Originally published in the June 29, 2023 edition of The Weekly Briefing
Kathleen Meek, Manager, Original Content, Drama & Factual, responsible for original scripted and factual series for Global, History Canada, Showcase and W Network, is among those caught up in the restructuring of Corus Entertainment’s Original Programming team. Meek had been with Corus since 2018 after holding similar roles with Bell Media and Astral Media. Corus said the changes are “part of managing the post-pandemic climate and unexpected current economic uncertainty” as the company continues an ongoing “enterprise-wide cost review, looking at all expenses and operations with a view to streamline our operating model.” Read more here.
Jamie Irving, who joined Postmedia as Executive Chair in April 2022 after it acquired Brunswick News from the Irving family, is leaving the company “to pursue other opportunities.” Irving has resigned from Postmedia’s Board of Directors with Peter Sharpe, Lead Director, assuming the role of Interim Chair, effective immediately.
Kimberley Perdue, Manager, BDU Revenue, is retiring from Super Channel after 13 years with the company. Her last day will be June 30. Perdue joined Super Channel in 2010 as Manager, Affiliate Relations and assumed her role of Manager, BDU Revenue in 2020 where her position was expanded to also focus on creating new partnerships with IPTV services across the country. She had previously served as Manager, Affiliate Relations at Channel Zero, and also held several positions at Global where she began her broadcast career.
Gary Dorosz, formerly General Manager of Pattison Media Lethbridge, is now the General Manager/General Sales Manager of the Brandon station group, following recent CRTC approval to acquire Q Country 91.5 (CKLQ-FM) and 94.7 Star FM (CKLF-FM) from Westman Communications Group. Cam Clark, GM of Pattison Media Medicine Hat, adds Lethbridge to his oversight, with Jasmin Doobay leading the team on the ground in Lethbridge as Station Manager, adding to her Program Director duties. Regional Sales Manager Trent Fujita will spearhead local sales in both Medicine Hat and Lethbridge. Read more here.
Sara Hyde has been named Interim Director of Talk and Talent at 980 CKNW Vancouver as Kathryn Stewart heads out on maternity leave at the end of July. Executive Producer for the past year and a half, Hyde previously hosted the morning show on Vista Radio’s 103.5 The Bridge (CHNV-FM) Nelson, BC and prior to that was a freelance contributor to CBC Vancouver.
Announcement from Dan Soul:
My friends, I have something to tell you. This week will mark my last as host of the Goat’s Morning Breath and… my last with the Goat.
I’d like I fill you in on what’s going on. That’s what this video is about. https://t.co/6DlxOAq3mj
— 106.1 The Goat (@1061TheGOAT) June 26, 2023
Dan Soul has announced his departure from the morning show on 106.1 The Goat (CKLM-FM) Lloydminster. Soul cites a desire to move closer to family and his partner in Edmonton and pursue the chance to explore other opportunities. Soul had been with the station for the last six years, both on-air and serving as music director.
Charlee Morgan has added 93.3 Beach Radio (CJHD-FM) North Battleford, SK to the stations that now carry her midday network show across Pattison Media stations in three provinces. Morgan is now heard on 12 stations, including the Beach Radio and Rewind Radio brands.
John Kennedy has parted ways with iHeartRadio Canada. Kennedy had been producing music news and other content for the brand’s 100+ radio station websites across the country and iHeartRadio.ca, on a contract basis since 2016.
Franca G. Mignacca is joining Global Montreal as a reporter covering Quebec politics and the National Assembly. Mignacca arrives from CBC where she’s held a similar role for the last six months. Prior to that, she was a multi-platform journalist and radio anchor with the public broadcaster in both Montreal and Quebec City.
Adam Miller has announced his departure from CBC News. Miller has been a Senior Health Writer for the last four years, working on CBC’s weekly Second Opinion newsletter. Prior to that, he spent two years as a Senior Digital Producer with The National.
Stephanie Hughes is joining BNN Bloomberg as an Equities Reporter. Hughes, who previously freelanced for the outlet, arrives from the Financial Post where she’s been a Finance Reporter for the last two years.
Alessia Passafiume is joining The Canadian Press (CP) Parliament Hill bureau next month where she’ll focus on covering Indigenous and gender issues. Passafiume leaves the Toronto Star after a year and a half where she’s most recently been assigned to breaking news and culture.
Victoria Ahearn is leaving her role as Editor of Playback to pursue an opportunity outside the industry. Ahearn has been with parent company, Brunico Communications, since 2021 after leaving The Canadian Press, where she served as lead Film & TV reporter, among other roles, for more than 22 years.
Lauren Howes is the new Managing Director of the DOC Institute. Howes brings over 20 years of experience in the not-for-profit arts sector to the position, most recently as Executive Director of the Inside Out 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival. Prior to that, Howes was Executive Director of the Canadian Filmmakers Distribution Centre (CFMDC) from 2007-21.
Carmel Smyth has been declared the winner of the national election to determine the next leader of CWA Canada. Smyth, a journalist with 25 years of experience in private and public broadcasting, was formerly president of the Canadian Media Guild (Local 30213) for nine years. She replaces outgoing President Martin O’Hanlon, who was recently elected as President of CMG’s TVO branch. Lois Kirkup, President of the Ottawa Newspaper Guild, who was acclaimed, continues in the post of Vice-President for another four-year term. Smyth and Kirkup will be sworn in at the CWA Convention, July 10-12, in St. Louis, Missouri.
