The CRTC has written a letter to Corus Entertainment questioning its recent move to simulcast 770 CHQR programming on CFGQ-FM Calgary. Corus debuted QR Calgary: Talk on FM on Jan. 9, abandoning the former Q107 Classic Rock format. In its letter, dated Jan. 24, the CRTC questions whether the licencee is in compliance, saying that according to its records and the station’s 2014 licence renewal, there are no rebroadcasting transmitters authorized to simulcast CHQR’s programming. Additionally, CFGQ-FM-1 Banff is the only transmitter authorized to broadcast CFGQ-FM Calgary. The commission has asked Corus if it intends to keep both stations in operation, saying thus far it “has not received an application nor made a determination authorizing CFGQ-FM Calgary to be added as a rebroadcasting transmitter on CHQR Calgary’s broadcasting licence.” Corus has not applied for a licence amendment to operate CFGQ-FM in the Specialty format. Read more here.
Q with Tom Power has launched a daily, podcast-first format, available to stream or download each morning as of Jan. 30. Upcoming episodes will feature in-depth interviews with Alexander Skarsgaard, Anna Kendrick, James Cameron, M.Night Shyamalan, Pamela Anderson, Sam Smith, Sarah Polley, Shania Twain, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, and Tegan and Sara. The show is broadcast on CBC Radio One, weekdays at 10 a.m. (10:30 NT) and available each morning in podcast format
Front Burner Presents: The Naked Emperor is a forthcoming short-run series from the team behind CBC Podcasts’ daily news podcast, Front Burner. Set to debut in March, The Naked Emperor follows the case of crypto trader, Sam Bankman-Fried, the 30-year-old billionaire behind the FTX trading platform, who is now facing charges. Author and New Republic contributing editor Jacob Silverman hosts, leveraging his knowledge of the crypto world and personal interactions with Bankman-Fried.
Toronto Star true crime podcast, Suspicion: The Billionaire Murders: The hunt for the killers of Honey and Barry Sherman, returns for a second season on Feb. 10, continuing its in-depth look at the high-profile murders of Honey and Barry Sherman. Hosted by the Star’s chief investigative reporter Kevin Donovan, Suspicion, Season 2, will feature eight original episodes with friends and family who knew the Shermans best, continuing to probe the case of the famous Toronto couple found strangled in their home in 2017. Donovan has covered the Sherman case from day one and on top of reporting on the murders for the Star, has written a book about the case, The Billionaire Murders. Toronto Star subscribers will get exclusive early access to behind-the-scenes bonus episodes.
SiriusXM Canada has announced its fifth annual SiriusXM Top of the Country competition, through an ongoing partnership with the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA). Registration is now open to emerging solo artists and groups until Feb. 13. In addition to the $25,000 grand prize, SiriusXM is furthering its commitment to elevating Canadian talent by awarding $10,000 prizes to the competition’s two runners-up. New this year, all three finalists will also head to Nashville for performance spots at the 2023 CMA Fest, plus showcase and mentorship opportunities with key industry members. They will also receive stage performances at Lasso Montréal this August and participate in a Nashville SOCAN songwriting camp. Last year’s winner, SACHA, had her single What The Truck (with The Reklaws) become the fastest-ever Canadian country song to go gold, following her victory.
The CFNY Spirit of Radio documentary is now in production. Spearheaded by former 102.1 The Edge program director Alan Cross, those who’ve been interviewed for the doc thus far include David Marsden, Ivar Hamilton, JR (Jim Reid), Liz Janik, Scot Turner, Humble and Fred, Phil Evans, Brother Bill (aka Neil Morrison), Andre Tilk, and Roger Powell, in addition to numerous artists sharing their recollections of the station. Cross shares in an update on his A Journal of Musical Things blog that they hope to have a first cut done by early November with the goal to submit a 90-minute version to SXSW (South by Southwest) for screening consideration next year.
Orbyt Media has debuted a new look, returning the word “Media” to the Bell Media-owned syndication network’s branding, which the company says asserts it as a destination for “all things media, including promotional and trafficking software, imaging and production, podcasts, social media, and other digital offerings.” Orbyt Media’s slogan for 2023 is “Experience Beyond.”
LISTEN: Dean Blundell joins this week’s Sound Off Podcast to talk about his newest venture: Crier Media, a cooperative of podcasters, writers, bloggers, and former radio industry pros. Crier Media wants to shift the focus back to the talent and give them a springboard to do whatever they want with their own content. Listen on your favourite podcast app or here:
