Originally published in the Nov. 9, 2023 edition of The Weekly Briefing
Zuraidah Alman will host a new 5 p.m. CTV News Toronto weekday newscast, beginning Monday, Nov. 13. The new newscast will air ahead of the new early evening edition of CTV National News at 5:30 p.m., anchored by Sandie Rinaldo. Alman will also continue to anchor CTV News Toronto at 11:30.
James Peters has taken over as News Director at CFJC Kamloops, as Dave Barry moves into the role of TV Operations Manager for Pattison Media’s Kamloops and Prince George stations. Peters, who has been with the station for more than 17 years, moves up from the position of Assistant News Director, a position he’s held since 2018.
Laura Geddes has left the Virgin Radio morning show, heard in Kitchener and London, that she co-hosted alongside Jeff & Backstage Ben. Citing a need to focus on her health in a post to social media, Geddes had been heard on Virgin Kitchener since 2019 and the London station since 2020 when the show expanded to an additional market. Prior to that, she was a morning show co-host on 91.5 The Beat (CKBT-FM) Kitchener and a swing announcer at 94.5 The Bull (CIBU-FM) Wingham.
Frank Cameron is retiring from Halifax-area community radio station, 105.9 Seaside FM (CFEP-FM). Cameron, 85, had been heard on the station since 2005, following a career that started at CKEC New Glasgow, followed by CKCL Truro, CHNS Halifax, and later national CBC program “Music Hop” and the Halifax version “Frank’s Bandstand.” He joined CBC full-time in 1967, until his retirement from the public broadcaster in 1995.
Johan Wibergh has joined the BCE Board of Directors. Wibergh is the former Chief Technology and Information Officer of Vodafone and former EVP & Head of Business Unit Networks for Ericsson.
Nick Gawne has joined WildBrain as Chief Financial Officer as part of a streamlined business structure. Gawne brings over 20 years’ experience in finance, operations and business development in the media space with a focus on kids’ and family IP, including almost 15 years with eOne, most recently as Executive Vice President and General Manager following eOne’s acquisition by Hasbro. Based in Toronto, he reports to WildBrain President and CEO Josh Scherba, succeeding Aaron Ames, who will continue in an advisory capacity. Additionally, Stephanie Betts has been appointed Executive Vice President, Content Creation in an expanded role that builds on her longstanding leadership of the company’s development and production business. Kate Smith has been appointed Executive Vice President, Audience Engagement, overseeing all aspects of WildBrain’s content distribution, YouTube network and digital marketing. Maarten Weck has been appointed EVP, Global Partnerships and Licensing, and will spearhead oversight of key global IP partnerships across the WildBrain ecosystem and WildBrain CPLG. Deirdre Brennan, Chief Operating Officer, has departed the company to pursue other opportunities.
Raj Mishra has joined QYou Media’s Indian operations as group CEO. Mishra was appointed to QYOU’s board of directors in May, bringing a background that includes his instrumental role as the first employee at Musical.ly in India (now TikTok), leading it to over 60 million monthly active users. In 2019, he took on a new challenge within ByteDance where he spearheaded strategy for their suite of products, including the app Helo, and then joined Triller as the Country GM and India Head. Most recently, he’s been consulting for a number of digital and gaming companies including QYOU’s India business units.
