Radio & Podcast News – Kevin Newman pivots to podcasting

Kevin Newman is stepping away as a host and correspondent for CTV’s W5 to focus on other projects, including a new podcast for CTV News and Bell Media’s iHeartRadio. Bell Media says details of the new podcast project, which will focus on issues related to technology and democracy, will be released in the lead-up to and throughout the upcoming federal election. Newman will also continue as a contributor to the network. Newman, an Emmy, Gemini and Peabody Award-winning host and reporter, has been with W5 since 2012. Read more here.

Stingray Group reported stellar Q1 2020 growth for the period ended June 30, credited largely to the company’s acquisition of Newfoundland Capital (Newcap). Revenue was up 133.4% in the quarter to $80.4 million, with Radio accounting for 53.6% of total revenues at $43.1 million. Stingray reported recurring Broadcasting and Commercial Music revenues of $34.0 million, an increase of 10.3%. Adjusted EBITDA  was up 178.8% to $31.2 million, with a 38.7% margin, compared to 32.4%. Excluding the impact of IFRS 16, adjusted EBITDA would have been $29.7 million. Canadian revenue rose to $56.1 million, accounting for 70% of the company’s total, while international revenues were up 20.3% to $15.2 million. Stingray’s quarterly dividend increased 16.7% to seven cents per share.

The CRTC has approved Golden West Broadcasting’s acquisition of the majority shares of 104.5 More Country (CKOV-FM) Strathmore, AB from Mary McKinnon Mills and Paul Larsen for $350,000. Golden West previously owned 25% of the station.

Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Male Artist of the Year Dallas Smith and singer, songwriter and actor Billy Ray Cyrus will co-host the 2019 CCMA Awards. The awards will air live on Global from Calgary’s Scotiabank Saddledome on Sept. 8 at 9 p.m. EST/PST. Global has also extended its broadcast to stream on Twitter and broadcast live on Corus radio stations Country 105 Calgary, CISN Country 103.9 Edmonton, and Country 104 London/Woodstock.

Native Communications Incorporated (NCI) has received CRTC approval to establish a network rebroadcaster in Dauphin, MB. CIDM-FM will operate at 97.3 mhz, with an ERP of 1,650 watts. It will simulcast programming from CINC-FM Thompson.

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