The CRTC has launched an online survey as part of its review of commercial radio, soliciting comments from Canadians on their radio listening habits, behaviours and views. The review follows the commission’s report Harnessing Change: The Future of Programming Distribution in Canada, which found that an increasing number of Canadians are streaming audio content on digital platforms. Among other questions, the online survey asks respondents to rank the importance of commercial radio, alongside CBC/Radio-Canada, podcasts, music streaming, and satellite radio; and asks how frequently and on what types of devices listeners are accessing audio. It also dives into how the commercial radio experience could be improved, including gauging support for Canadian content rules and whether respondents would support or oppose imposing Canadian content quotas on services like Spotify and Apple Music. Read more here.
Oldies 96 (CINB-FM) Saint John, NB launched Nov. 9. The new community radio station marks the return of well-known Saint John radio personalities like Donnie Robertson, Trish Hamilton, Terri Wallace, Bruce Weaver, and Rick Mantle to the airwaves. The station is operated by Don Mabee, who previously ran CINB-FM as Christian music station NewSongFM (which continues to stream online), along with his son, Matt.
JAZZ.FM91 (CJRT-FM) Toronto has renamed its main production studio after Canadian music icon Jeff Healey. Healey recorded in the studio that now bears his name from 2005-08, when he hosted the popular My Kinda Jazz program on the station. Healey’s widow Cristie and longtime friend Roger Costa were on hand for the unveiling. After a battle with cancer, Healey died in 2008 at age 41.
JACK 96.9 FM in Vancouver and Calgary are selling “Ugly Christmas Sweater” masks in support of the Greater Vancouver and Calgary Food Banks. For every four-pack sold, the vendor will donate a mask. Use the code JACK969 for free shipping.
The New Classical FM and Zoomer Radio’s Holiday Hope Fund kicked off this week. Until Dec. 24, listeners are asked to make a donation to Scott Mission. Since its inception in 2008, the fund has raised almost $400,000 for the charity which has been helping Toronto’s disadvantaged since 1941.
STORYHIVE’s first Podcast Edition is now open for applications until Dec. 2. STORYHIVE is seeking locally reflective, non-fiction podcast pitches from creators in Alberta and British Columbia. This edition will award production grants of $10K to 10 successful applicants, along with distribution on select TELUS platforms. Each podcast must meet submission guidelines to be eligible.
The Vancouver Podcast Festival is going ahead virtually Nov. 18-22. Among this year’s offerings are a session on how to monetize your podcast; a pitch session, hosted by CBC’s Faith Fundal, that allows B.C. podcasters to get feedback on their best podcast show pitch; and a podcast workshop led by Ryan McMahon (Thunder Bay, Red Man Laughing).
LISTEN: Peggy Kelly and Carole Gerson, authors of new book, Hearing More Voices: English-Canadian Women in Print and On The Air, 1914-1960, are our guests on Broadcast Dialogue – The Podcast, talking about their project to acknowledge the early women of radio and print, whose names have been lost to history. Listen on your favourite podcast app or here:
LISTEN: Tony Coles, iHeartMedia executive and President of the Black Information Network, is Matt Cundill’s guest on the Sound Off Podcast. Coles talks mentorship, pivoting to programming, finding new talent, and gratitude. Listen on your favourite podcast app or here:
MILESTONE: 980 CKNW Vancouver host Stirling Faux marked 50 years in radio last Sunday. Faux signed on as a host on CKSO Sudbury, ON on Nov. 15, 1970, the start of a career that took him to CFTR Toronto, CFOM Quebec City, CKLG/CFOX-FM, CFMI-FM, CKNW Vancouver, and CHQR Calgary, before returning to Vancouver and CISL-AM, before re-joining CKNW in 2016. Faux was joined by radio legends, including Bob Saye, Doc Harris, and Red Robinson on Sunday’s show.
