Quebecor is asking the CRTC for regulatory relief on its local programming requirements, saying if that doesn’t happen, it will be faced with making “difficult choices” related to TVA programming. TVA is currently under a requirement to broadcast 18 hours of local programming per week, noting that other stations in the region are subject to fewer hours, including CBC/Radio-Canada. Quebecor is requesting that the CRTC immediately reduce its obligation to 16 hours of local programming per week. It is also asking the commission for relief from requirements to produce two newscasts during the weekend and at least 5.5 hours of newscasts produced in Quebec, as well as 3.5 hours of other programs reflecting Quebec.
OCAD University is presenting Rogers Communications’ Vice-Chair Phil Lind with an honourary degree on June 9. Lind is one of five “changemakers” being recognized, both as one of the founders of Rogers and for his philanthropy work. Among the institutions Lind has supported are The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, where he served as Chair; Art Gallery of Ontario; Vancouver Art Gallery; and the Sierra Club of Ontario, which he founded.
The Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) has announced veteran broadcaster Lisa LaFlamme as the winner of its President’s Award for outstanding public relations and communications management. LaFlamme was revealed as this year’s recipient at the CPRS annual conference in Whistler, June 4-6. Bestowed by the CPRS Board of Directors, the award is not intended for a professional communicator but, rather, someone who has been thrust into the spotlight for a particular reason and who has excelled at telling their story and engaging the public through their efforts. The board of directors says LaFlamme demonstrated “the highest level of effective messaging around discrimination that many Canadians face. The issues raised by her speaking out resonated with Canadians coast-to-coast and raised awareness on matters that can only benefit Canadian society at large.”
The #RogersShawConcert at Calgary’s Saddledome on June 1 raised $100,00 in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary & area. The free concert featuring Darius Rucker, The Reklaws, Kyle McKearney, and host Lindsay Ell, was both a fundraiser and customer appreciation event for Rogers and Shaw customers. Rogers donated $10 for every ticket scanned at the event, in addition to topping up their donation by an additional $30,000 to reach the evening’s $100,000 fundraising goal.
