The RCMP Cybercrime Investigative Team has charged five Toronto individuals with unlawfully distributing Internet Protocol television (IPTV). The investigation, dubbed Project OLoki, began in January 2020, focused on what police say was a “large-scale” unlawful IPTV distribution service. It’s alleged the group purchased legitimate media services from several companies and unlawfully distributed it, without authorization, at a considerable discount to the public. On June 29, 2021, the Cybercrime Team executed a search warrant on a retail location of GaloTV, (also known as Soltv). The search warrant resulted in the seizure of a large number of set top boxes and hundreds of TV receivers and equipment used to re-broadcast video signals. The five individuals charged with Fraud over $5,000, Theft of Telecommunication Services, and Selling or Distributing a device to obtain Telecommunication service without payment of a lawful charge, are Manuel Da Rocha, 67;  Carlos Da Rocha, 29; Carla Da Rocha, 29; Carlos Lopes, 48; and Elvis Da Rocha, 37. 

Unifor has filed an Unfair Labour Practice complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) and alerted the federal government to what it says are repeated attempts by Bell to undermine workers’ bargaining power with requests for scab labour. The union says in two separate emails to all Clerical staff, Bell’s senior management made requests for staff to work during a potential upcoming labour dispute. The union filed a complaint with the CIRB on July 26 and notified federal Labour Min. Seamus O’Regan. Bell Clerical members voted in favour of strike action on June 21, with workers seeking a pay increase, continued work-from-home conditions, and an enforceable floor of employment in the bargaining unit to combat downsizing, contracting out and other forms of erosion. Approximately 4,200 workers in the clerical bargaining unit perform clerical and other duties, living and working across Ontario and Quebec.

Stingray has reported its Q1 2023 results. Revenues increased $13.8 million, or 21.6%, to $78.1 million in Q1, from $64.3 million in Q1 2022. The increase was primarily due the acquisition of InStore Audio Network, growth in Radio revenues due to the gradual easing of COVID-19 restrictions, higher subscription revenues, and enhanced equipment and installation sales related to digital signage. For the quarter, revenues in Canada increased $5.2 million, or 12.9%, to $46.6 million. Revenues in the U.S. improved $9.3 million, or 94.6%, to $19.1 million in Q1 2023 from $9.8 million in the same period in 2022. Revenue in other countries decreased $0.7 million, or 5.5%, to $12.4 million in Q1 2023 from $13.1 million in Q1 2022. Total Broadcasting and Commercial Music revenues grew $11.1 million, or 31.7%, to $46.2 million in Q1 2023. Radio revenues improved $2.8 million, or 9.5%, to $32.0 million in Q1 2023 from $29.2 million in the same period in 2022, attributed to a post-COVID return to normal commercial operations.

TVA Group recorded revenues in the amount of $147.5 million in the second quarter of 2022, a year-over-year decrease of $12.0 million. Among the Q2 highlights, $149,000 in negative adjusted EBITDA was recorded in the Broadcasting segment, a $6,433,000 unfavourable variance resulting largely from the decreased profitability of TVA Network, which continued its content investment strategy, partially offset by the improved profitability of TVA Sports, which absorbed significant content costs in the second quarter of 2021 as a result of the change in the 2020-21 NHL season schedule. $2,172,000 in adjusted EBITDA was reported in the Film Production & Audiovisual Services segment (MELS), a $1,741,000 unfavourable variance caused by decreased profitability of visual effects services and soundstage, mobile and equipment rentals, while post-production posted an increase in profitability. $489,000 in negative adjusted EBITDA was recorded in the Production & Distribution segment, an unfavourable variance of $2,496,000, reflecting fewer film deliveries produced by Incendo during the period, compared with the same period of 2021.