Bell Media has appointed Taylor Jukes to the role of senior manager, National Content, iHeartRadio. Jukes’ newly-created role sees her overseeing the creation and production of original content, marketing communications, and project management for iHeartRadio Canada. Since joining Bell Media in 2015, Jukes has held the position of program director, 99.9 Virgin Radio (CKFM-FM) Toronto, following a move from Newcap Vancouver.
Karen Steele assumes programming duties at 99.9 Virgin Radio, in addition to her current role as PD of 105.3 Virgin Radio (CFCA-FM) Kitchener. Her past accomplishments in the Toronto market include programming and promotions stints at the former Mix 99.9, CHFI-FM, and KISSFM (CKIS-FM).
Rick Gibbons will join 1310 News (CIWW-AM) Ottawa as host of The Rick Gibbons Show, starting Nov. 27. Gibbons, who was most recently at 580 CFRA and CEO at the Ottawa Sun, will take listener calls and discuss the day’s local hot topics, as well as national and global issues.
Amy Gilbert, music director for Bell Media’s Kootenay network and afternoon drive host at EZ Rock Nelson (CKKC-FM) has been promoted. Based in Penticton, Gilbert will take on the assistant program director role for Bell’s Okanagan-South division. Gilbert was previously morning co-host at CHAT 94.5 (CHAT-FM) Medicine Hat and also spent time on-air and in promotions at QX104 (CFQX-FM) and Hot 103 (CKMM-FM) Winnipeg.
Beatrice Lee has been appointed to the newly-created role of CEO, BAM Asia, the Blue Ant Media subsidiary that operates under the company’s Kids & Global Networks banner. Lee, who was most recently CEO of virtual reality startup BSI VR, will manage international channels Love Nature 4K, ZooMoo, Blue Ant Entertainment and Blue Ant Extreme in the Asia-Pacific region. Blue Ant Media has appointed Carlyn Staudt the company’s EVP, Love Nature Programming and Development. Operating out of Washington, D.C., she will build and lead a team supporting Love Nature’s expansion. Staudt arrives from National Geographic Partners where she was senior VP, Global Content Partnerships and Strategic Development.
theScore has announced that Tom Hearne, chief financial officer, will be leaving the company, effective Jan. 26. Hearne had been with theScore for nine years. A search for his successor is underway.
Randy Farmer has announced he’s leaving Sun FM (CJMG-FM) Penticton after 16 years with the station. His last shift is Dec. 1. Farmer plans to continue his business as a private DJ and will also take on a management role at local eatery The Pasta Factory.
Bell Media has undertaken another round of restructuring with cuts at both its radio and television properties across the country. Six positions were eliminated at CTV Vancouver alone, including an editor, cameraman, director, graphics and control room staff. Kevin Getz, evening and weekend announcer at 94.5 Virgin Radio (CFBT-FM) Vancouver, also Tweeted that his position had been eliminated. CTV Montreal executive producer Barry Wilson, who had been with the station for decades, was also laid off. Wilson’s duties will be assumed by news director Jed Kahane.
