Rogers Sports & Media is shuttering its CityNews radio operations in Ottawa, citing low audiences, revenue declines and a restrictive regulatory environment for AM radio. CityNews went off the air on both the AM and FM band at 1 p.m. ET Thursday with a Rogers Sports & Media spokesperson telling Broadcast Dialogue that resulting layoffs were in the single digits. The company is returning the licence for 1310 (CIWW-AM) to the CRTC, and has restored its Country format station to 101.1 on the dial, following a series of December 2020 moves that saw Country 92.3 debut on CJET-FM in place of the JACK FM brand to make way to simulcast news/talk on FM. Rogers Sports & Media says while CityNews radio programming will no longer be produced or broadcast, the local digital news team will continue to provide local news, traffic and weather on Ottawa.CityNews.ca and its social platforms. Read more here.
Corus Radio is expanding the reach of Tucker & Maura, who as of Wednesday are now being heard on Ottawa’s JUMP! 106.9 (CKQB-FM), in addition to 102.1 The Edge (CFNY-FM) Toronto. Scott Tucker and Maura Grierson took over The Edge morning show in January. The duo was previously heard on Energy 95.3 (CING-FM) Hamilton where they’d been hosting Tucker and Maura in the Morning since March 2019, while being heard in afternoons on Corus’ 103.1 Fresh Radio (CFHK-FM) London. They replace syndicated American morning show Brooke & Jeffrey, which originates from Seattle, ending a six-year run on the station. Read more here.
The Canadian Podcast Awards have unveiled this year’s nominees. Among the podcasts with multiple nominations are You Made Me Queer!, which garnered seven nominations; and Canadian History Ehx, No Quest for the Wicked, and Semi-Qualified Queens, which each earned five nods. Voting is open until Nov. 13.
The Roz & Mocha Retro Show has debuted, a deep dive into The Roz & Mocha Show archives featuring three segments from past shows. The new offering is available in The Roz & Mocha Show podcast feed.
Canadaland has dropped the first episode of a new longform podcast series with journalist Justin Brake. The Newfoundlander sees The Independent editor and reporter delve into his own family history, putting him in opposition to a story of shared Indigenous ancestry embraced by thousands of people across Newfoundland. A former APTN executive producer, Brake is best known for facing criminal charges in 2017 for reporting from the Indigenous-led occupation of Muskrat Falls. Those charges were later dropped following a landmark 2019 ruling prohibiting the arbitrary use of court injunctions against journalists.
Kelly&Kelly, the boutique, Vancouver-headquartered creative audio and video studio, has directed, edited and sound designed Underwater, a new romantic, neo-noir thriller starring Warner Music platinum-selling artist Jason Derulo and Barbie movie star Alexandra Shipp. Kelly&Kelly says the scripted podcast is part audio drama, part album release, featuring new music from Derulo, including the titular track, Underwater. Available across all major platforms, Warner Music Group, Temple Hill, Interval Presents, and Clamor Audio are partners in the project.
Stingray has announced a new partnership with Air Transat to provide passengers with an enhanced inflight entertainment experience on flights globally. Travellers will have access to a diverse selection of Stingray Music channels, including Hit List, Hot Country, Kids’ Stuff, and TikTok Radio. Destination-themed channels such as Breezy Yacht Rock, Suntan Reggae, and Today’s Hot Tracks: Latin will also be featured, in addition to Qello Concerts, which brings full-length concerts to fliers. An array of podcasts, Stingray Naturescape, and ZenLIFE relaxation videos, are aimd at encouraging passengers to partake in meditation, focus, and sleep-enhancing activities, designed to facilitate a relaxed state during their flight.
Canada’s Walk of Fame has announced Kardinal Offishall as this year’s recipient of the Allan Slaight Music Impact Honour, celebrating the achievements of Canadian musicians who have used their voices and talent to inspire and drive positive impact in the music industry. A multi-award-winning Canadian music icon, producer, A&R executive, and philanthropist, Kardinal will be honoured at the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Canada’s Walk of Fame during a tribute to the 2023 Honourees at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Saturday, Dec. 2. As a philanthropist, Kardinal hosts the annual Kardi Christmas Party charity event, now in its 23rd year, raising thousands for community initiatives and causes. He’s a founding member of Advance, a non-profit Canadian Black Music Business Collective that mentors, supports and provides opportunities for Black community members working in the Canadian music industry. He currently serves as Global A&R at Def Jam Records.
LISTEN: On the latest Sound Off Podcast, Erin Trafford, co-founder of branded content and podcast provider, Story Studio Network. Trafford discusses her path from broadcast to podcast and why your business should be podcasting. Listen on your favourite podcast app or here:
