisitions and new licences, as we are great believers in the future of radio, and this purchase is part of our strategic plan to grow and expand in the west.”

Pattison’s acquisition of these radio stations is a result of the proposed transaction to unite Astral and Bell Media. Astral and Bell are divesting certain radio stations to comply with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) Common Ownership Policy, which limits the number of stations a company can own in a single market.

The Pattison transaction is subject to approval from the CRTC, for which an application will be submitted shortly, and contingent on CRTC approval of the Astral-Bell Media transaction. “While a necessary outcome of our plan to join with Astral, the decision to sell these stations wasn’t easy,” said Chris Gordon, President, Radio and Local TV, Bell Media. “Each is a strong performer in its respective market, and they will undoubtedly strengthen Pattison’s growing portfolio of media assets.”

“Parting with a valued station is difficult, but we trust that the QX 104 team and the Pattison Group will both benefit from this acquisition and help make the Canadian radio industry more vibrant than ever,” said Ian Lurie, Chief Operating Officer, Astral Radio.

Mobilicity approaches TELUS to enter into agreement ensuring service continues for 250,000 customers

VANCOUVER, May 16, 2013 /CNW/ - TELUS has entered into an agreement with Mobilicity to acquire the company for $380 million. If the deal receives the required approvals, it would ensure continued service to Mobilicity's 250,000 customers without the risk of disruption.

The agreement between TELUS and the company is subject to conditions including approval by the Competition Bureau, Industry Canada, and Mobilicity's debtholders. TELUS and Mobilicity have informed the government and regulators and both companies are fully committed to working cooperatively to secure timely approvals for the transaction.

"A concern for our customers and employees led us to approach TELUS, which has a reputation for a strong customer focus, as evidenced by their industry leading client loyalty," said Stewart Lyons, Mobilicity President. "I am confident TELUS will look after our employees and our customers, mitigating any disruption to their service, while offering the best outcome for all stakeholders."

William Aziz, Mobilicity Chief Restructuring Officer, continued, "Mobilicity has been losing a significant amount of money every month. The financial strength of TELUS will allow the business to be continued in a way that will benefit customers and employees. An acquisition by TELUS is the best alternative for Mobilicity."

The entire purchase price will be used to satisfy Mobilicity's secured and unsecured debt.

"We look forward to serving Mobilicity's customers and welcoming their employees to the TELUS team," said David Fuller, TELUS Chief Marketing Officer.

If this transaction is approved, TELUS will retain all 150 Mobilicity employees as it integrates the Mobilicity operation into TELUS over the coming months. The employees would have the opportunity to review and secure permanent, long term roles with TELUS.

TELUS has created 1,700 new jobs in Canada over the last two years alone while bringing 4G wireless coverage to 99 per cent of Canadians coast-to-coast.

Acquisition agreement details:

Mobilicity has begun proceedings in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice with a view to obtaining approval for a plan of arrangement under the Canadian Business Corporations Act. The plan of arrangement with TELUS requires an affirmative vote by debtholders, after which TELUS and Mobilicity will seek court approval of a transaction that will see Mobilicity emerge as a wholly-owned subsidiary of TELUS. TELUS has entered into support agreements with a significant number of Mobilicity's debtholders who have committed to vote for the plan of arrangement pursuant to the terms and conditions of the support agreements.

TELUS and Mobilicity anticipate an expeditious legal and regulatory review in view of the current circumstances Mobilicity is facing.

The Weather Network named 2nd for iPad and 17th for iPhone in list of Top 25 All Time Free Apps in Canada

OAKVILLE, ON, May 16, 2013 /CNW/ - The Weather Network and MétéoMédia, divisions of Pelmorex Media Inc., was today named one of the few Canadian-owned and operated companies to appear on Apple's 25 All-Time Free Apps in Canada list. The news follows the announcement that Apple has reached 50 billion downloads on the App Store.

Playing an important role in the Apple milestone, the Weather Network is ranked 2nd for iPad and 17th for iPhone in the All-Time Free Apps in Canada list. The popular app, which provides extensive weather content and forecasting ability in the palm of your hand, has received more than 7 million downloads to date.

"As a Canadian leader in mobile app development, The Weather Network and MétéoMédia continue to deliver the most innovative and up-to-date weather-related content across a range of mobile platforms," said Gita Ashar, Director of Mobile Applications and Emerging Technologies at The Weather Network. "We are extremely proud to be one of a handful of Canadian-owned companies to appear on the Top 25 All-Time Free Apps in Canada list."

As one of Canada's most popular apps for iPhone and iPad, The Weather Network and MétéoMédia app includes the following key features:

·                  Detailed weather forecasts including current, short-term, long-term (day and night), 14 day     trend (day and night) and hourly forecasts for user's favourite locations

·                  Follow Me uses The Weather Network's new GPS location function to pin point a user's current location to forecast the local weather, provide relevant severe weather alerts, UV, Pollen and Air Quality updates.

·                  PointCast uses The Weather Network's exclusive technology to provide personal forecasts using a Canadian postal code, U.S. ZIP code or GPS on mobile device. Forecasts are narrowed down to within one kilometer of where you are.

·                  Picture and video upload capabilities lets users submit weather-related content to The Weather Network direct from their iPhone or iPad devices.

·                  Weather tracking for multiple locations lets users keep an eye on weather forecasts for several locations at once.

·                  Active weather alerts and public safety warnings delivered direct to users' iPhone or iPad device.

The Weather Network app for iPhone and iPad have consistently ranked as Canada's most popular apps and receives almost a million users per day and drives more traffic than The Weather Network's website.   During active weather periods the iPhone app receives 12 million page views per day, or over 200 million page views per month.

In addition to offering apps for Apple device, The Weather Network also offers apps for Android, BlackBerry and Windows devices on both tablet and mobile, PC & Mac as well as an iTV app.

DARTMOUTH, N.S, May 16, 2013 /CNW/ - Newfoundland Capital Corporation Limited announced today that the Company has filed a notice with the Toronto Stock Exchange to purchase through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange for cancellation up to 1,272,093 of the 25,441,871 issued and outstanding Class A Subordinate Voting Shares being 5% of the issued and outstanding shares of that class as of April 30, 2013 and up to 75,404 of the 3,770,222 issued and outstanding Class B Common Shares, being 2% of the issued and outstanding shares of that class as of April 30, 2013. Purchases may commence on May 21, 2013 and will terminate on May 20, 2014, subject to Toronto Stock Exchange approval.

The average daily trading volume (the ADTV) of the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares was 1,746 on the TSX over the last six completed calendar months, and the ADTV of the Class B Common Shares was 27 on the TSX over the last six completed calendar months.  Accordingly, under the policies of the TSX, the Company is entitled to purchase, during any one trading day up to 1,000 Class A Subordinate Voting Shares and up to 1,000 Class B Common Shares on any trading day.  The Company is entitled to purchase a larger amount of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares and Class B Common Shares per calendar week, subject to the maximum number that may be acquired under the normal course issuer bid, if the transaction meets the block purchase exception under the TSX rules.

The Directors and Senior Management of the Company are of the opinion that from time to time the purchase of its shares at the prevailing market price would be a worthwhile investment and in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. The Company acquired 1,161,768 of its Class A subordinate voting shares at a weighted average price of $8.04 and did not acquire any of its Class B shares pursuant to its Normal Course Issuer Bid ending February 12, 2013.

(May 16, 2013 – Toronto, Canada) – Astral’s The Movie Network and Corus Entertainment’s Movie Central hook-up Nurse Jackie addicts by providing subscribers with first access to remaining episodes of the series on multiplatform services. The previews start following episode six, which airs on Monday, May 20 at 9 p.m. ET on The Movie Network and 8 p.m. PT on Movie Central – immediately following the linear broadcast, episode seven will be available to subscribers on TMN GO, On-Line and On-Demand services only. This pattern will repeat itself for the remainder of the series’ 10-episode run, allowing multiplatform viewers to stay one week ahead of the linear broadcast schedule.

In Eastern Canada, new episodes will be available on TMN GO, TMN OnDemand and TMN OnLine. In Western Canada, new episodes will be available with Movie Central On Demand and via mobile and online with participating service providers.  

Starring Edie Falco as Jackie Peyton, a role that has earned Falco three consecutive Emmy® nominations, the new season of Nurse Jackie picks up where Season 4 left off.  After leaving rehab early, Jackie finds sobriety and relative happiness – but that’s the calm before the storm. With her marriage coming to an end, a careless accident sends Jackie to her own All Saints Hospital for emergency care. While recovering, she meets New York City policeman Frank Verelli (Adam Ferrera), an exemplary cop and all around good guy, who files the police report, but his flirtatious advances may lead Jackie into uncharted territory – dating. Meanwhile, a new trauma doctor enters the mix (Morris Chestnut), a former Army medic who doesn’t adhere to typical protocol, as well as a young female resident (Betty Gilpin) who flirts her way out of her day-to-day responsibilities. With new colleagues and stepping out of her usual comfort zone, Jackie faces her one-year sobriety anniversary. The series also stars: Peter Facinelli as Dr. Fitch Cooper; Eve Best as Dr. Eleanor O’Hara; Merritt Wever as Zoey Barkow; Paul Schulze; and Dominic Fumusa as Kevin Peyton.

The Movie Network is a pay television service available in eastern Canada. With premiere access to Hollywood hit movies, new and exclusive HBO content, critically acclaimed Showtime series and first-rate Canadian programming, this pay-television service presents Canadians with some of the best television entertainment available. The Movie Network service includes five 24-hour multiplex channels – The Movie Network, HBO Canada, MExcess, MFun! and MFest – which deliver diverse and entertaining programs in an uncut and commercial-free television environment. All five multiplex channels are also simulcast in High Definition and are joined by The Movie Network OnDemand, a Subscription Video On Demand (SVOD) service, available in select areas across eastern Canada; TMN OnLine an Internet-based content streaming service available to Bell TV, Rogers and Videotron subscribers; and TMN GO, a video streaming service currently available to Bell TV, Rogers and Cogeco Cable subscribers. For more information, please visit www.themovienetwork.ca.

TORONTO (May 16, 2013) – Bell Media’s TSN and RDS have extended their partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) with a new 11-year multimedia rights agreement for the US OPEN.  As part of the new deal beginning in 2015, TSN and RDS will have exclusive Canadian coverage of the US OPEN Finals for the first time.

TSN and RDS platforms will deliver 130+ hours of live US OPEN tennis coverage each year, including expanded coverage of the men’s and women’s early-round matches, round of 16, quarter-finals, semifinals and exclusive Canadian coverage of the Finals.

With the new deal, TSN and RDS remain the undisputed home of tennis in Canada with exclusive coverage of all four Grand Slam tennis events – the AUSTRALIAN OPEN, FRENCH OPEN, WIMBLEDON and US OPEN – delivering more than 500 hours of tennis coverage each season.

“The US OPEN is one those special events in sports – with the world’s best players competing in prime time under the bright lights of New York City. We are thrilled to extend our long-standing partnership with the USTA for another 11 years,” said Shawn Redmond, Vice-President of Programming, TSN. “The future of Canadian tennis has never been stronger. As the exclusive home of all four Grand Slams, TSN is proud to showcase Milos Raonic and up-and-coming Canadians in tennis’ biggest events.” 

TSN has broadcast the US OPEN since the network launched in 1984.  During last year’s US OPEN, TSN attracted a record audience for the 4th round match between Milos Raonic and Andy Murray.