Introducing our 2024 Canadian Radio Awards jury

This year’s jury includes five-time CCMA Personality of the Year Chris Scheetz; the “winningest” music director in the history of the Canadian Radio Awards, Matt Berry; Toronto radio veteran Dani Elwell; sports media executive Dave Cadeau; APTN News, CBC and Canadaland alum Karyn Pugliese; and Lead Podcasting founder, author and radio instructor Amanda Cupido. Read more about this year’s judging panel here.

The 2024 Canadian Radio Awards CLOSE TO SUBMISSIONS FRIDAY at midnight PT. We want your best radio from the past year across on-air, programming, news, engineering, sales, podcasting, promotions and production. Find all of the categories, rules & regs at CanadianRadioAwards.com.

The Canadian Radio Awards are FREE TO ENTER thanks to our sponsors and supporters.

REVOLVING DOOR:

Christian Hall has parted ways with Rogers Sports & Media. Hall joined Rogers’ radio division in August 2021 as National Content Director for the JACK FM brand, encompassing JACK 96.9 (CJAX-FM) Vancouver and (CJAQ-FM) Calgary, JACK 102.3 (CHST-FM) London, JACK 92.9 (CFLT-FM) Halifax, JACK 103.1 (CHTT-FM) Victoria, JACK 92.3 (CJET-FM) Smiths Falls, and JACK 102.1 (CJCY-FM) Medicine Hat. He also served as Content Director for JACK FM Vancouver & KiSS RADiO (CKKS-FM), the latter of which was infamously rebranded as SONiC in 2022. A Rogers Sports & Media spokesperson said Hall’s departure is part of changes the company is making to the local radio leadership team in Vancouver to help improve performance in the market. Read more here.

James “Gruff” Gushnowski will join Edmonton’s [email protected] (CKNG-FM) as the new morning show host, starting Nov. 6. Gushnowski was most recently Assistant Program Director at Stingray’s K-97 (CIRK-FM) and 96.3 The Breeze (CKRA-FM) Edmonton, and PD of Rural Alberta. Graham Mosimann, who had been hosting the [email protected] morning show since August, has parted ways with Corus. He joined Game Over Edmonton earlier this month. 

A new era of The Green Zone has begun! Jamie Nye “The Sports Guy” & Locker have a great show for you today! Tune in now on @CJMENews @CKOMNews ! pic.twitter.com/5AVUY8Y7AD

— The Green Zone (@GreenZoneSK) October 29, 2024

Lochlin Cross has joined Jamie Nye on The Green Zone, heard on Rawlco Radio’s news/talk/sports stations CKOM Saskatoon and CJME Regina. Cross, who was most recently heard filling in on Edmonton’s 100.3 The Bear (CFBR-FM), was released from “The Locker Room” morning show on Harvard Media’s 95.7 CRUZ FM (CKEA-FM) Edmonton in March.

Sarah Crosbie is now being heard on Corus Entertainment’s 107.3 The Edge Calgary in middays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Crosbie also continues as the host of The Drive on QR (CHQR-AM) Calgary, which she’s helmed since January. Jeremy Baker, who recently returned to CFOX Vancouver as a weekend and evening host, will be heard in afternoons, while Q107 (CILQ-FM) Toronto afternoon host Fearless Fred will be featured in evenings. The station had largely been running without hosts, with the exception of ambassador Alan Cross, since its launch in July.

Jesse Reynolds is re-joining Corus Entertainment as a videographer with Global News Kingston. Reynolds third stint with Corus, he was most recently co-hosting the Fresh 104.3 (CKWS-FM) morning show, up until layoffs that saw the majority of on-air talent released from Corus’ Kingston radio stations in July. 

Monica Lapajne, Reynolds’ former co-host on Fresh 104.3 mornings, also has a new gig. She’ll be joining Rogers Sports & Media’s Country 101.1 (CKBY-FM) Ottawa as Content Manager and an on-air announcer. Up until July’s layoffs, Lapajne had worked with Corus Kingston for more than 12 years in both promotions and on-air.

Allyson Dube has joined Radio-Canada as a reporter in Edmundston, NB. Dube joins the public broadcaster from TVA’s CIMT & CHAU, covering Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, Charlevoix and New Brunswick.

Very belatedly, I’m thrilled to say I am now based in Kyiv and contributing to WSJ’s Ukraine coverage.

Story ideas, tips, and nerdy osint findings welcome. DM for Signal. And come visit Kyiv!

— Jane Lytvynenko (@JaneLytv) October 23, 2024

Jane Lytvynenko has announced she’s now based in Kyiv and contributing to the Wall Street Journal’s Ukraine coverage. Lytvynenko was a senior reporter with BuzzFeed, based in Toronto, before joining Harvard University’s Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics, and Public Policy at the John F. Kennedy School of Government as a Senior Research Fellow. She’s been freelancing since 2022.

Heather Haynes has been promoted to the newly-expanded role of Director of Programming. at Hot Docs. Haynes, who formerly held the title of Director of Festival Programming, will now oversee the Hot Docs Festival, Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema and the Docs for Schools education program.

RADIO & PODCAST:

Pattison Media abandoned the NOW! radio format in Winnipeg at midnight CT, introducing ALT 94.3 – Winnipeg’s Music Alternative. CHIQ-FM will now play the best of Alternative music from the 2000s to now, with a playlist featuring artists like Muse, Coldplay, Arkells, Death Cab for Cutie, Twenty-One Pilots, Cage the Elephant, Foster the People, and Foo Fighters. The NOW! radio format was introduced to the city in October 2021, a departure from 94.3 The Drive, the Classic Rock format the station previously had carried since 2016. A consistent ratings performer for Pattison in Edmonton, the NOW! format has struggled to gain traction in other markets. Pattison introduces ALT 94.3 less than a month after Corus Entertainment’s move to rebrand Power 97 (CJKR-FM) as Winnipeg’s Iconic Alternative. Read more here.

Rogers Sports & Media has expanded the footprint of Sandra & Chris, originating from KiSS 105.3 (CISS-FM) Ottawa. The morning show is now being heard in evenings in 15 markets, including Winnipeg, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, and North Bay.

Corus Radio’s 680 CJOB Winnipeg has entered into a long-term broadcast partnership with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The 12-time Grey Cup winners have called CJOB home for most of the past 60 years. Terms of the partnership extension have not been disclosed.

SiriusXM Canada has announced the return of its holiday music lineup on Nov. 1 with 26 festive channels, including new addition, Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Radio, featuring a mix of holiday classics handpicked by the holiday connoisseur himself as well as stories, holiday dedications to fans and an inside look at the making of his new album Holiday Seasoning. The channel will also air “Jimmy Fallon’s 12 Days of Christmas” special consisting of a dozen curated genre-specific playlists from yacht rock to country, as well as an American Thanksgiving dinner special hosted by Fallon. Among the channels returning for the season are Hallmark Radio, Trans-Siberian Orchestra Radio, and the Mannheim Steamroller Channel.

Orbyt Media has announced a new partnership with imaging, voiceover, production and jingle provider Benztown, beginning in January 2025. The partnership makes the Bell Media-owned syndication group the exclusive home of Benztown’s radio libraries in Canada – spanning all major formats as well as topical and seasonal “in a box” content across Country, News/Talk, Classic Hits, Rock, and Hot AC – on a cash or barter basis. Read more here.

Pro Bono Group’s new Pro Radio Project creative is titled, “Christmas Shopping,” designed to help drum up new business right now and into the holiday season. It stars Canadian actor and voiceover performer Noel Johansen, and Gemini Award-nominated actor/comedian Bob Bainborough. Like everyone else connected with the Pro Radio Project, Noel and Bob donated their time and talent because they believe in the power and future of radio. Stations are free to run “Christmas Shopping” by itself or in rotation with other Pro Radio spots. A fresh spot will be released in late December that stations can run in January and February that will resonate with potential winter advertisers.

Ed the Sock and 94.9 The Rock’s first-ever Socktoberfest was a smashing success. While bands rocked Oshawa’s Biltmore Theatre stage, bins were overflowing with donations of new socks and gently-used winter outerwear, clothing and footwear for those experiencing homelessness this winter, to be distributed by Durham Region’s Street Outreach Program. The program provided four bins for clothing donations and those quickly overflowed, filling up another 11 garbage bags. As the first of what promises to be an annual event, Socktoberfesters were treated to comedy performances and music by Highteens, Blamethrower, Dustin Macaulay and Rowan Picard – as well as audience karaoke duets with Ed the Sock, whose All-Night Show on 94.9 The Rock is now in its second year.

The Ontario Association of Broadcasters (OAB) Connection 2024 returns Nov. 6-7, with sessions exploring AI and digital revenue, among other hot topics impacting local radio. The conference’s Leadership sessions will kick off with a presentation from Pierre Bouvard, Chief Insights Officer, Cumulus Media and Westwood One, on Effective Advertising Insights. Deloitte will present on AI and Media trends, while an afternoon President’s Panel will address the current state of broadcasting. Conference Chair Jody Brooker says the panel will feature four radio industry CEOs – Stingray Radio President Steve Jones, Acadia Broadcasting President [and OAB President] Chris Pearson, My Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) President Jon Pole, and Evanov Communications President Paul Evanov – “answering the big questions that keep us all awake at night.” Read more here.

Canadaland is the runaway Canadian winner at the third annual Signal Awards, recognizing the podcasts that define culture, “from mainstream and independent, underground and above the fold.” Canadaland’s A Field Guide to Gay Animals was the Canadian podcast that picked up the most honours, claiming Gold in the General Documentary category, Silver for Best Show Artwork, and Silver for Best Co-host Team for Owen Ever and Laine Kaplan-Levenson. Canadaland’s Pretendians picked up Silver for Best Co-host Team for Robert Jago and Angel Ellis, and was also recognized with Silver in General Documentary. CBC Podcasts’ Broomgate: A Curling Scandal won Gold in General Documentary (Sports), while Corus’ Curiouscast and Great Pacific Media’s Deadman’s Curse: Volcanic Gold captured Gold in the General-History category. Read more here.

Maureen Holloway and Wendy Mesley are pivoting their podcast Women of Ill Repute after 95 episodes. The veteran broadcasters acknowledge the podcast, which was produced by the Sound Off Podcast Network, was a harder project to take on than they’d anticipated, including the challenge of finding sponsors. Holloway and Mesley are moving their content over to a subscription-based Substack, where they’ve already been publishing a weekly newsletter, with some paywalled bonus content planned. The podcast will still be available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other platforms.   

Terry Evans is the host of new Sound Off Podcast Network offering Reluctantly. The Edmonton radio veteran, who continues to helm the K-97 (CIRK-FM) morning show, will feature “remarkable people with fantastic stories that deserve to be heard.” Guests so far include Canadian blues musician David Gogo, AC/DC’s Brian Johnson, and singer/songwriter Clayton Bellamy. 

The Town Show is the latest podcast from boutique Vancouver creative studio Kelly&Kelly. Hosted by Mark Chavez and Ryan Beil, each week a guest comedian is featured, set to build a fictional town, pitching new residents, landmarks, history and events that shape the community. Actor, comedian, and longtime CBC contributor Peter Oldring is among the pod’s first guests.

PodSummit will return to Calgary’s The Grand theatre, Sept. 19 – 20, 2025. Building on the success of this year’s event, PodSummit says it’s “diligently refining” its vision for next year.

LISTEN: $20 million dollars. That’s how much in annual funding the Community Radio Fund of Canada (CRFC) is lobbying for, making the case that in the wake of so much misinformation and under-resourced commercial stations, there’s never been a better time to prop up the community radio sector. Executive Director Alex Freedman joins this episode of Broadcast Dialogue – The Podcast to talk about the surge in interest in community radio licences, how the sector is meeting a need in news deserts, and the importance of community connection.

SIGN OFFS:

Veryl Todd, 83, on Oct. 25. Todd was born at Carmangay, AB and grew up on a farm near Nobleford before moving to Lethbridge to play for the first-ever football team at St. Francis Boys School in 1958. He broke into broadcasting in 1960 at CHEC Radio, moving on to CJCA Edmonton, CFUN Vancouver, and CFCN Calgary. He went on to a 22-year teaching career at Lethbridge Community College where he was an instructor in the Broadcast Journalism program, earning the distinction of “Teacher of the Year.” He returned to broadcasting with Clear Sky Radio’s launch of CJOC 94.1 The Lounge in Lethbridge in 2007 as morning news anchor, alongside host Mark Campbell.

TV & FILM:

The Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) has announced the winners of the 23rd Annual DGC Awards, presented online Monday. The Queen of My Dreams led the film categories with director Fawzia Mirza tying with We Forgot to Break Up director Karen Knox for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film. The Queen of My Dreams also tied for the win in the Best Production Design (Limited Budget) category, alongside the drama Kipkemboi. Series capturing multiple awards included What We Do in the Shadows, Fellow Travelers, Halo, and Bones of Crows, which picked up two honours apiece. Kaniehtiio Horn, who wrote, directed and starred in thriller Seeds, was recognized wtih the Jean–Marc Vallée DGC Discovery Award. Nicole Close won this year’s DGC Impact Award, presented in recognition of outstanding service and leadership to the production community at large. Find the full list of winners here.

The Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA) has handed out the 2024 Rosie Awards. Multiple award winners included Julian Black Antelope, who was named Best Host and Best Screenwriter, Documentary under 30 Minutes for Secret History: Women Warriors “Ladies First”; and Patrick McLaughlin, who picked up both Best Cinematographer, Scripted Over 30 Minutes and Best Cinematographer, Documentary, Under 30 Minutes. Cody Lightning comedy Hey Viktor!, short film Crow, and documentaries Magic Hours and Legends of the Pony Express also secured multiple wins. Find the full list of winners here.

ACTRA Manitoba will host its 7th annual awards on Nov. 23. Productions garnering multiple performance nominations include CTV’s Acting Good; Sony Pictures’ Sniper: Rogue Mission; and indie film Melaleuca. Find the full list of nominees here.

The Weather Network says it has seen a 94% average increase in measured audience in the last 12 months amongst those aged 25-54, following its adoption of Numeris’ Enhanced TV Audience Measurement (TAM) solution. Announced this spring, Numeris’ Hybrid Linear TV measurement incorporates Return Path Data (Big Data) from Set-Top-Boxes (STBs) to TAM data (Panel data). With a full year of data now available, Numeris says the solution offers more granular and stable measurement, expanding the effective sample size, 2+, by over 25,000. The Weather Network says the enhanced methodology has substantiated significantly greater reach of its content. Read more here.

Prime Video has unveiled the trailers for two new Canadian Original docuseries set for release this November. In Cold Water: The Shelter Bay Mystery is a three-part series that recounts the  investigation into the drowning of school teacher Laura Letts-Beckett while on a fishing vacation in the Canadian Rockies, set to premiere on Nov. 12. Hard North streams Nov. 29, following a diverse group of young Canadians as they embark on a challenging mission to build a life in the vast and unforgiving Canadian wilderness. Created by Paul Kilback (Tornado Hunters, Mysteries from Above, Life Below Zero Canada), the eight-episode series following aspiring homesteaders Matty Clarke in Lake St. John, NL; Margot Bossus in Plata Trap-Line, Rogue Range, Yukon; Billy Rioux in Gaspé Peninsula, Que.; and couple Emily Veilleux and Gilbert Chookomoolin in Peawanuck, ON. 

MEDIAPRO Studio U.S. & Canada unveiled the first projects born of its recent North American expansion during a special panel at MIPCOM Cannes 2024. The studio’s upcoming slate includes the series Witness 36, a spy thriller created by Daniel Burman and featuring Evan Katz as showrunner; the remake as an English-language series of Juan José Campanella film Son of the Bride; Screaming Ball of Chaos, a bank robber comedy created by Juliet McDaniel, and I Love the Prime Minister, a half-hour comedy set in Canada with Matt Hastings as showrunner. Films include Mother Wolf, a family drama starring Melissa Leo, and the feature film adaptation of Is There No Place on Earth for Me?, written and directed by John Turturro. In non-fiction content, the docuseries Hollywood Homicide: Robert Blake stands out, a true crime series produced by the late actor’s son; and the U.S. adaptation of the studio’s hit game show format Catch Me If You Can, with Antony Carbone as showrunner.

Media Technology Monitor (MTM) has released a new report exploring co-viewing in detail. It finds half of online Canadians (50%) co-view multiple times a week and three quarters (76%) say they do it at least once a month. Those aged 35-49 are most likely to co-view (73%). While co-viewing is more common in multi-person households, MTM also finds that three in 10 of those who live alone (30%) still do it weekly. The TV set is by far the most common screen on which people co-view content – more than four-fifths of co-viewers (82%). Over half (53%) said it was the only screen they use.

ONLINE & DIGITAL MEDIA:

Bell Media is now offering advertising space on its Webby Award-winning MyBell app, providing targeted display ads on the app’s homepage, delivering precision-targeted ads to Bell Mobility, TV, and Internet subscribers on both iOS and Android devices. Perry MacDonald, Vice President of Advertising Sales and Partnerships at Bell Media, says the integration provides advertisers with access to brand-safe, premium inventory reaching a highly-engaged audience. MyBell app advertising opportunities are available through Bell DSP, other DSPs, or directly through Bell Media sales reps. 

Environment and Climate Change Canada will launch a new version of the WeatherCAN app with changes designed to enhance user experience. Integrating feedback from users, the update will include a new look, improved navigation, and a temperature notification feature. Updates include air quality information that will appear near the top of each location page, providing quicker access to essential safety information during wildfire smoke or other air pollution events; a new temperature notification letting users know when the temperature, humidex, or windchill reaches certain thresholds of their choosing; and the ability to choose between light and dark mode. New features for in-app radar are in development and will launch next year. 

REGULATORY, TELECOM & MEDIA:

The CRTC is granting Google a five-year exemption under the Online News Act, while requiring the digital giant to pay $100 million to the Canadian Journalism Collective (CJC) within 60 days. The first decision issued under the Online News Act Application and Exemption Regulations, the commission says it paves the way for Google to contribute $100 million annually to Canadian news organizations through the CJC. Read more here.

Corus Entertainment says it’s been able to renegotiate its credit arrangement through the end of March, as the company reported Q4 and year-end earnings. Led by RBC Capital Markets and TD Securities, Corus’ Restated Credit Facility has been amended to reduce its Revolving Facility limit to $150 million from $300 million, and increase its maximum total debt to cash flow ratio to 5.75 through the end of the year, and 7.25 from January through March. Corus paid down $2.7 million of debt in Q4 and $38.8 million for the year. Co-CEO John Gossling told a Friday morning conference call that the company continues to capture efficiencies and reduce costs as it reported $1.3 billion in consolidated earnings for the year, down 16% year-over-year. TV revenues fell 21.1% in Q4 to $248 million, while radio revenue was down 13.4% to $21.3 million. Read more here.

Rogers Communications has announced its Q3 unaudited financial and operating results for the quarter ended Sept. 30. Total revenue and total service revenue each increased by one per cent, driven by revenue growth in Rogers’ Wireless and Media businesses. Media revenue increased by 11% for the quarter, primarily as a result of higher sports-related revenue. Media adjusted EBITDA increased by 25% this quarter, primarily due to higher revenue, but partially offset by higher Toronto Blue Jays expenses, including game day-related costs. Adjusted net income increased by 12%, primarily as a result of higher adjusted EBITDA.

Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages has announced a $12.5M investment in minority language community radio and newspapers as part of the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–28. Over the next four years, $7.6 million will be allocated to 89 new projects under the Consortium of Official Language Minority Community Media, representing 105 minority newspapers and radio stations and made up of Réseau.Presse, the Quebec Community Newspapers Association (QCNA), the Alliance des radios communautaires du Canada (ARC du Canada) and the English-Language Arts Network (ELAN). Another $5 million will be used to train the next generation of community media professionals and address labour shortages in the sector, including 125 paid internships at 98 community media organizations. Read more here.

The Jack Webster Foundation has announced the winners of the 2024 Webster Awards, recognizing excellence in journalism in B.C. Best News Reporting of the Year – TV/Video went to Global BC for Interior Fires (Cassidy Mosconi, Richard Zussman, Troy Charles, Elissa Carpenter, Pat Bell, Mike Timbrell, Justin Okines, Tony Clark, Derek Brade, Chris Allard, Kim Magi). Global BC also captured the Excellence in Feature Reporting – TV/Video category for Stanley Park Resident (Alissa Thibault, Sergio Magro, Sharron Bates, Brian Dutkewich, Soren Jensen). Excellence in Feature Reporting – Radio/Audio went to CBC Vancouver’s Cathy Browne and Jennifer Wilson, while CTV News Vancouver’s Penny Daflos claimed the award for Excellence in Health Reporting. The Commentator of the Year/City Mic Award went to IndigiNews’ Eden Fineday. Find the full list of winners and their submissions here.

CTV News and Chief Anchor and Senior Editor Omar Sachedina have announced Rukhsar Ali and Andre Joseph Cordeiro as the recipients of the inaugural Sachedina ∙ CTV News ∙ Fellowship, in partnership with RTDNF Canada and the University of Toronto’s Massey College. They’ll produce a substantial and original piece of journalism to be considered for publication on a CTV News platform, exploring a subject or theme significant to Canada and Canadians. Throughout the reporting process, the Fellows will receive academic mentoring from faculty at Massey College and the team of journalists at CTV National News. 

Friends of Canadian Media has opened submissions for the 2025 Dalton Camp Award, a $10,000 prize for the best essay on the link between media and democracy. New this year, submissions of previously published essays will be accepted. Essays up to 2,000 words appearing in newspapers, magazines, blogs, newsletters and other digital or print media between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2024, can be submitted, alongside original unpublished work, until Jan. 6. Also new for 2025, Friends of Canadian Media is launching a new scholarship for post-secondary students in journalism and broadcasting programs, replacing the Dalton Camp student prize essay.

BROADCAST TECH & ENGINEERING:

The City of Calgary and Humber Polytechnic’s Broadcast-Broadband Convergence B²C Lab have entered into a multi-year collaboration to launch North America’s first ATSC 3.0 municipal use project. The partnership will explore how ATSC 3.0 broadcast tech can improve city services by enhancing efficiency for a more connected Calgary. The ATSC 3.0 municipal use project will design, build, and test over-the-air data casting solutions with applications including: secure and improved communication for emergency responder networks, targeted public emergency alerting, dynamic digital municipal signage, remote education access, and timing and navigation solutions in the event of GPS disruption. The initial phase of the project will involve experimental broadcasts using a single transmitter installed at the Harvard Media broadcast tower in Calgary, directly connected to Humber’s B²C Lab in Toronto. Humber staff and students will oversee the implementation of applications, signal processing, and data transmission live from Toronto to Calgary.