The Weekly Briefing

RADIO/AUDIO/PODCAST:

Sportsnet 590 The Fan (CJCL-AM) has unveiled a new lineup of hosts and shows, following an unspecified number of layoffs at the network over the summer that included longtime Prime Time Sports host Bob McCown, and Hockey Central at Noon contributors Nick Kypreos, Doug Maclean, and John Shannon. Among the highlights is the return of Tim & Sid to radio with a multi-platform version of their TV show and the expansion of Hockey Central to two hours. Starting off the day’s programming, Hugh Burrill will host a new sports update show from 5:30 – 6 a.m. ET that will cover everything that happened the previous night. In the 6 – 9 a.m. timeslot, Scott MacArthur moves from hosting Blue Jays Talk to join Ashley Docking and former NHL‘er Mike Zigomanis on a new morning show. Good Show with Ben Ennis and JD Bunkis moves from its previous 1 p.m. timeslot to mid-mornings from 9 a.m. to noon. From noon to 2 p.m., Hockey Central expands to two hours featuring Jeff Marek four days a week and David Amber in the host’s chair on Wednesdays. They’ll be joined by former NHL’er Anthony Stewart. Jeff Blair, Stephen Brunt and Richard Deitsch move into the 2 to 5 p.m. slot. From 5 to 7 p.m., Tim Micallef and Sid Seixeiro extend the reach of their popular Sportsnet TV show Tim & Sid back to radio. The show was first established on CJCL-AM back in 2011, before starting its television simulcast on The Score in 2013. Read more here.

CHOM 97.7 Montreal is marking its 50th anniversary with a concert Oct. 28 featuring the Tea Party, Sam Roberts Band, Michel Pagliaro and The Damn Truth. The iconic rock station launched on Oct. 28, 1969, when DJ Doug Pringle spun The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun.” On-air talent like Terry DiMonte, Tootall, Peppermint Patti and Denis Grondin are credited with helping kickstart the careers of numerous rock giants with CHOM one of the . first stations to play Styx, Supertramp, Genesis, Yes and Chris de Burgh. The station is also celebrating the milestone with “50th anniversary Fridays.” Each Friday at 7:10 a.m., Terry DiMonte will reflect on memorable moments from the past 50 years with a member of the CHOM 97.7 team. The “Chronicles of Rock” segment, hosted by Randy Renaud and airing at 2 p.m. Fridays, will also trace the station’s history, going all the way back to its initial broadcast. Tickets for the Oct. 28 anniversary show go on sale Friday, Sept. 27 via Ticketmaster.

Danaye Maier, co-host of the Virgin Radio (CIBK-FM) Calgary morning show, has been recognized as one of three international Virgin Radio Stars of the Year. Maier has been recognized for creating “A Woman a Day YYC,” an Instagram initiative that celebrates a Calgary woman each day of the year. Following its launch on International Women’s Day this year, Maier sparked a movement, organizing meet and greets between nominees and nominators on the account to celebrate the strengths and successes of women in the community. She’ll travel to London on Nov. 18 to join Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, for a celebration of success achieved by Virgin Radio employees worldwide.

The CRTC has approved an application by Akash Broadcasting Inc. to change the authorized contours of its unlaunched commercial ethnic specialty radio station CJCN-FM Surrey, BC. The approval will see the effective radiated power (ERP) of the station increased from 320 to 600 watts (maximum ERP from 1,000 to 1,900 watts), decreasing the effective height of the antenna above average terrain (EHAAT) from 193.9 to 128.5 metres and relocating the transmitter site. The station’s previous transmitter site is no longer available. The commission did not receive any interventions regarding the application. The station’s deadline to be operational is Nov. 28, following a previous 12-month extension.

Andreas Sanneman, CEO of Benztown, interviews ESPN New York’s Creative Services Director Michael Brownsher in this week’s imaging profile. Read more about imaging for the sports format here.

LISTEN: On this episode of Broadcast Dialogue – The Podcast, Peter Mansbridge, former CBC chief correspondent, on his new self-produced podcast The Bridge – a nightly look at developments in the ongoing federal election. We talk to Mansbridge about #elxn43, taking the political temperature of Canadians, and the joys of semi-retirement.

SIGN-OFFS:

Dave Guy, 68, on Sept. 18. Guy started his radio career in 1966, at the age of 15, after begging CKCL-AM Truro, NS program director Frank Harvey, for a shot at announcing. Guy began hosting a weekly, high school program on the station going on to hold roles from morning show host to news director. In more recent years, Guy’s Saturday morning Classic Country program on Cat Country 99.5 (CKTY-FM) gained a following. He also delivered news on both CKTY-FM and its sister station Big Dog 100.9 (CKTO-FM). He retired in Dec. 2013. Beyond radio, Guy sat on the board of directors of both the Children’s Aid Society and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He also served as the master of ceremonies for numerous fundraisers and events over the years including the Miss Nova Scotia Pageant.

TV/FILM/VIDEO:

DHX Media has announced that it’s undertaking a company-wide rebrand and will be known as “WildBrain” going forward. Up until now, Wildbrain has been the name of the company’s highly-successful kids’ entertainment YouTube channel which will now take the name “WildBrain Spark.” The rebrand to WildBrain includes a new logo and website, accompanied by the tagline – “Imagination runs wild.” The company will exhibit at the upcoming Brand Licensing Europe and MIPCOM, under the new banner. Shareholders will be asked to approve a special resolution to change the corporate name to WildBrain at its Annual Meeting of Shareholders in December. Following approval, the company also expects to change its ticker on the Toronto Stock Exchange and NASDAQ to “WILD”. Until then, it will continue to report under the DHX Media name. Read more here.

Antigone, Quebec writer-director Sophie Deraspe’s fifth feature film, will represent Canada in the Best International Feature Film (formerly Best Foreign Language Film) category in the upcoming Oscar race in February. Antigone is a family drama following a teenage girl’s quest for justice as she tries to help her brother escape prison and deportation. Set in contemporary Montreal, the loose adaptation of Sophocles’ Greek tragedy reflects on the justice system and the immigrant experience in North America. The film made its world premiere at TIFF where it won the Canada Goose Award for Best Canadian Feature Film. It’s set to start its theatrical run in Quebec on Nov. 6. This year’s selection follows an attempt by Telefilm to issue a revised call for entries in late July over concerns that the strongest Canadian contenders aren’t being forward. Read more here.

CBC’s Workin’ Moms has earned its second consecutive International Emmy nomination. The International Emmy Awards, or iEmmys, recognize television programming initially produced and aired outside the United States. Nominated in the Comedy category, Workin’ Moms is the lone Canadian nominee at this year’s awards. Season 2 of the show is in the running against Netflix Brazil’s Especial De Natal Porta Dos Fundos (The Last Hangover), Singapore TV series FAM!, and Israeli production Kupa Rashit (Checkout!). The winners will be announced Nov. 25 at the 47th International Emmy Awards Gala in New York City. Read more here.

Schitt’s Creek co-creator and star Dan Levy has signed a three-year overall deal with Disney’s ABC Studios. Levy will develop and produce scripted projects for the studio.

Sienna Films and Streel Films have announced casting for new CBC original series The Trickster (6×60), which is currently shooting in North Bay, ON. Coming to CBC and CBC Gem in 2020, the drama is described as “Indigenous Gothic” – a coming of age story set against the world of spirits and ancient magic – based on the novel Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson. It will star newcomer Joel Oulette as an Indigenous teen struggling to keep his dysfunctional family above water, Crystle Lightning as his mother Maggie, and Craig Lauzon as unemployable dad, Phil. Additional cast include Kalani Queypo (Jamestown), Anna Lambe (The Grizzlies), Joel Thomas Hynes (Little Dog), Gail Maurice (Cardinal) and Georgina Lightning (Blackstone).

APTN will broadcast a ceremony Sept. 30, in partnership with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR), honouring and remembering the Indigenous children who died in residential schools. As part of work being done to implement the TRC Call to Action 72, the NCTR has been researching and documenting the names of Indigenous children who never made it home. The ceremony will mark the first time their names are made public in the National Student Memorial Register. Featuring Indigenous artists and leaders, the one-hour broadcast will include performances by Jeremy Dutcher, PIQSIQ and Red Sky Performance. Taking place at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, the Honouring National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Commemorative Broadcast will air at 8 p.m. ET on APTN. It will be available on aptn.ca and APTN lumi at a later date.

The 2019 Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards drew a significantly higher year-over-year audience, according to Numeris data provided by Global. The Sept. 8 broadcast saw viewership increase to 19% for Ind. 2+, 15% for adults 25-54, and 53% amongst females 25-54. The show was also simulcast live on Corus Radio stations Country 105 Calgary, CISN Country 103.9 Edmonton, and Country 104 London/Woodstock. The Calgary broadcast ranked #1 with adults 18+ and 25-54. The Awards show was co-hosted by Dallas Smith and Billy Ray Cyrus, with performances from Tenille Townes, Lindsay Ell and The Reklaws. The CCMA Awards return to Hamilton in 2020.

HGTV Canada original series Home to Win is returning Oct. 27 with a festive twist. Home To Win: For the Holidays (8×60) reunites the networks’ top builders, designers, and real estate experts to redesign an aging Victorian property in time for the holidays. HomeToWin.ca is now taking submissions to compete to win the holiday home until Nov. 11. In addition to Bryan Baeumler, Scott McGillivray, Sarah Richardson, Tommy Smythe and host Sangita Patel, HGTV Canada designers Jo Alcorn, Sarah Baeumler, Sarah Keenleyside, Mia Parres, Tiffany Pratt, Samantha Pynn, and Sabrina Smelko also return for Season 4. 

marblemedia has been commissioned by Blue Ant Media and CBC to produce new fine arts competition show, Landscape Artist of the Year Canada. Set to air on the Makeful channel in early 2020, filming began Sept. 20. The new series will see professional and amateur Canadian artists vie for the title of Landscape Artist of the Year. Each episode features a different landscape painting challenge with blank canvas to finished work captured via time-lapse segments. The four-episode, 60 minute series is based on the original British series, created by Storyvault Films, and distributed by Banijay Rights on Sky Arts in the UK. Matt Hornburg, executive producer for marblemedia and Sam Linton, head of original content for Blue Ant will produce the series, with showrunner Carly Spencer (The Bachelor Canada, Hockey Wives).

The CRTC has approved two Chinese-language channels for addition to the authorized non-Canadian programming services list. Zhejiang International Channel and Great Wall Elite are both described as general interest, 24-hour services. Based in China, they both broadcast 100% in the Mandarin-language.

CTV News anchors, foreign correspondents, news directors, and senior managers – past and present – recently held their annual September gathering in Muskoka. Held now for more than two decades, “CTV News Old Boys” as they’ve dubbed themselves, come from across the country. This year’s attendees included Jeff Hutchison (Canada AM), who came from PEI; Roger Smith (Parliament Hill) who traveled from Ottawa; Tom Kennedy (London correspondent) from Newfoundland; Dan Matheson (Canada AM and CTV News Channel) from Toronto; Mark Sikstrom (Washington and founder of CTVNews.ca) who traveled from Calgary; and Paul Rogers (former CFTO News Director) from Port Sandfield, among others.

ONLINE/DIGITAL:

Kik Interactive has announced that it’s shutting down its popular Kik Messenger app to focus on its cryptocurrency Kin, which is the subject of a lawsuit from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In a blog post, CEO Ted Livingston said Kik will be reducing its workforce to 19 people, putting 100 staffers out of work. Kik Messenger, the Canadian company’s free instant messaging app, was launched in 2016 and gained popularity with teens, drawing approximately 300 million registered users (about 15 million of those active monthly). The SEC suit is part of a crackdown on companies it believes are issuing securities illegally.

Samsung Electronics Canada has announced a new content partnership with Canadian artist, director and creator, Director X. Dubbed #PowerUp, the campaign arms up-and-coming talent with the new Galaxy Note10+, challenging them to create a music video with the Samsung product. Launching in partnership with Twitter and so.da, the campaign offers a behind-the-scenes look at three up-and-coming directors being mentored by Director X. Justin Abernethy, Justin Singer, and Kat Webber were handpicked from his production company Popp Rok.

PayPal Canada, Facebook Canada and BDC are backing a new digital, business competition series from AmberMac Media and Pint Glass Productions called HerTurn. For women entrepreneurs, HerTurn is currently accepting applications at HerTurn.ca. Over the course of a month, three finalists will face challenges in small business marketing, public relations, and growth. Female mentors from BDC, PayPal Canada, Facebook Canada, and other experts will provide feedback and insight along the way. At the end of the series, the mentors will pick the winner during a live broadcast on Facebook, with the grand prize valued at $20,000.

GENERAL:

Bell and Rogers have both announced reciprocal roaming partnerships with AT&T to provide Canadian business customers access to AT&T’s LTE-M network across the United States. The reciprocal agreement enables AT&T customers to roam on Bell and Rogers’ LTE-M networks in Canada.

 

The Ontario Association of Broadcasters (OAB) has announced the lineup for this year’s OAB Sales Session at Connection 2019 on Nov. 7. John Perras will open the 2019 session discussing two keys to increasing your sales right away: how to improve prospecting and what to include in a presentation for increased results. Pat Bryson, voted one of Radio Ink’s 2018 Most Influential People in Radio, delivers the feature sales training with the Client Needs Analysis. Also back is the Advertising Panel featuring Laurence Yap, Pfaff Group; Sonia Draper, Sleep Country and Teresa Coulter, OMD. The Sales Session runs from 8 a.m. to noon, immediately followed by the Awards Luncheon, entry to which is included in Sales Session registration. Find more info on Connection 2019 here.

The Jack Webster Foundation has announced Fabian Dawson as the 2019 recipient of the Bruce Hutchison Lifetime Achievement Award. Born and raised in Malaysia, Fabian arrived in Vancouver in 1988 and became deputy editor-in-chief of The Province newspaper and Vancouverdesi.com, then Canada’s largest South Asian news portal. He also serves as an editorial advisor to the Vancouver-based South Asian Post, Asian Pacific Post and Filipino Post newspapers, as well as publications in Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia, India, Singapore, Philippines and England. His work, particularly in India, has led to the creation of four documentary films and a made-for-TV movie. In 2004, The Canadian National Newspaper Awards Board of Governors named Dawson 2004’s Unsung Hero of Canadian Journalism. Megaphone Magazine is the 2019 Bill Good Award Recipient, honouring a B.C. individual or organization that makes significant contributions to the province’s journalism community or to a community’s enrichment via journalism. For more than 10 years, the magazine has been featuring marginalized voices and helped provide extra income to its homeless and low income vendors. Sold on the streets of Vancouver and Victoria for $2, vendors pocket $1.25 for each issue they sell. Megaphone’s annual Hope in Shadows calendar also showcases the photography of Megaphone vendors who use single-use disposable cameras to capture images in their communities.

Global News has announced a new award that will support Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) students from diverse backgrounds enrolled in the Radio Television Journalism (RTJ) program. Corus Entertainment is supporting the four-year bursary program with a donation of $16,000. Benefiting four students over each of the four years, the first $1,000 bursaries are available starting this fall to students enrolled in the two-year diploma program.

SUPPLY LINES:

The 2019 CCBE (Central Canada Broadcast Engineers, Technologists & Technicians) Conference is underway Sept. 26-29 in King City, ON. Broadcast engineers, tech suppliers and other experts are gathering for four days of networking and learning. This year’s conference features a wide-ranging agenda with presentations on everything from HD Radio implementation to media asset security and free apps for broadcasters. Read our interview with Lorne Anderson, CCBE president, here.

Matrix has completed a new API integration with vCreative’s radio workflow software. The integration provides enhanced connectivity between Matrix’s media-specific ad sales platform, Monarch, and vCreative’s software. The streamlined integration is aimed at better operational efficiency and increased ROI, with users able to track a variety of information including production, spots running on-air, and spots scheduled to expire soon, directly from the account records. The integration also allows media sellers and creative team members to connect via blog.

Matrix and WideOrbit have expanded their partnership to automate connectivity between Matrix’s media ad sales platform, Monarch, and WideOrbit’s traffic and billing system, WO Traffic. Leveraging the new integrations, users of both WideOrbit and Matrix will gain direct access to expanded, real-time Revenue and Inventory data sets. The ability to fully see and track such pertinent information, coupled with Monarch’s proactive alert notifications to alert users when and where to take action, significantly streamlines the flow of information between the two systems. Media companies will be able to alleviate manual processes and ensure they’re optimizing inventory at a premium. In addition to viewing Revenue and Inventory throughout its lifecycle in the workflow, users will also gain more in-depth access to Accounts Receivable information.

VuWall, the Montreal-based video wall and AV solutions provider, has announced that VuWall Canada and VuWall Germany will consolidate under a single umbrella as VuWall Group. Software development and R&D will continue to operate entirely out of Montreal, while manufacturing and production will be consolidated exclusively with VuWall’s German division. Marketing, operations, sales, and support teams will now have resources on both sides of the Atlantic, extending the company’s hours of operation and overcoming time zone and language challenges. In addition, the VuWall reseller certification program will be offered to integrators in both Europe and Canada, expanding VuWall partnerships to more countries. 

Nautel has announced a “last tube buyback” program aimed at helping owners of older tube transmitters transition to easier-to-maintain solid-state transmitters. Radio stations in the U.S. and Canada who upgrade from an older tube transmitter to a new Nautel solid state transmitter prior to Jan. 31, 2020 will be eligible for up to $10,000 in “last tube buyback” credits. Customers will be able to keep their old tube transmitters as backup units.

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