REVOLVING DOOR:
Janice Smith, Vice President of Media Sales at Rogers Sports & Media, has parted ways with the company. Smith had been with Rogers for the past 11 years. Prior to that, she served as Executive Director of Sales at CBC and also had an eight-year run with Canwest, rising to the position of Director of National Sales, Global and Specialty.
Raj Shoan is now interim Executive Director of not-for-profit advocacy group Friends of Canadian Media. Shoan, who served as the CRTC’s Regional Commissioner for Ontario from 2013-17, steps into the role following the departure of Marla Boltman, who had held the position since early 2022. Since that time, he’s been a policy consultant and served as counsel for ACTRA and Toronto-headquartered communications and media software developer, Lumine. His first order of business is re-staffing director positions, with Sebastien Higgins recently promoted to the role of Director, Strategic Communications, Campaigns and Engagement, while Devon Klaas joins as Director, Fund Development. Read more here.
Alistair Hepburn has been named the National Executive Director of the Directors Guild of Canada (DGC). Hepburn, who takes up the position starting Feb. 2, arrives from ACTRA Toronto where he’s served as Executive Director since 2021 and been with the organization for a decade, previously as Director of Film, Television and Digital Media. He’s been working in the cultural sector for 30 years, including past roles at the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association and Toronto’s Canadian Stage Company. Read more here.
Mack Meyer has taken over as Director of Calgary Eyeopener on CBC Radio One. Formerly associate producer and a frequent guest host, she’ll also continue to host her Monday morning local music column.
Alex Migdal has left CBC Vancouver after almost nine years with the public broadcaster. Migdal, who was most recently Senior Producer, Social & Audience, first joined CBC British Columbia in 2017 as a reporter.
Ruth Albert has joined Moose Media in Fort St. John, BC as a reporter for Energeticcity.ca. Albert was a lifestyle reporter in India, before studying journalism at Sheridan College.
Vista Radio’s Country 93.1 (CHMT-FM) Timmins has refreshed its weekday on-air lineup. Weekday mornings from 6 to 9 a.m. will now feature The Start with Dean Tripp. From 9 to 10 a.m., Country 93.1 is introducing The KINZ and KLOMP Radio Show, hosted by Timmins social media personalities Mark Kinsman and Jamie Klomp. The duo has built a strong local following over the past five years through their nightly Facebook talk show, which launched in 2021, focused on promoting everything Timmins.
View this post on Instagram
Chloe Bernabei has joined KiSS 92.5 (CKIS-FM) and The Roz & Mocha Show as Digital Audio Producer. Bernabei was previously an anchor and sports and traffic reporter with 680 NewsRadio (CFTR-AM) for the past two years.
Nanci MacLean has been promoted to president at McGillivray Entertainment Media (MEM). MacLean joined the prodco in 2022 as Chief Operating Officer. Prior to that, she spent 21 years with Bell Media, including seven years in the role of VP, Bell Media Production and President of Pinewood Toronto Studios.
Bryan Gabourie has been promoted at Blue Ant Rights to EVP, Content Monetization and Head of Americas. He’ll lead an expanded Americas sales organization, with a mandate to strategically maximize the value of Blue Ant’s content distribution portfolio across platforms, partners, and territories. Nick Solowski has been promoted to VP, International Sales (US & Canada), expanding his current responsibilities managing the team’s Canadian sales partnerships to also include content licensing and partnerships in the U.S. In APAC, Bruno Liporoni has been appointed VP, International Sales (ANZ & Japan). Additionally, Jason Soh, VP, Distribution (Asia), will assume expanded responsibilities, adding oversight of content sales in China and Korea to his existing remit.
Magalie Boutin is the new Director, Communications and Public Affairs, for the National Film Board (NFB). She succeeds Lily Robert, who recently announced her retirement after 18 years with the organization. Boutin previously served as Head of Media Relations, starting in 2018, and as Co-Director, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, from 2022-24.
RADIO & PODCAST:
Whiteoaks Communications has moved to a digital-first listener experience for JOY Radio (CJYE-AM) Oakville and CJMR 1320 Mississauga as of noon ET on Jan. 13. Whiteoaks completed its acquisition of four radio stations from Bell Media last June, including 97.7 HTZ FM (CHTZ-FM) and 610 CKTB St. Catharines and rebranded Hamilton stations, Legend 102.9 (CKLH-FM, which formerly carried Bell’s Bounce branding), and Dream 105.7 (CHRE-FM, previously MOVE Radio). A third-generation family broadcast business, Whiteoaks’ founders Howard and Jean Caine launched multicultural station CJMR in 1974 – the first radio station licensed to the newly-incorporated City of Mississauga. JOY 1250 launched in 2001 and was notably the first Christian radio station in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area. Whiteoaks President Matt Caine told Broadcast Dialogue that the transition of the two AM stations is intended to meet listeners where they’re at, while enabling the company to restore the reliability of 610 CKTB. The CJMR and CJYE transmitters will be “re-tuned” to the 610 AM frequency, upgrading that station’s aging transmitters. Read more here.
The CRTC is proceeding with a previously proposed one-year trial allowing stations to broadcast spoken word on the FM band. It authorizes licensees of commercial FM stations to devote more than 50% of programming aired during the broadcast week to spoken word, subject to certain conditions.
The CRTC has approved an application by I.T. Productions to assume ownership of Metro Vancouver ethnic commercial radio station, CJRJ-AM, acquiring Shusma Datt’s shares of I.T. Productions. At the close of the transaction, Kulwant Singh Dhesi will exercise effective control of the station, which has been rebranded from Spice Radio to Swift 1200. CJRJ serves the South Asian community, broadcasting in 17 different languages. The transaction is valued at $2,769,126, including debt and assumed leases.
CBC’s Make the Season Kind holiday drive raised $8.3 million for food banks, an increase of more than five per cent compared to the 2024 drive. In addition to local fundraisers nationwide, CBC pop-up food trucks toured holiday markets in Langley, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Kitchener, and Halifax, where local chefs curated menus, creating dishes using the items most frequently requested by food banks to raise awareness of food insecurity. Since 2012, Make the Season Kind has raised more than $73 million. Meanwhile, Radio-Canada fundraisers brought in nearly $1 million, including returning as lead partner for the Media Food Drive in Quebec, which marked its 25th anniversary by raising a record $5.6 million.
CBC has unveiled its winter slate of original podcasts, including a new weekly show from the public broadcaster’s Washington Bureau, an exploration of deepfake porn, and a look at a Saskatchewan QAnon cult. Two Blocks from the White House (launching weekly on Wednesdays), features veteran reporters Paul Hunter and Katie Simpson, sitting down with their colleagues at CBC News’ Washington Bureau to talk through the big stories in the U.S. capitol and ask “what does this mean for Canada?” The winter slate also includes new seasons of Someone Knows Something, Uncover, Personally, Understood and a sequel to the critically-acclaimed Hunting Warhead.
LISTEN: Traci DeForge, founder of Produce Your Podcast and co‑founder of the Podcast Professionals Association, is on the Sound Off Podcast. She unpacks her journey from radio prodigy to podcast entrepreneur, sharing how rapid consolidation in radio, a burnout moment in 2004, and a leap into business strategy led her to launch a podcast in 2016 that grew into a full‑service production agency. With an audio-first mindset, DeForge also discusses monetization through host‑led promotions, the value of guest appearances for visibility, and the legitimacy of archiving a show when its purpose has run its course.
SIGN OFFS:
Randy Conrod, on Jan. 11. Conrod had a long career in Broadcast Technology, working with Broadcast Video Systems, Leitch Technology, and Harris Broadcast / Imagine Communications Canada for more than three decades as Product Manager. He was a longtime volunteer and contributor to the Toronto chapter of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), including serving as Canadian Region Governor.
Terry Williams on Jan. 8, following a long illness. A 1970 graduate of the Broadcast program at Confederation College, Williams transitioned from announcing into programming early in his career, including stops at CJCH Halifax, CJJD Hamilton, CKLC Kingston, Q94 (CFRW-FM) Winnipeg, 1050 CHUM Toronto, Key 950 Toronto, and Q92 (CIGM-FM) Sudbury. He returned to Halifax in 1994 to serve as program director for CHUM-owned stations C100 and CJCH. After 13 years, he was part of layoffs when the company was acquired by CTVglobemedia. His final programming stint was at Rogers Sports & Media’s Lite 92.9 (CFLT-FM) from 2009-12.
Hal Wake, 73, on Jan. 7 at his home on Vancouver Island. A radio producer and host, Wake worked for CBC Radio for 17 years. In the mid-1980s he served as the book producer for CBC Radio’s Morningside with Peter Gzowski, going on to host the Vancouver morning current affairs show, The Early Edition, from 1994-97. Following his broadcasting career, Wake went on to act as Artistic Director for the Vancouver Writers Fest for 12 years, from 2006-17. Among other endeavours, he also served on the board of the Writers’ Trust of Canada.
Evan Hammond, 45, on Jan. 2 at Victoria General Hospital, after a sudden medical emergency. A proud resident of Port Alberni, Hammond was a dedicated member of the Pattison Media team at 93.3 The PEAK (CJAV-FM) for more than 22 years where he hosted the morning show, in addition to serving as the play-by-play voice of the B.C. Hockey League (BCHL) Alberni Valley Bulldogs. His broadcast career began in Manitoba in 1996 at CFAR Flin Flon. In 2000, he made the move to CJ 1240 (CJAR-AM) The Pas, followed by his arrival at CJAV Port Alberni in 2003. One of the longest-serving announcers in the BCHL, Hammond was a three-time winner of the league’s Broadcaster of the Year honour.
TV & FILM:
The Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) has unveiled nominees for the 30th annual WGC Screenwriting Awards. Leading 2026 nominations with five apiece are APTN/Netflix/CBC collaboration North of North (Alethea Arnaquq-Baril, Garry Campbell, Aviaq Johnston, JP Larocque, Stacey Aglok Macdonald, Linsey Stewart), and Netflix teen drama Bet (Simon Barry, Amanda Fahey, Laura Good, Tabia Lau, Kurt Mungal, Chris Roberts). Other multiple nominees include Lana Longbeard, Mittens & Pants, 18 to 35, and Family Law. Find the full list of nominees here.
Blink49 Studios has acquired Lighthearted Entertainment, the company behind MTV reality series Are You The One? and Netflix’s The Trust: A Game of Greed. Lighthearted Presidents Rob LaPlante and Jeff Spangler assume the title of Co-Presidents, Formats, Blink49 Studios, with the acquisition. They’ll report to Global President Tara Long.
Netflix and the Animation Career Excelerator (ACE Canada) Society are pleased to announce the continuation of the ACE CANADA Program – the fifth cohort of its immersive career accelerator for mid-level women, non-binary and Two-Spirit animation professionals across Canada. To date, ACE has propelled 28 creators directly into new positions and advanced 19 more into supervisory roles, totalling 47 career advancements nationwide. The program has also helped launch four women-led animation companies. Applications for ACE 5 close Feb. 22.
WildBrain is set to bring its live-action teen drama series Finding Her Edge to Canadian audiences on Jan. 22, with the Canadian premiere coming to Radio-Canada on its French streaming service ICI TOU.TV EXTRA, alongside the global streaming launch, including on Netflix in Canada. Radio-Canada will also air the series on ICI TÉLÉ at a later date. Based on Jennifer Iacopelli’s novel of the same name and inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion, Finding Her Edge follows three sisters who are heirs to a struggling figure skating dynasty. Canadian author and executive producer Jeff Norton (Geek Girl, The Small Hand) serves as showrunner.
Crave will premiere its latest true-crime series Narco Mennonites on Jan. 16. The three-part docuseries tells the story of a Mennonite family that transformed a quiet Canadian town into the epicentre of a North American drug empire. Produced by McGillivray Entertainment Media, in association with Last Word Entertainment, all three episodes drop on Friday.
Jon Chiang’s debut documentary feature, Spring After Spring, is set to have its broadcast debut on Knowledge Network on Feb. 17. The doc, commissioned by Knowledge Network, premiered at the Vancouver Asian Film Festival where it took home the award for Best Canadian Feature. It follows the daughters of Mimie Ho, a driving force in the annual Vancouver Chinatown parade, as they navigate the choice between honouring their past and letting it go.
Sportsnet presents the 26th annual Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada, this Saturday, Jan. 17, live from Moncton on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+. Ron MacLean hosts, along with David Amber, Elliotte Friedman, Kevin Bieksa, Jennifer Botterill, Kelly Hrudey, Ken Reid and Evanka Osmak. Special guests include NHL alumni Francois Beauchemin, three-time Olympic gold medalist Rebecca Johnston, and Moncton Wildcats coach Gardiner MacDougall. The 12.5-hour marathon broadcast features all seven Canadian NHL teams in action throughout the day.
Game+ has announced a continuation of its partnership with the Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL), reaching a multi-year extension agreement to remain the official broadcasting partner of Canada’s premier professional pickleball league. Game+ coverage returns with the start of CNPL’s fourth season in May, presenting live broadcasts of Court 1 at each event. Both court 1 and 2 will also be streamed on the official Game+ YouTube Channel.
ONLINE & DIGITAL MEDIA:
TikTok is partnering with FIFA ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the app becoming the league’s first-ever Preferred Platform, allowing it to offer more comprehensive World Cup coverage, including increased original content. Running until the end of 2026, the partnership also unlocks opportunities for official FIFA World Cup 2026 Media Partners on TikTok, including the ability to livestream parts of matches, post more curated clips and access special content produced by FIFA for TikTok. Broadcasters will also be able to monetize their FIFA World Cup coverage via TikTok advertising solutions. The Preferred Platform partnership will be anchored by TikTok’s immersive FIFA World Cup 2026 hub, powered by TikTok GamePlan, that will enable fans to discover content, alongside ticket and viewing info, custom stickers, filters and gamification features.
CTV News is touting itself as the #1 digital news publisher in Canada for the second consecutive year. Bell Media says the network is reaching 45% of Canadians across digital platforms monthly. In 2025, it says CTV News digital audiences reached 1.5 million more Canadians, compared to 2024. Video views across CTV News platforms increased +55%, compared to 2024, while video views on YouTube increased +127% year-over-year. The CTV News FAST Channel saw viewing increase by +242% in total minutes.
The National Media Awards Foundation has opened submissions for the 2026 Digital Publishing Awards. Canadian digital publishers—including those that support established brands across consumer and B2B magazines, newspapers, broadcast, and other journalism, as well as digital-only publications—are eligible to participate. Submissions are accepted in English, French, or both. The deadline for entries is Jan. 23.
REGULATORY, TELECOM & MEDIA:
CBC News has announced it’s expanding its footprint, with plans to create 11 new local bureaus and hire 33 journalists. The new bureaus increase the public broadcaster’s presence to 77 bureaus and stations, including three additional locations in Saskatchewan, and two each in the Yukon, Manitoba and Quebec. Those new communities are: Richmond, BC; Haines Junction and Dawson City, YK; Swift Current, Yorkton and Moose Jaw, SK; Flin Flon and the Selkirk/Interlake Region in Manitoba; the Peel Region in Ontario; and Sept-Îles/North and Lower North Shore and Châteauguay/Montérégie in Quebec. Read more here.
Corus Entertainment’s Q1 2026 consolidated revenue was down 18% as the company prepares to hold shareholder and noteholder votes on a proposed recapitalization plan at the end of the month. Net loss attributable to shareholders was $11.1 million ($0.06 loss per share basic) for the quarter. TV revenue was down 19%, with television segment profit down 35%. Radio revenue was down four per cent year-over-year, with segment profit up 38%.
The CRTC has released the results of a study on how Canadian audio and audiovisual content, including sports and news, is found, promoted and made visible. Undertaken by Nordicity, it identifies nine strategic approaches that could inform a new discoverability framework. The report says across audio and audiovisual, the attention economy is resulting in the need to reframe strategy as audience time is increasingly scarce. In Canada, it says English-language domestic audiovisual content struggles for visibility relative to foreign titles, while French-language markets perform better at home but face scale limits. Read more here.
Rogers has announced Screen Break, a new national program to help Canadian families address excessive screen use in youth. A Rogers study found youth aged 11-17 spend 5.2 hours per day on their phones, exceeding the two-hour recreational limit set by the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS). Rogers is investing $50 million over five years into four program pillars, including parental tools via the MyRogers and Rogers Xfinity apps that help parents create downtime schedules; youth programming, in partnership with YMCA; a partnership with public policy and leadership think tank Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University; and an initiative with athletes and on-air talent to inspire teens to rethink their relationship with their screens, featuring George Springer, Connor McDavid, John Tavares, Marie-Philip Poulin and Sarah Nurse.
The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) has announced Canadian investigative reporter and best-selling author Susanne Craig as the recipient of its CJF Tribute, recognizing media luminaries who have made an exceptional journalistic impact on the international stage. Born and raised in Calgary, Craig is widely recognized for her coverage of power, money and accountability both in her role as an investigative journalist for the New York Times and as co-author of the best-selling Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump Squandered His Father’s Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success.
2025 Michener Award submissions are now open. Canada’s premier honour for public service journalism, the award recognizes reporting that leads to meaningful change, presented annually to news organizations, rather than individuals. Entries are judged for their professionalism, impact on the public, and degree of arm’s length public benefit generated. Submissions will be accepted until Feb. 20 at michenerawards.ca. The winner will be announced at the Michener Awards Ceremony in June at Rideau Hall.
The RTDNA Canada Awards are open for submissions, recognizing the best in audio, digital, and video journalism first published in 2025. Open to RTDNA Canada members, new categories this year include a new National Award, Excellence in Newsletters; Excellence in Camera Work; and Excellence in Writing.
The Jack Webster Foundation has opened applications for two 2026 Lt. Governor’s BC Journalism Fellowships. For each year of the Honourable Wendy Cocchia’s mandate, journalists at any stage of their career (emerging or experienced) can apply for the fellowships, which provide a monetary award of up to $20,000 each to research, produce, and publish an ambitious journalism project. The project may be in any medium (print, digital, broadcast, audio, video, or multimedia) and must be supported by a committed publishing or broadcast partner. The deadline to apply is March 15.
The Jack Webster Foundation has announced the recipients of its Indigenous Journalism Award, open to Indigenous journalism students and emerging Indigenous journalists to help support their studies, internships, or freelance work. The 2025 recipients include: Billie-Marie Gladue of Bigstone Cree Nation; Jamie Mah, Métis journalist with roots in the Plains Cree Métis community of Saskatchewan; Braydon Goodman, Kitselas Nation; Edzi’u Loverin, Taku River Tlingit First Nation and a registered member of the Tahltan Nation; Spencer Sacht Lund, member of the ʼNa̱mǥis First Nation; Emma Ward, Driftpile Cree Nation; and Kayla MacInnis, Red River Métis.
