TORONTO (July 24, 2014) – Canada’s Sports Leader today announced that award-winning journalist Rick Westhead (@rwesthead) will join TSN as the network’s Senior Correspondent. Known for his investigative reporting, Westhead will create original content that will be featured across TSN platforms: TSN, TSN Radio, TSN.ca, and TSN GO.

“Rick is a distinguished journalist and bolsters our team of reporters and Insiders,” said Ken Volden, Vice President & Executive Producer, Studio Production and News and Information, TSN. “As our Senior Correspondent, we’ll continue to let him uncover compelling stories from the sports world. We’re very proud to showcase his respected work across all of our platforms.”

"I've been watching TSN programming for nearly three decades. It's a privilege to join a broadcast team that is so clearly established as the industry leader,” said Westhead. “I plan to tackle issues nobody else wants to take on and offer up new perspectives on stories making headlines and the ones that are not on anyone’s radar.” 

Westhead joins TSN from the Toronto Star, where he served as one of the newspaper's foreign affairs writers in addition to covering sports business.

Throughout his 20-year career, Westhead has reported on a variety of sports issues – including exposing the inner-workings of the KHL, and most recently, the renewed unionization attempts in the CHL – for a slate of leading publications, among them the Toronto Star, Bloomberg News, Canadian Press, Globe and Mail, New York Times, and Saturday Night Magazine.

His extensive resume also includes contributing reports to Hockey Night in Canada, The Business of Sports TV, and sports radio, as well as covering major sporting events such as The Masters, the Olympic Games, the Stanley Cup, and the World Cup of Hockey.

Westhead has earned accolades for his foreign affairs work. Earlier this year, Westhead was part of a team that won the prestigious Project of the Year at the National Newspaper Awards. He was also honoured with the Toronto Star’s Reporter of the Year Award in 2007.

Westhead has reported in countries from around the world – from Afghanistan and Australia to Jordan and Japan – and lived in India from 2008-2011 as the Toronto Star’s South Asia Bureau Chief.

Throughout this career, he has interviewed key figures from the sports, entertainment, business, and political worlds, among them the Dalai Lama, Alicia Keys, and Malala Yousafzai.

TORONTO (July 24, 2014) – What didn’t kill him made him stronger – and a better driver! Back for another jet-setting season, Andrew Younghusband once again packs his passport and sets out on a terrifying and thrilling global adventure, tasked with learning to navigate more of the world’s worst driving cities – just as the locals do. Back with a six-city second season from Toronto’s Proper Television, original Canadian series DON’T DRIVE HERE returns to Discovery on Monday, August 18 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Way outside of his comfort zone, Younghusband steers around unbelievable free-for-alls involving cars, bikes, pedestrians – and even animals – on white-knuckle rides in these bustling cities. For Season 2, Younghusband takes the wheel in Nairobi, Ho Chi Minh City, Port-au-Prince, La Paz, Rome, and Sao Paulo – but thankfully he’s not alone. Bold and incredibly skilled, Younghusband’s local guides teach him how to navigate and experience their city in a way no guidebook ever could. 

After a decade of steering CANADA’S WORST DRIVER and becoming a sideline expert in truly terrible Canadian drivers, Younghusband thought he’d seen it all. But that changed last year when he buckled into DON’T DRIVE HERE and experienced disastrous driving on an epic, global scale. Shifting gears – and perspective – Younghusband’s own skills are put to the test in the heart of each new pulsing metropolis as he learns to adapt to the local “road rules.”

Since he navigated Bangkok on a three-wheeled tuk tuk and the mostly unpaved roads in Ulaanbaatar last year, Younghusband knows what he’s in for and is up to the challenge, right? In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, he makes hazardous deliveries just like a local – balancing more than 1,600 eggs and even live fish…on a scooter! In La Paz, Bolivia, Younghusband directs traffic in a zebra costume – this is actually an established traffic-control tactic! And in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where there are few ambulances, Younghusband finds one to drive – but instead of the usual four-wheeled van version, he discovers medical transport by motorcycle ambulance, complete with a backseat stretcher.

In each one-hour episode, Younghusband meets resident traffic experts to find out why driving in each city is so perilous in the first place. For one week, taxi drivers, truckers, and couriers of every description show Younghusband how to navigate and survive their city’s unique and formidable traffic chaos. From navigating in a rickety truck to making harrowing deliveries on scooters, Younghusband steers his way around the most daunting traffic in the world.

Highlights from the first episodes of DON’T DRIVE HERE include:

DON’T DRIVE HERE: “Nairobi”
Monday, August 18 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
Nairobi, Kenya, is East Africa’s largest city, filled with thousands of two-legged obstacles:  people! People in Nairobi walk on all major roads, wherever they want and alongside such contraptions as mkokotenis – massive handcarts that are pulled through thick, belching traffic. Traffic in Nairobi is dominated by matatus – huge, rickety buses that stop anywhere – if they can stop at all. Younghusband meets two people who were actually hit by matatus:  one is a one-legged bicycle courier who’s so fast that Younghusband can’t keep up; the other is a paraplegic who drives a hand-cranked tricycle. Add in the tipsiest bike bread delivery of all-time, a harrowing lesson on how not to get car-jacked, and a painful motorcycle crash, Younghusband’s week in Nairobi ends with a can’t-miss finale:  delivering a cow and six goats…in a truck with no brakes!

DON’T DRIVE HERE: “Ho Chi Minh City”
Monday, August 25 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
Home to more than five million motorbikes, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is a veritable river of two-wheelers where drivers carry everything from windows and doors, to entire families on their scooters. Younghusband learns how to flow with the crowds, surviving crazy round-abouts, cyclos, trucks, jeeps – even sidecar motorbikes leftover from the war. He braves a Vietnamese market, selling live fish off the back of his bike, and – not to be outdone by a veteran local driver – he teeters precariously on a scooter as he delivers 1,600 eggs!

From Kenya and Vietnam, Younghusband then heads to “Port-au-Prince” (Sept. 8), where local authorities estimate that 98% of the city’s 400,000 motorcycles are used as taxis; “La Paz” (Sept. 15), where 55 accidents each day are attributed to drunk driving; “Rome” (Sept. 22), where teenagers can legally drive at age 14; and “Sao Paulo” (Sept. 29), which holds a 2009 World Record for traffic jams.

TORONTO | MONTREAL, July 24, 2014 – The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and CBC announced today that they have selected Cimoroni & Company to produce the Academy’s 2015 Canadian Screen Awards which will air live on CBC-TV on Sunday, March 1, 2015.

“Cimoroni & Company bring a formidable partnership in Dan Cimoroni and Rick Chisholm and their team to the 2015 Canadian Screen Awards,” says Academy CEO Helga Stephenson. “With a proven and exciting track record, we look forward to what their talents will bring to our annual celebration of the best in Canadian film, television and digital media – the screen industries that are with us every hour of every day.”

(July 24, 2014 – Toronto, Canada) Canada’s preeminent literacy organization, Frontier College, will receive a financial and literary boost this year for its annual Aboriginal Summer Literacy Camps, from Corus Entertainment and TD Bank Group. The focus of this year’s program is to help nourish the bodies and minds of young children in Aboriginal communities across the country. A 30-second spot for the camps will air on Corus TV channels for two weeks, beginning Monday, July 28. Click here to view the spot: http://vimeo.com/101337095.

TD has been a significant supporter of Frontier College’s Aboriginal Summer Literacy Camps, and this year will be donating an additional $100 000 to help facilitate the nutrition component of this program. Corus is donating books, materials and activities from the celebrated Franklin the Turtle series, created by author Paulette Bourgeois and illustrator Brenda Clark, through its publishing division (Kids Can Press) and its national philanthropic initiative, Corus Feeds Kids.

“The availability of literacy programs and initiatives can often be taken for granted. However, they are not always accessible to everyone,” said Frank McKenna, Deputy Chair, TD Bank Group. “TD is pleased to continue supporting Frontier College in their efforts to reach out to Aboriginal youth in communities across Canada, to encourage learning and a love of reading.”

Corus will also raise awareness about Frontier College’s Aboriginal Summer Literacy Camps through PSA support across its radio, television and online assets. 

“Corus is pleased to be teaming up with TD Bank Group on this literacy camp initiative with Frontier College through our Corus Feeds Kids program,” said John Cassaday, President and CEO, Corus Entertainment. “Corus is committed to supporting the healthy development and well-being of Canadian children, and we are delighted that, with this program, the beloved Franklin series can play a role in helping to cultivate a love of reading in communities across Canada.”

“Frontier College is proud of the success of the Aboriginal Summer Literacy Camps, which ensures that children continue to learn throughout the summer. We are grateful for the commitment from TD Bank Group and Corus Entertainment in sharing a vision for a bright and healthy future in these communities,” said Sherry Campbell, President and CEO, Frontier College.

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - July 24, 2014) - Shaw Communications Inc. (TSX:SJR.B)(NYSE:SJR) and PGA TOUR star Graham DeLaet today announced a new program to support children's charities and the development of junior golfers at all levels.

As part of the Shaw Birdies and Eagles for Kids program, Shaw will donate $100 to the Graham and Ruby DeLaet Foundation for every birdie and $500 for every eagle that Graham makes during the 2014 PGA TOUR season. Proceeds from the program will reinforce the DeLaet foundation's support for children's health and well-being, and junior golf programs.

This season, DeLaet has recorded more than 200 birdies and four eagles bringing Shaw's charitable donation total to over $20,000. DeLaet, who is ranked 31st in the world, is set to tee off this week at the 2014 RBC Canadian Open being played at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in ile Bizard, Quebec from July 21-27.

"Graham and Ruby have shown such strong leadership by contributing to the health and well-being of children," said Brad Shaw, CEO, Shaw Communications Inc. "We're proud to stand with them, and support their charitable efforts and worthwhile causes that will make our communities stronger."

"Shaw Birdies and Eagles for Kids cements an already successful partnership with Shaw," DeLaet said. "I'm excited to get out there, play my best and raise some money for children."

"Launching our Foundation was so important to Graham and I, as we felt it was the right time in Graham's career to give back," said Ruby DeLaet. "It is amazing to have partners like Shaw that support our efforts to truly make a difference in the lives of children."

Fans can track DeLaet's scoring and the growth of Shaw's donations by visiting Shaw.ca/golf and by following @ShawGolf on Twitter, which also features exclusive golf giveaways.

Long-time Toronto on-air presence Jeff Chalmers (Q107, 92.5 JACK-FM, Y108) has signed on with Newcap Radio’s boom 97.3 in Toronto as a summer freelancer. 

– Season 2 premiere delivers a cumulative average audience of 3.85 million viewers across Bell Media channels –

– Last night’s episode delivers 1.94 million viewers –

TORONTO (July 23, 2014) – After three weeks, THE AMAZING RACE CANADA continues to race ahead as the #1 program of the summer. Newly released final data from Numeris for the Season 2 premiere on July 8 reveals a 36% surge to 2.76 million viewers, confirming the series’ claim as the most-watched premiere of any series this summer, and the #1 Canadian premiere of the 2013/14 broadcast season. 

With seven airings of original and encore episodes across CTV, CTV Two, TSN, and TSN2, THE AMAZING RACE CANADA season premiere was watched by 6.54 million unique viewers, with a cumulative average audience of 3.85 million viewers across these channels.  

Last night’s episode drew 1.94 million viewers, up from a week ago. Overall, 3.3 million unique viewers watched the first international leg of the race, with the audience growing throughout the broadcast to peak at 2.4 million viewers when host Jon Montgomery revealed that Laura and Jackie were eliminated from the competition. For the third week in a row, the episode overwhelmingly won the night with total viewers and all key demos.

Last night’s episode will encore this week on TSN (Thursday, July 24 at 12 a.m. ET/ 9 p.m. PT and Friday, July 25 at 2 p.m. ET/ 11 a.m. PT), TSN2 (Thursday, July 24 at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT), and CTV and CTV GO (Saturday, July 26 at 8 p.m. ET/PT and Sunday, July 27 at 5 p.m. ET/PT – and is also now available on demand at CTV GO. All-new episodes of THE AMAZING RACE CANADA air Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CTV and CTV GO.

Next Week:
THE AMAZING RACE CANADA stays in China as teams race to the new gambling capital of the world, Macau, where they get hot – and bothered (Tuesday, July 22 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CTV and CTV GO). A casino challenge deals a round of confusion, and desperation.

The eight remaining teams competing for the biggest grand prize in Canadian television history are:
Pierre and Michel – Twin Brothers, Montreal
Alain and Audrey - Dating, Montreal
Mickey and Pete – Best Friends, Muskoka, Ont.
Sukhi and Jinder – Siblings, Terrace, B.C.
Natalie and Meaghan – Teammates, Scarborough, Ont. and Calgary
Rex and Bob – Engaged, Ashburn, Ont.
Ryan and Rob – Co-Workers, Vancouver
Cormac and Nicole – Mother and Son, Winnipeg

The four premier sponsors for THE AMAZING RACE CANADA are Air Canada, Chevrolet Canada, DQ Canada, and Scotiabank.

Commissioned by CTV, Season 2 of THE AMAZING RACE CANADA is produced by Insight Productions in association with CTV and with the support of Profiles Television Productions.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today announced that it will host a meeting with telecommunications and broadcasting distribution companies to discuss the practice of charging additional fees to customers who wish to receive paper bills. The CRTC also released the results of its fact-finding exercise on these practices.

Based on information obtained by the CRTC, there is a wide variation in how companies approach paper bill fees. As of November 2013, 36 companies indicated that they do not charge any fees. However, 27 companies acknowledged that their fees range from $0.99 to $5.95 per month for paper bills. Certain companies provide exemptions to these fees, such as for customers who do not have Internet access, but there is no consistent practice across the industry.

The CRTC is concerned that the approach taken by the industry in the transition from paper to electronic bills may not have taken into account the specific circumstances of some Canadians. The CRTC is inviting representatives from communications companies to a meeting that will be held on August 28, 2014, at its central office.

The meeting will be lead by the CRTC’s Vice-Chairs of Broadcasting and Telecommunications. Participants will be expected to come up with a clear and predictable approach to paper bill fees, if any, as well as exemptions for any such fees. This will ensure that Canadians are able to make informed decisions.

Quick Facts

The CRTC has challenged the communications industry to come up with a clear and predictable approach that addresses consumer issues related to paper bill fees.

The CRTC will be hosting a meeting with telecommunications and broadcasting distribution companies to facilitate discussion on the practices related to paper bill fees.

The CRTC has released the results of its fact-finding exercise on paper bill fees.

Quote:

“We are concerned that not all Canadians have a reasonable choice when it comes to paper bill fees for communications services. We are challenging telecommunications and broadcasting distribution companies to come up with a comprehensive approach that will enable Canadians to make informed decisions. We are prepared to explore regulatory options if the industry fails to find an appropriate approach.”

– Jean-Pierre Blais, Chairman, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

Associated Link

Results of the fact-finding exercise on fees for paper bills

Spending to Reach People on Their Devices This Year Will Eclipse Radio, Print.

Read the article HERE

The market for local television stations was bullish in 2013, driven by the growing political ad revenue and fees paid to those outlets by cable, satellite and telecommunications companies for the right to carry their programming. In 2013, about 300 full-power local stations changed hands for a combined price tag of more than $8 billion, as major companies — from the Sinclair Broadcast Group to the Tribune Company — dramatically expanded their local TV portfolios.

Read the article HERE

Moncton and Saint John centres part of Bell's strategy to improve customer service and invest in Canadian jobs

MONTRÉAL, July 23, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell today announced the acquisition of 2 customer call centres in New Brunswick as part of its strategy to improve customer service and invest in jobs in Atlantic Canada and across the country.

"Delivering a better customer experience at every level is a core part of Bell's customer-focused investment strategy. These New Brunswick centres and other locations we've opened across Canada are essential to Bell's success in a competitive communications marketplace," said John Watson, Executive Vice President of Customer Operations for Bell. "We are pleased to welcome 700 more employees to the Bell team at these two New Brunswick locations, which join 5 other new Canadian call centres we've announced in the last 4 years."

Bell is acquiring call centres in Saint John and in Moncton and will dedicate both centres to serving its residential, wireless and small business customers. 

Since 2010, Bell has announced new call centres in Nanaimo, BC; Orillia, ON; and Laval, Rouyn-Noranda, and Saguenay in Québec.

The two sites will be operated by Bell's wholly owned subsidiary Nordia. For employment opportunities, please visitJobs@Bell or Nordia.ca

This news release contains forward-looking statements. For a description of the related risk factors and assumptions please see the section entitled "Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements" later in this release.

MONTRÉAL and HALIFAX, July 23, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE) and Bell Aliant Inc. (TSX: BA) today announced that BCE will privatize Bell Aliant by acquiring the interest of its affiliate's public minority shareholders, while supporting Bell Aliant's ongoing growth and competitiveness with significant investments inAtlantic Canada infrastructure and employment.

"Bell Aliant is a core part of BCE's national communications operations alongside Bell Canada. Privatizing Bell Aliant enhances our broadband investment strategy and capital markets objectives while delivering great value to the public minority shareholders who have supported Bell Aliant's success," said George Cope, President and CEO of BCE Inc. and Bell Canada. "In line with our investment-focused strategic imperatives, BCE looks forward to continuing network and service innovation to benefit consumers and business customers across Bell Aliant's territory."

"This transaction is a next logical step for Bell Aliant," said Edward Reevey, lead independent director of Bell Aliant. "A Special Committee of independent directors of Bell Aliant has conducted a thorough review of the offer and has unanimously concluded that the transaction provides attractive value to Bell Aliant's public minority shareholders, while also providing them with an opportunity to participate in the future growth of BCE. For these and other reasons, which will be more fully detailed in the directors' circular, the independent members of the Board of Directors unanimously resolved to recommend that shareholders accept the offer."

"I am proud of what the team at Bell Aliant has accomplished over the last several years," said Karen Sheriff, President and CEO of Bell Aliant. "Solid execution has positioned Bell Aliant to deliver even more value to our customers and shareholders through this transaction. As a result of the privatization, Bell Aliant will be able to combine its product and service strength, and cost management skills, with the world class communications networks and operations of Bell Canada, delivering even more value to our customers. Furthermore, Bell Aliant's heritage of delivering value to its customers through technological innovation and strong local presence will be further strengthened by the full backing of BCE. This support will ensure that Bell Aliant maintains its leadership position as the leading customer-focused communications service provider in the markets we serve."

The transaction enhances Bell Aliant's ability to invest and serve customers in the Atlantic marketplace from itsHalifax headquarters with further development in broadband Internet and TV services, new bundling opportunities, and next generation business services including data hosting and cloud computing.

BCE plans capital investment of $2.1 billion across Atlantic Canada over the next 5 years to enable the continued rollout of broadband wireline and wireless for consumers and business users. BCE will also continue to invest in world-leading broadband services for consumers and business customers in rural areas of Ontario and Québec currently managed by Bell Aliant. Bell Aliant's FibreOPTM broadband fibre-to-the-home network is expected to reach 1 million premises across the Bell Aliant territory by the end of the year, delivering lightning fast Internet, the best digital TV experience and a range of business services.

BCE also today announced that the next phase of its massive national buildout of mobile 4G LTE service will be inAtlantic Canada, with more than 100 additional small towns and rural locations across the region to benefit from enhanced mobile service by the end of 2015. Additionally, Bell announced the acquisition of 2 new call centres in New Brunswick to improve customer service and bring 700 more jobs into the Bell team.

Financial and operating benefits of the transaction
BCE already controls Bell Aliant and is acquiring the remaining approximately 127.5 million common shares that are owned by the public minority shareholders. Results for Bell Aliant are already consolidated within BCE's public financial and operational reporting alongside the results of Bell Canada. Bringing Bell Aliant wholly into BCE simplifies the company's structure, eliminating redundant public company costs and increasing overall operational efficiency.

"Privatizing Bell Aliant within BCE supports our dividend growth model and capital investment strategies, while maintaining a strong balance sheet and strong investment-grade credit ratings with significant financial flexibility," saidSiim Vanaselja, BCE's Chief Financial Officer. "As one of the best-run telco operators in North America, Bell Aliant enhances our EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization) margin, EPS (earnings per share) and FCF (free cash flow), generating attractive synergies to support BCE's ongoing investment in communications growth services."

BCE expects annual run-rate FCF accretion after common dividends of approximately $200 million a year. With the elimination of Bell Aliant public company expenses and other duplicative costs, BCE expects to generate approximately $100 million in pre-tax annual synergies.

Details of the transaction
Unanimously recommended to public minority shareholders by all the independent directors of Bell Aliant, the transaction will be completed by way of a formal tender offer through which common shareholders can elect to receive either (a) $31 in cash, (b) 0.6371 of a BCE common share, or (c) $7.75 in cash and 0.4778 of a BCE common share. Public minority shareholders electing alternative (a) or (b) will be subject to pro-ration such that the aggregate consideration will be paid 25% in cash and 75% in BCE common shares. The share consideration is based on BCE's 10-day volume weighted average price of $48.66.

Creating both immediate and long-term value for Bell Aliant public minority shareholders, the transaction represents a valuation multiple of 8.3x LTM (last 12 months) EBITDA and an 11.6% premium to Bell Aliant's 20-day volume weighted average price of $27.78.

The regular quarterly dividend that would have been payable on Bell Aliant common shares on October 6, 2014 will not be declared by Bell Aliant.

Taxable Canadian shareholders who receive BCE shares as consideration under the offers will generally be entitled to a roll-over to defer Canadian taxation on capital gains.

BCE will fund the cash component of the transaction from available sources of liquidity and will issue approximately 61 million common shares for the equity portion of the transaction, which offers Bell Aliant public minority shareholders access to BCE's superior dividend growth potential. The BCE dividend has been increased 10 times, representing an aggregate increase of 69%, since Q4 2008 and currently delivers an approximate 5% yield. When the transaction is completed, Bell Aliant public minority shareholders will own approximately 7% of pro forma BCE common equity.

The Special Committee received opinions from its financial advisors Scotia Capital Inc. and Barclays Capital Canada Inc. that, subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications set out in such opinions, the consideration offered by BCE is fair from a financial point of view to Bell Aliant public minority shareholders. As independent valuator, Barclays has concluded that, subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications set out in its valuation, as ofJuly 22, 2014, the fair market value of the Bell Aliant common shares is in the range of $27.00 to $31.50 per common share. The Special Committee unanimously determined that the offer is fair to Bell Aliant public minority shareholders and, on the Special Committee's recommendation, the Board of Directors of Bell Aliant is recommending that public minority shareholders accept the offer and tender their common shares to the offer.

BCE expects the privatization transaction to be completed by November 30, 2014, subject to more than 50% of Bell Aliant common shares held by public minority shareholders being tendered to the offer, notification under the Competition Act, and other conditions set forth in the support agreement, a copy of which is available under Bell Aliant's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. CRTC and Industry Canada approvals are not required because there is no change in control of Bell Aliant, and no transfers of wireless spectrum licences.

BCE will also offer holders of preferred shares of Bell Aliant Preferred Equity Inc. (Prefco) the opportunity to exchange their Prefco preferred shares for BCE preferred shares with the same financial terms as the existing Prefco preferred shares, subject to terms and conditions of the offer. Completion of the Bell Aliant privatization is not conditional upon completion of the preferred share exchange.

The Special Committee of the independent directors of Prefco has unanimously determined that the preferred share offer is fair to preferred shareholders and, on the Special Committee's recommendation, the Board of Directors of Prefco is recommending that shareholders accept the offer and tender their preferred shares. The Special Committee has received an opinion from Scotia Capital that, subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications set out in such opinion, the consideration to be received pursuant to the BCE preferred shares offer is fair from a financial point of view to the preferred shareholders. Completion of the preferred share exchange offer is conditional upon completion of the common share offer, holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding preferred shares tendering their preferred shares to the offer, and the other conditions set forth in the support agreement.

The offers are expected to be commenced in mid-August and to expire in the second half of September. Tender offer circulars containing the full details of the common share offer and the preferred share offer (together with directors' circulars for each offer) and other related documents setting forth full details of the terms and conditions of the offers will be mailed to shareholders.

US holders of securities of Bell Aliant and Prefco should see the information under "Notice to US Securityholders" below.

Call with financial analysts
A conference call for financial analysts will be held today at 8:00 am ET. To participate, please dial (416) 340-2218 or toll-free 1-866-223-7781 shortly before the start of the call. A replay will be available for one week by dialing (905) 694-9451 or toll-free 1-800-408-3053 and entering passcode 2896556.

SANTA MONICA, Calif. and PHILADELPHIA, July 22, 2014 /CNW/ -- Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF) and Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA, CMCSK) today announced the expansion of their partnership to create uniquely immersive multi-platform experiences for digital consumers, beginning with the launch of an app for the motion picture Divergent.

With more than four hours of state-of-the-art bonus features and interactive content, the Lionsgate-designed iOS app, which is free to every Divergent fan via the iTunes App Store, includes an authenticated premium experience available to Xfinity customers with the purchase of the film through the Xfinity On Demand digital store.

Xfinity customers will be the first to enjoy Divergent movie scenes from multiple angles, walk the  red carpet from the comfort of their living rooms with 360-degree camera views that make them feel as if they are at the premiere, embark on a virtual reality audio experience during a Dauntless initiation and explore the film's fashion through interactive flipbooks. Divergent is available in the Xfinity On Demand digital store, which has consistently been one of the top digital retailers in the U.S., and via digital retailers nationwide two weeks ahead of the blockbuster's August 5 DVD and Blu-ray debut.

The announcement continues the successful partnership formed last year when Lionsgate became one of the first studios to provide digital content for purchase on Xfinity.  As part of this ongoing collaboration, Lionsgate will roll out additional title-specific apps built around upcoming releases featuring premium digital content available to Xfinity customers.

"We have been working with Lionsgate and all of our studio partners to launch a product that allows producers, directors, writers, designers and engineers to explore and create next generation digital experiences that expand and extend the life of digital franchises across platforms for Xfinity customers," said Matt Strauss, General Manager and Senior Vice President, Video Services, Comcast Cable. "We are providing studios with a platform to enhance the digital ownership experience by continually adding new content and experiences for customers that will immerse them in the worlds of these films like never before, first on their favorite mobile devices, and soon on the TV via X1."

"We're constantly exploring ways to use new content-gathering technologies to extend our franchises for digital platforms," said Lionsgate President of Worldwide Television & Digital Distribution Jim Packer. "Franchises likeDivergent create visually rich landscapes lending themselves to a whole new way of storytelling.  The development of the Divergent app and its premium content specifically for mobile devices is just one of the ways we're monetizing our brands and driving demand for EST."

"The app does a wonderful job of expanding the world of Divergent and creating a rich and immersive experience for our fans," said Lucy Fisher and Doug Wick of Red Wagon Entertainment, who are producing the Divergent series. "We're particularly excited that this is a life cycle app that will follow the trajectory of the entire Divergent franchise, and it showcases Lionsgate and Comcast at their innovative and visionary best."

Xfinity customers who purchase Divergent from the Xfinity On Demand digital store and download the free iOS app can sign-in to the app using their Xfinity credentials to unlock over 250 minutes of premium online content including behind the scenes footage and exclusive red carpet content captured at Divergent's Los Angeles premiere with 360-degree cameras.  Enhanced content for Xfinity customers, combined with the app's generally available content, create more than 6 1/2 hours of interactive value-added material for Divergent fans. Next year, Xfinity subscribers with X1 will be able to access the Divergent app, and subsequent apps, as an Internet app on the TV through their X1 set-top box.

The app also features state-of-the-art DTS Headphone: X technology, enabling fans to share a surround sound experience using any brand of headphones, marking one of the first times this ground-breaking technology has been included in the special features of a home entertainment release.

The Divergent app is a "life cycle" app that follows the movie not only from theatrical through home entertainment release and beyond but is designed to meet the demands of fans throughout the entire trajectory of the franchise. The next film in the Divergent series, Insurgent, will be released worldwide on March 20, 2015.

TORONTO (July 22, 2014) – Canada’s digital lifestyle destination The Loop has re-branded with a sleek new look, supported by a month-long, promotional marketing campaign across all Bell Media digital and on-air assets. The Loop’s re-launch shifts its focus to content that is completely strategized, developed, and executed in-house by Bell Media’s Specialty Digital Content team. The new online hub features social lifestyle and entertainment content from a uniquely Canadian perspective, engaging visitors with content that connects them to each other. The Loop is designed to encourage users to share – a laugh, a piece of advice, a trending story – through its mix of original and licensed video, interactive maps and quizzes, engaging galleries, and informative articles. Built in the tradition of sites like BuzzFeed, The Loop covers an always rotating, fresh array of topics, including celebrity, style, health, fitness, humour, everyday how-tos, and life hacks.

Check out the brand-new Loop on air promo here.

“As the Canadian destination for the lifestyle and entertainment content that everyone is talking about, The Loop has greatly improved the experience and share-ability for our thousands and thousands of daily users,” said Justin Stockman, Vice-President Specialty Channels, Bell Media. “With exclusive, seamlessly integrated opportunities for clients, The Loop is a premium destination for both users and advertisers alike.”

The re-designed site was built using a modern responsive layout and content management system. The result is a user-friendly site with increased accessibility on all devices – desktop, mobile, and tablet.

Since its soft re-launch last month, The Loop has already seen impressive results, including a 27% increase in social shares as well as a 30% increase in video engagement compared to pre-launch.

The re-launch of The Loop provides new opportunities for clients wanting to reach their desired female-skewing audiences, including innovative, high-impact ad executions, takeovers, enhanced video offerings, and customized Brand Partnership activations. The Loop offers native-advertising opportunities through sponsored posts on the site, providing a unique collaborative environment between The Loop and its partners. The new site seamlessly integrates client brand messaging organically into the site through content produced by The Loop’s editorial team in its distinctive tone and voice and targeted specifically to the site’s users. The site will work with content-discovery platform Outbrain to attract new Canadian audiences.

TORONTO (July 22, 2014) – Space, Syfy, and Temple Street Productions announced today that British actor, Hannah John-Kamen, known for her starring role in West End musical Viva Forever, Canadian genre-favourite Aaron Ashmore (SMALLVILLE); and London, Ontario’s own Luke Macfarlane, best known for his role as Scotty Wandell on BROTHERS & SISTERS, have been cast as the leads in the upcoming original adventure drama series KILLJOYS. Commissioned by Space and produced by Temple Street Productions for Space and Syfy, the 10-episode, one-hour series begins production in Toronto on August 5.  Created and written by showrunner Michelle Lovretta (LOST GIRL), and directed by genre guru Chris Grismer (VAMPIRE DIARIES, PRETTY LITTLE LIARS), KILLJOYS follows a trio of interplanetary bounty hunters (John-Kamen, Ashmore, and Macfarlane) - or “Killjoys” - as they chase deadly warrants throughout the Quad, a distant planetary system on the brink of a bloody, class war. With additional casting still to be announced, KILLJOYS is set to premiere in 2015 on Space.

“Hannah, Aaron, and Luke are the perfect combination to lead this exciting new drama series” said Corrie Coe, Senior Vice-President, Independent Production, Bell Media. “With only two weeks remaining until the start of production, we look forward to seeing the universe this trio will bring to life with our stellar partners, Temple Street Productions and Syfy.”

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have Hannah, Aaron and Luke sign on to play our stalwart team of bounty hunters,” commented Ivan Schneeberg and David Fortier, Executive Producers and Co-Presidents of Temple Street Productions. “We're looking forward to getting production underway with this killer ensemble and our partners Space and Syfy.”

In KILLJOYS, Hannah John-Kamen stars as the gorgeous, complicated, and deadly Dutch. A top-level Killjoy, she’s a much loved and charming presence in her community, with a unique gift for earning people’s trust and respect regardless of their class. Under her banter and protective flirtations, there is pain, maturity, and a deep solemnity resulting from a dark secret past.

Aaron Ashmore takes on the role of John Jaqobis, a Level 3 Killjoy who, despite his profession, is a peacemaker who hates conflict. Cheerful and kind-hearted, John prefers not to fight, but his sarcastic wit has put him into the fray enough over the years to teach him how to do it well, and dirty. Give this man any machine or situation, and he can fix it, build it, and fly it.

Luke Macfarlane stars as D’avin, a handsome, rugged, sarcastic, and incredibly loyal former soldier. He dreamed of enlisting in the military since boyhood, and his hard-won expertise in tactics, manoeuvres, and hand-to-hand combat make him an instant asset to the Killjoy team.

KILLJOYS was created by Michelle Lovretta who also serves as executive producer and showrunner. Executive producers are David Fortier and Ivan Schneeberg of Temple Street Productions. Director and Consulting Producer is Chris Grismer. Producer is Karen Troubetzkoy. Writer and Consulting Producer is Jeremy Boxen. Writers are Emily Andras, Adam Barken, and Aaron Martin. Universal Cable Productions distributes the series worldwide.

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - July 22, 2014) - Shaw Communications Inc. (TSX:SJR.B)(NYSE:SJR) today announced it has partnered with rising professional golfers Michael Gligic and Beon Yeong Lee as they compete at this year's RBC Canadian Open.

"Supporting Michael and Beon represents Shaw's desire to help give rising Canadian golf talent the opportunity to grow and develop their game even further," says Brad Shaw, CEO, Shaw Communications Inc. "We are proud to support them as they pursue their goals and hope to help inspire thousands of kids dreaming of following in their footsteps."

Sporting the Shaw logo during the week of the RBC Canadian Open, Gligic and Lee represent some of the up and coming Canadian golfers at this year's national championship taking place July 21-27, 2014 at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Ile-Bizard, Quebec. The two golfers are the latest additions to Shaw's roster of professional golf partnerships that feature PGA TOUR star Graham DeLaet and rising Web.com Tour pro Adam Hadwin.

From Burlington, Ontario, Gligic captured his first PGA TOUR Canada win at the ATB Financial Classic in Edmonton in 2012, and placed second on the PGA TOUR Canada's 2012 Order of Merit. Gligic secured his spot at the RBC Canadian Open by winning a regional qualifying event at his home course of Whistle Bear Golf Club in Cambridge, Ontario.

From Montreal, Lee earned his place at the 2014 RBC Canadian Open by winning the regional qualifying tournament at Elm Ridge Country Club in ile Bizard, and most recently finished eighth at The Players Cup at Pine Ridge Golf Club in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The 2014 RBC Canadian Open will mark Lee's second trip to the tournament, having qualified in 2010.

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 22, 2014) - PATTISON Outdoor Advertising, Canada's leader in the Out-of-Home advertising industry and the only company to offer a multi-platform inventory of digital products, today announced it has completed the rollout of its smartAD(R) advertising engine to its exterior products, enhancing what has already been available for its interior digital networks. Advertisers on PATTISON's exterior digital platform will have the ability to quickly and efficiently update advertising campaigns across the country's largest and only multi-platform digital inventory.

Already available on nearly 2,500 interior screens across Canada, PATTISON Outdoor has completed the rollout of its smartAD(R) platform to all of its 207 exterior digital posters and spectaculars coast to coast. PATTISON's smartAD(R) engine enables advertisers to easily and quickly update their advertising messages on our industry-leading platform of digital products.

"PATTISON is committed to providing advertisers the innovative tools necessary to better communicate with consumers, and smartAD(R) is our proprietary technology that will enhance our Digital Out-of-Home portfolio of products," said Joe Donaldson, Vice President, Marketing of PATTISON Outdoor Advertising. "Our smartAD(R)-powered engine will enable national brands and retailers of all sizes to create targeted, dynamic advertising messages that can be customized by the advertisers themselves. Creative can flow out to our interior and exterior digital products, including digital exterior products like Horizontal Posters and Superboards, and interior products like the transit, office and residential networks, and any of our other digital properties. With just one click, advertisers can instantly update their messages, creating a compelling value proposition to our clients and a clear advantage against competitors."

The smartAD(R) engine delivers value across the digital advertising ecosystem, enabling advertisers to easily create dynamic messages along a shopper's path to purchase. Advertisers using smartAD(R) are able to:

--  Create relevant and dynamic advertisement based on external data sources
    like weather, date or time;
--  Instantly update artwork, based on product supply and demand;
--  Include directions and maps that guide the user to the closest location
    with the product available;
--  Create a sense of urgency for events and/or time-sensitive promotions; and
--  Easily integrate social media feed from sites like Facebook, Twitter or Instagram

TORONTO, July 21, 2014 – With the RBC Canadian Open ready to tee off, Global Television is ensuring viewers don’t miss a swing. Coupled with extensive week-long coverage and unrivaled pre-game shows, Global Television will air the full PGA TOUR golf tournament Saturday, July 26 from 3pm-6pm ET and Sunday, July 27 beginning at 3pm ET.

“In addition to live coverage of the Canadian Open itself, Global will take viewers beyond the course to show Canadians the people and amazing behind-the-scenes stories that make this event so special,” says Troy Reeb, Senior Vice President, News & Station Operations, Global News. “With our sports anchors bringing their unique perspectives and expertise to the green, viewers across the country will stay up-to-date and informed on each day’s events on Global News on-air and online.”

Special Global Sports pre-game shows will be hosted by anchors Kevin Smith and Rob Leth, who will be joined by golf commentator and PGA TOUR winner Ian Leggatt. Broadcast on Global Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27 at 2pm ET, the team will provide behind-the-scenes content, expert interviews with pro golfers including Shaw Ambassador and PGA TOUR star, Graham DeLaet and Canadian golf icon and the 2003 Masters Tournament champion, Mike Weir, up-to-date leaderboards, and in-depth analysis of tournament leaders. In addition to playing a role in the Global Sports pre-game shows, Global Sports Anchor Derek Meyers will provide comprehensive coverage all week long across Global’s newscasts coast to coast beginning Wednesday, July 23.

With the RBC Canadian Open being hosted in Montreal, Global Montreal will be giving its viewers unprecedented access to the tournament. Highlights include an on-site broadcast of the Morning News, Wednesday, July 23 from 6-9 am ET with Richard Dagenais and Jessica Laventure as well as a special broadcast of the Evening News with Jamie Orchard on Friday, July 25 at 6pm ET. Exclusive interviews and additional RBC Canadian Open related stories and content will also be seen on local Global newscasts in all communities throughout the week.

TORONTO, July 21, 2014 /CNW/ - Allstream (TO: MBT), Canada's all-business communications provider, today announced that Rexall has chosen Allstream to design and deliver a comprehensive telecommunications solution for its 448 stores across Canada. Allstream, the single most relevant competitor in Canada to Bell and TELUS for business customers, will provide Rexall with a next generation integrated data and voice network that will provide fast, reliable and flexible service.

Rexall worked with Allstream to create a new technology plan that will help guide the modernization of the communications infrastructure of their stores.  Using leading edge technologies such as SIP, Rexall will centralize its voice infrastructure, move their data to a dedicated and secure network, and leverage the benefits of Allstream's expertise to deliver new features while significantly reducing costs.

"We were very impressed with Allstream's agility, flexibility and customer-centric approach," said Ahmed Shariff, Sr. Director, I.T. Operations and JDE Financial Systems, Rexall. "Allstream understood that with the right technology we can improve our customers' experience in each of our stores.  Allstream studied our business, learned our needs and delivered a plan for a scalable end-to-end telecommunications solution that will allow us to unlock hidden value in our technology infrastructure.  This will also allow us to acquire and implement new technologies faster than ever before, especially as we grow."

"Allstream is extremely pleased to have the opportunity to work with Rexall, an innovative pharmacy leader," said Allstream Vice President National Sales, Edith Cloutier. "In such a competitive retail environment, companies like Rexall look to Allstream for innovative solutions that will differentiate them in the marketplace.  Our solution will free them up to focus even more on being a customer-focused and award-winning retailer."