Sportsnet has unveiled a new slate of multi-platform audio content that shifts the network’s focus to on-demand audio rather than the traditional radio lineup on its flagship Toronto station, Sportsnet 590 The FAN (CJCL-AM). Starting Oct. 4, the network says “flexibility is the name of the game” with shows to move timeslots and increase or decrease frequency to reflect the news of the day. Some shows will also offer on-demand only episodes via podcast platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and Sportsnet.ca and the Sportsnet App. One of the familiar names absent from the new lineup is Scott MacArthur, who had been hosting MLB show, The Lead Off, since 2019, as well as Rob Wong, who’d been with the network for 13 years. Layoffs at Sportsnet 650 (CISL-AM) Vancouver included Scott Rintoul, who’d been co-hosting a four-hour mid-morning show that also aired in Calgary, and Adam Forsythe who was a sports anchor and host on both Sportsnet 650 and News 1130 (CKWX-AM). Read more here.
The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) and media partner Corus Entertainment, have announced the nominees for the 39th Canadian Country Music Awards presented by TD. The awards will be broadcast from London, ON in November, bringing together Canada’s country music industry for the first time in over two years. Nominated for Radio Awards are:
MUSIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR (LARGE MARKET)
- Dayna Bourgoin – CKKL-FM – Ottawa, ON
- Stephanie Dunham – CISN-FM/CKRY-FM – Edmonton, AB/ Calgary, AB
- A.J. Keller – CFCW – Edmonton, AB
- Amanda Kingsland – CKBY-FM – Ottawa, ON
- Peter Walker – CJKX-FM/CHKX-FM – Oshawa, ON/Hamilton, ON
MUSIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR (MEDIUM / SMALL MARKET)
- Shilo Bellis – CJXL-FM – Moncton, NB
- Lance Doll – CHAT-FM – Medicine Hat, AB
- Paul Ferguson – CHCQ-FM – Belleville, ON
- Mike Sadavoy – CHSJ – Saint John, NB
- Barry Stewart – CFCW – Brantford, ON
COUNTRY PERSONALITY(IES) OF THE YEAR
- Jennifer Campbell – CIKZ-FM
- Shannon Ella – Pure Country
- Jason McCoy – Pure Country
- Paul McGuire – Stingray
- Greg Shannon, Stella Stevens – CFCW
RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (LARGE MARKET)
- CFCW – Edmonton, AB
- CHKX-FM – Hamilton, ON
- CJJR-FM– Vancouver, BC
- CKKL-FM – Ottawa, ON
- CKRY-FM – Calgary, AB
RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (MEDIUM / SMALL MARKET)
- CHCQ-FM – Bellville, ON
- CHSJ-FM – Saint John, NB
- CICX-FM– Orillia, ON
- CILG-FM – Moose Jaw, SK
- CKGY-FM – Red Deer, AB
Find the full list of nominees here.
Paddy Daly, the host of VOCM Open Line, is the recipient of this year’s Canadian Mental Health Association Newfoundland and Labrador Media Award. Recognizing an individual who has shown outstanding promotion and awareness of mental health issues, Daly has been a vocal advocate for those living with mental illness. The association says the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted his ability to help listeners navigate challenging times.
Ted Woloshyn, who was part of layoffs at Bell Media’s Newstalk 1010 (CFRB-AM) earlier this year, has started his own podcast. The Ted Woloshyn Podcast has thus far dropped episodes featuring celebrity chef Massimo Capra and former CTV anchor Lloyd Robertson. Upcoming guests include Bizarre sketch comedy host John Byner and singer/songwriter Murray McLauchlan. New episodes debut every Thursday.
SiriusXM Canada is premiering town hall series, Turtle Island Talks, Sept. 30 on The Indigiverse (Ch. 165). The special event will air several times throughout the day on the channel, in partnership with Canada Talks (Ch. 167), beginning at 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT. The show will also livestream on The Indigiverse social media accounts, including Facebook, and be made available on SiriusXM Canada’s YouTube channel and the SXM App. Moderating the discussion is Dr. Pam Palmater, a Mi’kmaq lawyer from Northern New Brunswick’s Eel River Bar First Nation, and the chair in Indigenous governance at Ryerson University.
Evanov Communications President & CEO Paul Evanov will lead the talent panel at the Ontario Association of Broadcasters’ virtual Connection 2021 event. Featured will be John Derringer, Josie Dye, John Ongaro and Matt “The Hammer” Wreggitt sharing “How to Stay Relevant in a Constant Evolving Digital Landscape.” Scheduled to take place Nov. 4 at 11:30am ET, the panel will discuss the ever-changing landscape and why local radio is still important and relevant, especially in a COVID-19 world. It will also touch on the importance of integration and strong creative synergy on social platforms like TikTok, Instagram, as well as podcasting. More info on Connection 2021, here.
LISTEN: Sept. 30th marks the 7th annual International Podcast Day. This year, instead of hosting a round-the-clock livestream featuring hundreds of podcasters from around the globe, the event’s founders are turning the day back over to the podcast community. On this episode of Broadcast Dialogue – The Podcast, we talk to International Podcast Day co-founder Dave Lee on how you can take part – whether you’re a listener looking to share your favourite shows – or a podcaster wanting to find a unique way to connect with your audience.
LISTEN: On the latest Sound Off Podcast, Matt Cundill catches up with imaging voice Tara Sands whose work extends well beyond FM into anime, audiobooks and now a podcast. Cundill and Sands talk at length about the pandemic and its effects on the work she does, in addition to a deep dive into her work life and career.
