The CRTC has released its annual highlights of the telecommunications sector report for 2022. The Canadian sector experienced a 3.5% increase in total revenues, similar growth to 2021 (3.4%), and a clear progression from the 2020 pandemic year when revenues declined for the first time since 2002. The increase is primarily due to the almost $1.7B increase in mobile revenues, up 5.7% from 2021. Retail fixed internet service revenues experienced 4.9% growth, up from $14.5B in 2021 to $15.2B in 2022. The five largest telecom providers accounted for 87.3% of total revenues, including Bell, TELUS, Rogers, Shaw and Vidéotron, and their flanker brands.
The Canadian Media Guild (CMG) and CBC/Radio-Canada have reached a tentative collective agreement after seven full weeks of bargaining. CMG says the proposal includes an immediate wage increase of 6.1% (which includes two years of retro pay) on April 8 of this year, translating to 12.57% more in wages between March 2022 and April 2026. The minimum daily Technical Freelancer rate also improves to $400 a day, up from $280.
Quebecor has reported its consolidated financial results for Q4 and the full year 2023. For the year, Quebecor recorded revenues of $5.43 billion, up $902.4 million (19.9%) and adjusted EBITDA of $2.24 billion, up $303.3 million (15.7%). The Telecommunications segment increased its revenues by $935.8 million (25.2%), reflecting, among other things, the contribution of the Freedom Mobile acquisition. In Q4, Quebecor recorded revenues of $1.5 billion, up 27% year-over-year. TVA Group reported declines of $49.2 million (‑8.3%) in revenues and $24.8 million (‑128.5%) in adjusted EBITDA for 2023, while the Sports and Entertainment segment grew its revenues by $22.8 million (12.0%) and its adjusted EBITDA by $3.6 million (18.6%) in 2023. The Film Production & Audiovisual Services segment (MELS) reported $686,000 in adjusted EBITDA, a $12,198,000 unfavourable variance due mainly to lower volume of activities in soundstage, mobile and equipment rental, post-production and media accessibility services. TVA’s Q4 revenues were $151,714,000, an 11.8% decrease compared with Q4 2022.
The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF), in collaboration with the Canadian Women’s Foundation, is presenting an online panel discussion in the lead-up to International Women’s Day, on ethical reporting of intimate partner violence. The free event takes place Thursday, March 7, at 1 p.m. ET. Reporting with Care: Ethical Journalism in the Shadow of Intimate Partner Violence will bring together Michael Friscolanti, editor-in-chief of Village Media; Hannah Sung, co-founder of Media Girlfriends; Landsberg Award-winner Molly Hayes of The Globe and Mail; and Jana Pruden, the Globe’s Edmonton-based reporter. Anna Maria Tremonti will moderate the discussion.
