Rogers Communications Inc. Q2 results show continued strength in its wireless business, with the lowest rate of subscriber turnover since 2009. Profit grew 35 per cent to $531-million, boosted in part by the sale of real estate assets, while revenue was up four per cent to $3.6-billion. Rogers added 93,000 new contract wireless customers with customer turnover of just 1.05 per cent. Its cable business added 11,000 Internet customers, while it lost 25,000 TV subscribers.
ZoomerMedia Limited has announced its financial results for the third quarter ended May 31. The company reported revenues of $12.3 million, operating expenses of $12 million and adjusted EBITDA of $0.3 million. Net loss for the three months was $0.3 million.
The Canada Media Fund (CMF) has published its Trends Report 2017 Mid-Year Update. Looking at market trends, consumer habits and competition, the report finds that the race for killer digital content is in full swing and that creativity and talent, rather than technology remain the assets most sought out and capable of creating long-term value. You can find the full report here.
The Canadian Press has joined the National NewsMedia Council of Canada (NNC). CP is the first news service to join the NNC, established in Sept. 2015 as a voluntary self-regulatory body dealing with issues of journalistic standards and ethics. The NNC is the successor organization to the former Ontario Press Council, Manitoba Press Council, BC Press Council and Atlantic Press Council, with over 800 members representing newspapers, magazines and digital news platforms across the country.
Quebecor Media Inc. has closed its sale of spectrum to Shaw Communications Inc., announced on June 13. Accordingly, seven 2500 MHz and 700 MHZ licences held by Videotron outside Québec, in southern Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, have been sold for $430 million in cash. Videotron says the sale will allow it to continue investing in the development of its network in Québec and Eastern Ontario.
Connection 2017, the Ontario Association of Broadcasters’ annual conference and awards gala takes place at the Marriott Toronto Airport Hotel on Nov. 9. Among the highlights: Jeff Vidler’s Audience Insights will return with a new deep dive analysis into Generation X, the key 25-54 demo; a special session looks at how radio can connect with audiences given their intimate and 24/7 relationship with their smartphones. Connection ’17 will also feature a supersession around Radio Matters – The Facts Tell The Story, looking at the latest research on radio’s true strengths.
