REVOLVING DOOR:

Bell Media layoffs hitting local CTV News bureaus continued last week with those announcing their departures including Creeson Agecoutay, Atlantic Bureau Chief, CTV National News; Kyle Moore, CTV Atlantic; Jeremy Schrader, CTV Calgary; Alex Brown, CTV Saskatoon; Michael D’Alimonte, CTV Winnipeg; and CTV Northern Ontario News at 6 co-anchor Brendan Connor, and News at 5 co-anchor Tony Ryma, who had been at CTV Sudbury for 36 years. Ryma’s co-anchor Jessica Gosselin has also announced her departure from the station.

Haley Lewis has parted ways with Global BC where she’s been an online Indigenous reporter for the last year. Prior to joining Global News, Lewis had served as Culture & Society Editor at The Conversation Canada, among other bylines for TVO, CBC and HuffPost.

Dylan Willows has made the decision to leave the morning show on Pattison Media’s The Zone (CJZN-FM) Victoria, following a stage 4 uveal melanoma diagnosis he revealed in December – a recurrence of a rare cancer he battled 20 years ago. One half of Dylan and Jason in the Morning, alongside Jason Lamb, Willows had been with The Zone for almost two decades. Willows, 44, signed off from the station on Feb. 15, telling listeners he was “the luckiest man in the world” to have landed at The Zone. Vancouver radio veteran Jeremy Baker has been filling in on the morning show.

Gord St. Denis and Sam McDaid are the new morning show hosts on Ottawa’s Pure Country 94 (CKKL-FM), as of Feb. 20. The Morning Pickup with Gord and Sam is also continuing to be heard in mornings on Pure Country 99 (CKLC-FM) Kingston. Former Pure Country 94 morning co-hosts Sophie Moroz and Jeff Hopper are headed to a yet-to-be revealed opportunity.

Pary Bell has been appointed the new CEO of The Podcast Exchange (TPX). Bell, arguably best known for his eight-year run with Rogers Sports & Media where he ended his tenure in 2017 as Vice President & General Manager of Rogers Media, Sportsnet & NHL, had most recently been working with Torstar digital marketing agency, Eyereturn Marketing. Prior to that, he served as SVP, of Torstar’s Commercial Products & Sales Operations. He’s also held roles with Canwest, Alliance Atlantis and CBC. Bell steps in to the CEO role as Lina Kim departs the Toronto-headquartered podcast monetization company. Read more here.

Jeanette Patell has been upped at Google Canada to Director of Government Affairs and Policy, leading the local government affairs team. Patell previously held the role of Government Affairs & Public Policy for YouTube in Canada for the past three years. Prior to that, she held roles with GE and the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Catherine Davies is among those no longer with Mediapro Canada as the OneSoccer parent company makes layoffs amidst an ongoing broadcast rights dispute with Canadian Soccer Business (CSB). Davies, who had most recently held the title of Communications and International Rights Manager, had been working with parent organization Grupo Mediapro since 2018, initially as a consultant ahead of the tender for the CSB media rights.

Randene Neill, a former anchor at Global BC, is seeking the provincial NDP nomination for Powell River-Sunshine Coast. Now residing in Garden Bay, BC, Neill has been working off and on as a communications consultant since leaving Global in 2016 after 18 years with the station. She was most recently on-air during a stint as morning co-anchor on CityNews 1130 (CKWX-AM) Vancouver in 2021-22.

RADIO & PODCAST:

The Podcast Academy has announced nominees for The Ambies, their fourth annual celebration of podcast excellence. Canadian-produced podcasts nominated across 27 categories include Let’s Make a Rom-Com and Supreme: The Battle for Roe, both produced by Vancouver’s Kelly&Kelly. The Globe and Mail’s The Decibel is up for Best News Podcast, while Malcolm Gladwell earned a nod for Best Host for Revisionist History.

Signal Hill Insights and Cumulus Podcast Network have released findings from their fall Podcast Download report. Undertaken last October, among its insights are that 19% of weekly podcast consumers discover podcasts on YouTube, more than all the other social media platforms combined; those who prefer the video component in the background are more likely to be heavy podcast consumers; and that podcast consumers prefer host-voiced ads vs. pre-produced ads, especially Podcast Pioneers (those who started listening 4+ years ago).

The Podcast Power-Up Summit: Emerging Voices and Industry Innovators will open this year’s Radiodays North America conference, on Sunday, June 2, bringing podcasters together to exchange ideas, gain insights, and forge meaningful connections. Among the sessions slated for the inaugural summit are: Eric Nuzum of Magnificent Noise on “Why Podcasts Fail”; Laura Mayer, Executive Producer of Podcast Programming at ABC News and host of the Shameless Acquisition Target podcast on “How to Seize Opportunity: Podcasts, Commerce, and Corporate Embarrassment”; and Kristi Lee, host of Canadian True Crime, on “Getting your Indie Podcast Signed.” Read more here.

PodCamp Toronto is moving to George Brown College’s School of Media and Performing Arts for its 16th annual event, Feb. 23-25. The schedule for this year’s digital “unconference” ranges from sessions on the impact of video content on podcasting to the Canadian podcast ecosystem and the battle between AI and big tech.

PodSummit YYC 2024 is set to take place at The Grand theatre in Calgary, Sept. 20-21. The networking and learning event is helmed by Tim Truax, who has hosted The Nerd Room podcast since 2015. Among the Summit’s advisors are Jeff Humphreys, CEO of Shortline Creative and host of the The Calgary Sessions podcast and Meg Wilcox, Mount Royal University Journalism and Digital Media professor and co-director of the Community Podcast Initiative. 

Triton Digital has released the latest Canada Podcast Ranker for the January 2024 reporting period with 11.2M average weekly downloads. The top ranked podcast debuts included Dr. Death (Wondery Network) and The Dose (CBC/Radio-Canada) as well as French-language debuts Mathieu Bock-Côté (QUB) and Dérives (Radio Canada).

Curiouscast is set to premiere the sixth season of Crime Beat on Wednesday, Feb. 27, with new episodes dropping bi-weekly. This season, host and crime reporter Nancy Hixt looks at some of the most serious cases she’s covered in her last 30 years as a journalist. The RTDNA and Edward R. Murrow award-winning podcast, is now also in its fifth season airing as a television adaptation on Global. 

SiriusXM Canada and the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) have unveiled the semi-finalists for this year’s SiriusXM Top of the Country competition. The top eight will soon hit the studio, recording original tracks to share with Canadian country music fans, who will then vote on their favourite before the group is narrowed down to the final three, who will vie for a $25,000 grand prize. Representing five provinces across Canada, the 2024 semi-finalists are: Robert Adam – Bonnyville, AB; Alexa Goldie – Kingston, ON; Parker Graye – Orillia, ON; Zach McPhee – Vernon, BC; Tony Stevens – Surrey, BC; Trudy – Montreal, Que.; Mariya Stokes – Stavely, AB; and Jade Turner – Misipawistik Cree Nation, MB.

LISTEN: With radio’s viability in question as of late, we welcome Trey Morris of the Center for Sales Strategy (CSS) to Broadcast Dialogue – The Podcast to talk about the latest CSS Media Sales Report. Among other hot button issues we tackle are striking the right hybrid work balance, selling in what’s agreed is the hardest-ever climate to get that first appointment, and we discuss making radio cool again. Listen on your favourite podcast app or here:

LISTEN: Toronto broadcast veteran Maie Pauts is on the latest Sound Off Podcast. The 2023 Rosalie Award winner reflects on her run at the legendary CFNY from 1986-2001 and her current role hosting middays on Stingray’s boom 97.3 (CHBM-FM), playing hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. 

SIGN OFFS:

Heath Mulligan Muggli, on Feb. 18. After attending the Western Academy of Broadcasting, Mulligan got his start with Rawlco Radio as a DJ, before transitioning into sales with the company. In 2002, he joined Saskatoon city magazine, Planet S, as a co-owner in addition to working in sales with Prairie Dog Magazine. He joined Saskatoon’s StarPhoenix as Media Sales Manager in 2019, before returning to his radio roots in April 2023 as a Media Marketing Consultant with Harvard Media in Saskatoon. In addition to his work in media sales, Mulligan was a well-known baseball umpire and member of the Saskatoon District Baseball Umpires Association. He was the inaugural recipient of the Quinn Stevenson “For the Love of the Game” award in 2020.

Vince Gallant, 88, on Feb. 13. Gallant began his 65-year broadcasting career in radio on his native Prince Edward Island in the 1950s. Stops in Nova Scotia and Montreal followed, before Gallant arrived at NTV News in St. John’s, NL as News Director in the 1970s. He then did a stint at CJYQ, before landing at VOCM, where he went on to anchor for the next 35 years. He retired in 2019. Gallant was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the RTNDA in 2005. 

Bryan Smyth, 91, on Feb. 3. Smyth began his broadcasting career with CBC Radio in Windsor, later joining CBC Ottawa in 1960. He spent the next three decades as a familiar on-air personality, best known for his almost 30-year run as host of “Reach for the Top.” He also hosted CBC Ottawa television shows “Platform” and “Review,” as well as the morning show and “Gotcha” on CBC Radio. For many years, Smyth was also the face of CBC’s national Canada Day and Remembrance Day broadcasts. A frequent emcee of community and charity events, he could also be seen in local Orpheus Musical Theatre Society productions.

Jim Rae, 83, on Feb. 2. Originally from Calgary, Rae and his wife relocated to Winnipeg in 1966 when he accepted an on-air position as the farm commentator at CBC Radio. He went on to host the call-in show “Questionnaire,” in addition to hosting dozens of election forums, among other special events. He retired from CBC in 1996, but continued writing an ag column for rural newspapers published right up to the week of his passing. Rae also served as a reporter for “The Canadian Farmer” on CTV and as a consultant ahead of CBC’s launch of its “Country Canada” specialty channel. He was a lifetime member of the Manitoba Farm Writers’ Association and the Manitoba Community Newspapers Association.

Bill Cunningham, 91, on Jan. 31. Originally from Yarmouth, NS, Cunningham embraced journalism at a young age, writing a weekly high school column for the Moncton Times & Transcript as a teenager. He worked in local radio in New Brunswick and then with Broadcast News, before joining CBC. Cunningham helped coin the name of flagship evening newscast “The National” where he served as executive producer in the 1960s. He covered the war in Vietnam for the public broadcaster in the late 1960s, getting captured by the North Vietnamese Army while attempting to document their presence in Southern Cambodia. He was promoted to head of CBC News in 1972, where he helped pioneer the concept of journalist-anchors, but left shortly thereafter in 1974 to become Vice President of News for the Global TV network. He was recruited to CTV in 1980, initially as executive producer of W5 and then as a host, reporter and managing editor. After getting laid off by CTV in 1991, he returned to CBC as a foreign correspondent and documentary host. Among other accolades, Cunningham was recognized with a Gemini Award for lifetime achievement and an Honorary Doctorate from Ryerson University in 2009.

Marguerite Falk Callegari, 93, on Jan. 28. Callegari began her career with CBC Vancouver in 1963 as a summer relief switchboard operator. She was promoted to Head of the Switchboard Department where she worked until 1975 when she transferred to the TV Programming Department as a senior clerk, handling the scheduling of the script and production assistants, assisted the unit managers, and worked for the Executive Producer, TV Drama, Philip Keatley. Callegari retired from the public broadcaster in 1989.

TV & FILM:

YES TV has announced it has acquired the Burlington, ON building originally built and established by its sister organization, Crossroads Christian Communications. The building is poised to serve as a central hub for YES TV and Crossroads. Featuring three cutting-edge studios, meeting rooms, a 7,500 sq. ft ballroom, 8,000 sq. ft atrium, over 50 offices and co-working spaces, and a commercial kitchen, YES TV says the building will cater to both production and broadcasting needs, in addition to providing space for external productions seeking studio and event rental facilities.

Netflix has announced the first greenlight under its creative partnership with Montreal-based Attraction – an untitled documentary film exploring the setbacks that led to the departure of the Expos from Montreal in 2004, and how it continues to spark debate 20 years later. The doc is set to be directed by Jean-François Poisson with Marie-Christine Pouliot and Richard Speer serving as executive producers.

Boat Rocker will serve as executive producers on the third season of the recently renewed Invasion, the science fiction drama series from producers Simon Kinberg (X-Men, Deadpool, The Martian) and David Weil (Hunters). The third season of Invasion is set to go into production later this month with the first and second seasons now streaming globally on Apple TV+.

CBC Kids and 9 Story Media Group have begun production on Let’s Go, Bananas! (26 x 22 min), a new animated comedy described as “Modern Family” for the preschool set. The series was commissioned by CBC Kids, pre-bought by Sky Kids, and will premiere this spring on CBC and CBC Gem in Canada. Created by award-winning writer and producer Tim Bain, creator of Kangaroo Beach and writer on hit children’s series including Bluey, PJ Masks, Thomas the Tank Engine and Aardman’s Epic Adventures of Morph, the series is inspired by Bain’s own family, featuring a community of animal families.

Elvis Stojko has made a cameo on CBC original comedy series One More Time (13×30) from stand-up comedian D.J. Demers (The Tonight Show, Conan) and showrunner Jessie Gabe (Workin’ Moms, Mr. D). Stojko – one of Canada’s most decorated male figure skaters, having won back-to-back Olympic silver medals at Lillehammer 1994 and Nagano 1998 to go with his three world titles and seven national titles – plays himself in the seventh episode of the series, entitled “Lazer Blade.” 

APTN Investigates and CBC’s The Fifth Estate air a joint investigation this Friday, Feb. 23, speaking with industry leaders and Canadian families, farmers and food producers to understand the reasons behind soaring food prices, including a look at what needs to happen to protect food security in the North. The collaboration follows a 2022 APTN and CBC/Radio-Canada memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the creation of more Indigenous content, particularly news and information. 

TrillerTV FAST channel FITE by Triller 24/7 has been added to The Roku Channel in Canada. The 24-hour ad-supported channel has been available on The Roku Channel in the U.S. since late 2022, featuring boxing, pro wrestling, MMA, and other entertainment. 

ONLINE & DIGITAL MEDIA:

ZoomerMedia has added Curiocity Group Inc. to its portfolio, one of Alberta’s leading digital media publishers, with a presence in Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa. According to data supplied by ZoomerMedia, Curiocity’s hyper-local food and experience-driven sites boast four million daily readers. The acquisition is ZoomerMedia’s seventh in two years as Founder and CEO Moses Znaimer carries out a plan to expand the company’s reach beyond its original 45+ core demographic. Read more here.

Apple has introduced Apple Sports, a free app for iPhone that gives sports fans access to real-time scores, stats, live betting odds, and the ability to tap over to the Apple TV app to watch live games and connected streaming apps. Available to download in the App Store in the U.S., Canada, and the UK, it currently features leagues in-season including MLS, NBA, NCAA basketball (men’s and women’s), NHL, Bundesliga, LaLiga, Liga MX, Ligue 1, Premier League, and Serie A. Apple says additional leagues will become available over time, including MLB, NFL, NCAAF, NWSL, and WNBA for their upcoming seasons.

The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) will bring together a panel on Feb. 27 discussing reshaping the future of journalism through novel revenue models and how news outlets – particularly new and entrepreneurial ones – can deliver value to audiences and build diversified mission-driven businesses. The free virtual event, “Emerging Business Models for News,” will feature Anita Li, founder and editor in chief of The Green Line, Graham Watson-Ringo, Senior Director of Member Strategy at News Revenue Hub, and Dru Oja-Jay, publisher of The Breach. Brett Chang, founder and CEO of The Peak, will moderate. To attend, register here.

REGULATORY, TELECOM & MEDIA:

The BC Association of Broadcasters (BCAB) has announced its annual Awards of Excellence, recognizing the “Best in Province” for radio and television commercials, station imaging, community service and news reporting. Among this year’s multiple award winners are Surrey’s 93.1 RED FM (CKYE-FM), CFJC TV Kamloops, and Victoria’s 91.3 The Zone (CJZN-FM), which each picked up two awards. By broadcast group, Pattison Media led wins with five. Find the full list of honourees here.

The Canadian Journalism Foundation’s (CJF) Lifetime Achievement Award this year will go to retired The Globe and Mail publisher and CEO Phillip Crawley. During his 25-year tenure, Crawley steered the publication through its readers’ migration to online news. His influence on Canadian journalism extended beyond The Globe to the Canadian Press, where he served as chairman of the board of directors from 2007 to 2009, then as co-chair from 2010 until 2023. Crawley will be honoured at the CJF Awards ceremony on June 12 in Toronto. 

TELUS, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Samsung Electronics have announced a collaboration that will see TELUS become the first telecommunications provider in North America to evolve its roaming architecture, enabling greater reliability and faster speeds for customers traveling abroad. Traditionally, roaming traffic (voice, data, and SMS) is routed through the provider’s home country. With their new approach, TELUS is able to house their network within AWS Regions worldwide using virtualized roaming gateways, routing directly to the closest AWS Region that houses TELUS’ network, enhancing mobile speeds and responsiveness. Virtual roaming gateway trials will begin in Q1 2024, with the companies saying the collaboration’s possibilities extend far beyond roaming, including advancing disaster-recovery and 5G standalone core use cases.

BROADCAST TECH & ENGINEERING:

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will recognize 16 scientific and technical achievements at its annual Scientific and Technical Awards ceremony on Feb. 23 at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Among the Canadians being recognized are Steve Read, SVP Research & Development at IMAX Corporation, and Barry Silverstein, former Senior Director of R&D and Hardware, for their contributions to the design and development of the IMAX Prismless Laser Projector. Utilizing a novel optical mirror system, the IMAX Prismless Laser Projector removes prisms from the laser light path to create the high brightness and contrast required for IMAX theatrical presentation.

Futuri has announced the integration of SpotOn Spec Spots into its sales intelligence platform, TopLine. Account executives can use SpotOn and TopLine to instantly create custom spec spots and audio. Futuri says the integration enables tech support for account executives through the entire sales process – from prospecting and getting the first appointment to developing the right message for a client campaign.  

Compass Media Networks, Benztown, and ENCO have launched a joint venture dubbed SPECai that provides radio stations with creative custom spec commercials in seconds using AI technology. Connoisseur Media’s Long Island and Connecticut clusters including WALK-FM, WBZO-FM, WEBE-FM, WEZN-FM, WHLI-AM, WICC-AM, WKJY-FM, WPLR-FM and WWSK-FM are the first to officially sign on.