REVOLVING DOOR:
Douglas Smith has been appointed Executive Vice-President at CBC. Smith will succeed the retiring Barb Williams in the role, beginning Feb. 2. He recently departed Paramount after four years, where he served as Senior Vice-President of Streaming & Content Licensing/Regional Lead and was instrumental in the Canadian launches of Paramount+ and Pluto TV. In addition to Paramount, Smith has held roles with ViacomCBS, CBS Studios International, Rogers and Alliance Atlantis. Read more here.
Kristy Werner has been appointed President of Rawlco Radio, succeeding Pam Leyland, who is stepping back from the role after 24 years. Werner, who previously held the role of Executive Vice-President, has been with Rawlco Radio for more than two decades. Her career with Rawlco began in 2001 as a Creative Writer in Regina. She went on to manage multiple departments including Interactive, Promotions, and Programming, including serving as Program Director for Z99 (CIZL-FM) Regina, before moving to Saskatoon in 2007 to program C95 (CFMC-FM). In 2011, she was appointed General Manager of Rawlco Radio Saskatoon, expanding her leadership scope in 2017 when she became Vice-President of Newstalk Programming while continuing as Saskatoon GM. In 2021, she was named General Manager of Rawlco Radio Saskatchewan, and in 2022 promoted to Executive Vice-President. Read more here.
Darren Matassa has been promoted at MBC (My Broadcasting Corporation) to GM/GSM in Napanee, ON. Matassa joined MBC on the sales side with a regional sales and business development focus across the Quinte Region, including Belleville and Trenton. Prior to joining MBC, he spent more than 25 years with Starboard Communications in Belleville, where he served as General Manager of Sales and Marketing.
Heather Barrett has announced her retirement from CBC Radio at the end of March. The host and producer of Weekend AM in St. John’s, NL, Barrett has worked with the public broadcaster for 32 years, starting as a writer on the Central Newfoundland morning show. She’s hosted weekend mornings for the last decade.
David Topping has parted ways with Zoomer Media after just six months as Chief Content Officer, overseeing the company’s digital newsrooms across the country. Topping was previously Director of Newsletters for Torstar for seven years and prior to that held roles with SJC, among other publishers.
Louis Therrien-Galasso has been named Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at TV5 Québec. Therrien-Galasso has previously held roles in marketing, partnerships and management at ARTV, CBC/Radio-Canada, Groupe TVA and Bell Media, most recently serving as Director of Programming, Marketing and Sales at the Centre culturel de l’Université de Sherbrooke.
Michele Austin has been named president and managing director of the Canadian affiliate of the Motion Picture Association (MPA-C). She succeeds Wendy Noss, who leaves the helm of the trade group after 15 years. Austin will lead strategic advocacy on priority issues, including copyright law, production incentives, digital media policy, and content protection. Austin was most recently VP of Public Affairs at Bell, and prior to that served as Director of Public Policy at X/Twitter for Canada and the U.S.
Jeff Detweiler is retiring from Xperi where he’s served as Executive Director, Broadcast Business Development for the last nine years. Detweiler wraps up a 47-year career in broadcasting that started in 1979 at WNBT-FM and WGCR-FM Wellsboro, PA where he served as program director and morning man. He went on to serve as PD and Chief Engineer at WSUS-FM New Jersey and later held engineering roles in Princeton, NJ and Cleveland, before moving on to sales, marketing and business development positions at QEI Corporation, iBiquity Digital and DTS.
RADIO & PODCAST:
The CRTC has announced it will once again start processing radio applications that have been placed on hold during a more than three-year deferral period. The commission has only been processing new applications or complaints related to radio that demonstrate “exceptional circumstances” since August 2023, as it focused its resources on implementing new policy around modernizing the Canadian broadcasting framework. The CRTC says given the progress it’s made on its regulatory plan, it will now resume processing applications, with the deferral coming to an end in concert with the publication date of its upcoming audio policy. A specific release date has yet to be announced. Read more here.
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The CRTC has approved an application by Radio 1540 to simulcast CHIN Toronto programming for a period of one year as it establishes itself at 900 AM on the dial, the position formerly occupied by CHML Hamilton. The City of Toronto ordered Radio 1540 to remove its transmitter for CHIN from Toronto Island in February 2024. It began operating CHIN from a temporary location in Halton Hills in June of that year, however the contours of that transmitter are mostly outside of Radio 1540’s originally authorized market. As such, the commission has authorized Radio 1540 to simulcast its programming for up to 12 months, following the commencement of operations at 900 AM.
U Radio 88.7 FM (CHEB-FM) has launched in Winnipeg, a new community radio station run by not-for-profit community broadcaster U Multicultural Inc. The station started testing in October and is now broadcasting programming in English and French; producing programs in five Indigenous languages, including Cree, Inuktitut, Ojibwe, and Dakota; in addition to airing shows in Swahili, Arabic, Ukrainian, Spanish, and Tagalog. Read more here.
Harvard Media’s CKRM Regina is celebrating 100 years. Initially established in Moose Jaw in 1926 under the call sign CJRM, the station was originally owned by grain merchant, James Richardson. The Richardsons went on to launch CJRW Winnipeg two years later and networked both stations, opening a studio in Regina 1933. The Hill family have owned the station since 1981 under the Harvard Broadcasting banner. As previously reported, the station has been collecting memories from listeners.
Saskatoon Media Group’s CJWW is turning 50 years old, with the station set to host a 50th Anniversary Old Tyme Dance Party on Saturday, March 7 at TCU Place. The party will feature the Western Senators, who were also the entertainment when the station first launched in 1976. The celebration will include appearances from alumni, a pierogi bar, and a Kaiser tournament.
Curiouscast podcast Crime Beat has been nominated for an iHeartPodcast Award in the Best International Podcast category – the only Canadian podcast nominated. The awards will be handed out March 16 at SXSW. Find the full list of nominees here.
CBC and the Toronto Star have announced a partnership between their respective investigative crime podcasts, Uncover, and Suspicion, unraveling the story of Canadian Olympic snowboarder turned FBI Most Wanted fugitive and alleged drug lord Ryan Wedding. Hosted by independent author, filmmaker and reporter Michelle Shephard, alongside Toronto Star reporter Calvi Leon, the still untitled podcast is set to be released this fall on both the Uncover and Suspicion podcast feeds. Read more here.
The 2025 Canadian Podcast Listener survey finds that audio-only listeners continue to make up the majority of Canadian podcast audiences, according to new findings released by Signal Hill Insights and Ulster Media. Matt Hird, Signal Hill Insights Vice President of Research, writes that while YouTube is used most often by 40% of podcast listeners in Canada, those listeners aren’t using the platform exclusively, with just 24% of monthly users indicating they only consume their podcasts in video form. The remaining 76% spend at least some of their time with podcasts in an audio-only environment. Read more here.
Departure Festival + Conference has announced the first round of guests and artists taking part in its 2026 edition in Toronto, May 4-10, including some of those set to appear at Radiodays North America. Among the speakers confirmed for Radiodays North America, May 4-6, are CRTC Chairperson Vicky Eatrides; host and podcaster Alan Cross (Uncharted: Crime and Mayhem in the Music Industry, Ongoing History of New Music); American broadcaster and investigative journalist Amy Goodman; media personality Ben Mulroney; Australian talent coach and strategist Craig Bruce; and Sounds Profitable partner Tom Webster. New for this year, Departure Conference moves from Hotel X to downtown Toronto, with the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts and Fairmont Royal York serving as the main stages and hub for keynote sessions. Read more here.
The 17th Annual Classical FM + Zoomer Radio Holiday Hope Fund results are in with the 2025 campaign the most successful since its partnership with The Scott Mission began 17 years ago. Thanks to listener generosity, the stations raised $95,600, bringing the overall total to $825,000. Donations helped provide food, clothing, shelter and children’s toys to those most in need throughout the city.
SiriusXM Canada has launched the 2026 SiriusXM Top of the Country competition. Open to emerging performers, the competition, in partnership with the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA), celebrates Canada’s next generation of country music artists, offering industry mentorship, performance opportunities, a SOCAN songwriting camp, and a national stage appearance, along with a $25,000 grand prize and two $10,000 runner-up prizes. Registration is now open to solo artists and groups until Jan. 30.
LISTEN: Since its launch in 2017, Kristi Lee has built the Canadian True Crime podcast into a global hit with over 75 million downloads and a consistent chart presence. More impressive yet, the podcast has turned a profit, all while retaining its financial independence without the backing of a network. Lee joins Broadcast Dialogue – The Podcast as Canadian True Crime publishes its milestone 200th episode this month. She joins us to share the ups and downs of her podcasting journey, including managing burnout and perfectionism, the case that stays with her more than others, and her advice to other Canadian podcasters.
LISTEN: Matt Cundill is joined by longtime friend and media personality Nat Lauzon on the latest Sound Off Podcast. Lauzon, who does weekends on Montreal’s 92.5 The Beat, has launched new podcast, Feedbag. She opens up about facing big life changes, including navigating midlife, finding creative freedom, and her recent health challenges with stage zero breast cancer.
SIGN OFFS:
Evelyn Gigantes, 83, on Jan. 16. Born in Nova Scotia, but raised in Alymer, Que., Gigantes studied at Carleton University before starting her career as a broadcaster. Following her time as a host for CBC Radio Ottawa, Gigantes went on to become a three-term MPP and eventually serve in Cabinet. She was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 1975 in a byelection in the former riding of Carleton East and re-elected two years later. After losing her race in 1981, she won another byelection in 1984 in Ottawa Centre and was elected once again in the 1985 provincial election. Following another loss, she regained the riding in 1990, going on to serve as both housing and health minister in Bob Rae’s cabinet. Among other issues, Gigantes is best known for proposing and helping pass a contentious amendment to protect gays from being discriminated against based on their sexual orientation in 1986.
Thaioronióhte Dan David, 73, on Jan. 12. Born in Syracuse, David’s family moved to Kanehsatà:ke Mohawk territory when he was just four-years-old to help care for his mother’s parents. He worked for the federal civil service, among other jobs, before studying journalism at Western University under a special one-year program for Indigenous students. David started his broadcast career with CBC Radio in Whitehorse before graduation, eventually becoming the National Native Affairs reporter. He went on to produce for TVO and Vision TV. From there, he moved to South Africa, helping transform the South Africa Broadcasting Corporation from a government-controlled entity into a public news service before the country’s first democratic elections. He was later named Head of Television Journalism at the Institute for the Advancement of Journalism in Johannesburg. When APTN News launched in 2000, David served as the network’s first news director and later as Chair of Diversity at Ryerson University’s School of Journalism. After his return to Canada, he continued to help train journalists in Indonesia and Azerbaijan, and worked with Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) on a training program in Kenya sponsored by APTN. He was recognized in 2021 with the Canadian Journalism Foundation’s (CJF) Lifetime Achievement Award. Listen to his appearance on Broadcast Dialogue – The Podcast here.
John A. Pollock, 89, on Jan. 12. Pollock, born and raised in Kitchener, succeeded his father Carl A. Pollock as president of Electrohome in 1972. Pollock started his career at the electronics manufacturer as a factory line worker, rising to the position of CEO and Chairman. During his tenure, Electrohome diversified into large screen industrial display projection systems and expanded its television broadcasting division. In 1996, Pollock merged CKCO-TV and the company’s other broadcast properties and holdings in CTV with Baton Broadcasting, divesting its interest in CTV to Baton a year later. Pollock also served on the boards of numerous companies and organizations including Thyssenkrupp Budd Canada, Canadian General-Tower Ltd. and S.C. Johnson and Son.
TV & FILM:
DGC BC has announced the dates, award winners and speakers for their Spotlight: BC Directors Conference. The conference, which takes place at the Anvil Centre in New Westminster, Jan. 24-25, includes panels, a pitch competition, screening and gala where the Spotlight Awards will be presented. This year’s award recipients include actor Eric McCormack (Will & Grace), who’ll receive the Spotlight Award; director Zach Lipovsky (Final Destination Bloodlines), winner of the Industry Builder Award; and producer and Pacific Screenwriting Program founder Brian Hamilton (Bletchley Circle: San Francisco), recipient of the Trailblazer Award. The 8th iteration of the Greenlight Live Pitch Competition will also take place. Read more in Broadcast Dialogue’s Events listings.
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) and CBC have announced comedian, podcaster and actor Mae Martin as the host of the 55th Annual JUNO Awards, live from TD Coliseum in Hamilton and broadcasting/streaming nationwide on CBC and CBC Gem. This year’s special award recipients include Daniel Caesar, who’ll be honoured with the International Achievement Award. At the JUNO Awards Gala Presented by Music Canada on March 28, Billy Talent will be recognized with the Humanitarian Award. The late Alexander Mair, Sandy Pandya and Vinny Cinquemani will also each receive the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award Presented by Slaight Music, recognizing their lasting influence on the Canadian music industry.
Anthem Sports & Entertainment’s Fight Network has announced an agreement with Team Arm Wrestling Federation (TAWF), becoming the exclusive broadcaster of its 2026 season. The partnership covers all TAWF matches, kicking off with a two-hour pre-season bout pitting the Vancouver Wildcats against the Calgary Rangers on March 28. Fight Network’s regular season coverage begins Nov. 14, running through Feb. 20, 2027. TAFW is comprised of eight teams across the U.S. and Canada, competing in an intense 14-week schedule.
Crave is bringing hockey fans closer to the game with original docu-travel series Hockey Fanatics. Hosted by Dave Foley, the series launches Feb. 6, with all eight episodes available to stream on Crave. From creator and showrunner Alex Scrymgeour, each episode takes viewers to a different North American city to explore the fandom around its home team, with Foley meeting up with devoted superfans like Mike Myers (Toronto Maple Leafs), Jay Baruchel (Montreal Canadiens), Jason Priestley (Vancouver Canucks), Wynonna Judd (Nashville Predators), Scott Wolf (Utah Mammoth), Scott Bakula (St. Louis Blues), Nico Tortorella (Florida Panthers), and Shenae Grimes-Beech (Los Angeles Kings). The series also features appearances from past and present NHL players.
Crave Original crime drama The Borderline kicks off Sunday, Feb. 8, following Super Bowl LX on CTV and Crave. Subsequent episodes will stream Fridays on Crave, beginning Feb. 13. Produced by Shaftesbury in association with Crave, the series follows a cop from the wrong side of the tracks who ventures beyond the line of duty to save a childhood friend. Set against the backdrop of a quiet town in the Thousand Islands, Stephen Amell (Arrow) stars, alongside Hamza Haq (Transplant), Minnie Driver (The Serpent Queen), Tamara Podemski (Reservation Dogs), Katia Edith Wood (8-Bit Christmas), Jeremy Watson (Surrealestate), and Kate Corbett (Coroner).
APTN, CBC and Netflix, with Red Marrow Media and Northwood Entertainment, have announced that production is underway in Iqaluit, Nunavut and Toronto on the second season of Arctic-set comedy North of North (8×30). Set to premiere later in 2026 on all three networks, Anna Lambe will reprise her starring role, alongside Maika Harper, Braeden Clarke, Jay Ryan, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Zorga Qaunaq, Bailey Poching, Nutaaq Doreen Simmonds and Keira Cooper. Since its debut last January, North of North has become the most-watched new series on CBC Gem since the launch of the platform. Globally, it broke into Netflix’s top 10 in 33 countries.
Blue Ant Media has launched two of its free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels, HauntTV and TotalCrime on TELUS. The channels are now available through the TELUS TV+ app for all Optik TV Stream+ subscribers.
ONLINE & DIGITAL MEDIA:
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Artshouse Media Group (AMG) has launched Rolling Stone Canada. AMG also operates Billboard Canada and Billboard UK, and is a co-owner of Toronto’s NXNE Festival. The inaugural cover story features Calgary’s own Tate McRae.
REGULATORY, TELECOM & MEDIA:
Cogeco has reported first quarter results for fiscal 2026. Revenue decreased by 3.8% to $735.6 million. American telecom revenue decreased by 8.6%, mainly due to a lower subscriber base compared to the previous year, especially for entry-level services, and a higher proportion of customers subscribing to internet-only services, as well as a competitive pricing environment. Canadian telecom revenue remained stable, mainly due to lower revenue per customer as a result of a decline in video and wireline phone service subscribers, offset by the cumulative effect of high-speed internet service additions over the past year. Revenue from media activities increased by 8.1%, driven by growth in digital advertising solutions.
The CRTC is launching a public consultation to improve how cellphone coverage data is collected and reported with a goal to help service providers, governments, public safety organizations, and Canadians better identify where coverage is strong and where improvements are needed. The consultation follows a decision to provide Canadians with more detailed data on service providers, technologies, and speeds available in their area. Comments are being accepted until March 16.
The Michener Awards Foundation has opened submissions until Feb. 20 for two fellowships. The Michener – Deacon Fellowship for Investigative Reporting encourages excellence in journalism that serves the public interest through improvements in public policy, ethical standards, corporate governance or the lives of Canadians, available to journalists with at least five years’ experience to complete a reporting project with a recognized Canadian news organization. The Michener – L. Richard O’Hagan Fellowship for Journalism Education is dedicated to the advancement and enrichment of the education of Canadian journalists and journalism students, open to teams of up to four people including at least one journalism educator from a post-secondary institution and one experienced journalist on the team. Meet past Fellowship recipients and learn more about their projects here.
BROADCAST TECH & ENGINEERING:
FEATURE: In WABE Past President Tessa Potter’s lookahead at media and entertainment technology for 2026, she discusses AI, authenticity, algorithms, the cost of delaying tech upgrades for your organization, and succession plans. Read more here.
