Schitt’s Creek, Cardinal win big at CSAs

The virtual Canadian Screen Awards have just concluded one of the biggest aspects of its multi-day ceremony, awarding prizes for the best in scripted TV programming. Cardinal and Schitt’s Creek took home the honours for best drama and best comedy of the year, respectively. This was Cardinal‘s first time in the drama category after moving over from the limited series category last year, and the CTV drama notably fended off stiff competition from CBC’s Anne With an E and Coroner, Global’s Mary Kills People and History’s Vikings. Cardinal took home seven awards for the night including best male and female lead in a drama and best supporting actress. CBC’s Schitt’s Creek, on the other hand, has been on a multi-year hot streak, and beat out fellow CBC series Workin’ Moms and Kim’s Convenience, as well as CTV’s Jann and Crave’s Letterkenny. Its core cast also took home three acting prizes, one for Catherine O’Hara (lead actress), Eugene Levy (lead actor) and Emily Hampshire (supporting actress).

The CBC to change up The Sunday Edition

One of the most recognizable voices on the CBC is stepping down from his longtime hosting position. Michael Enright will host his last episode of The Sunday Edition on June 28, after which CBC Radio will redevelop the show for the fall with a new host. Enright has hosted the show for 20 years, and has been a journalist since 1962. He will host a new radio series on the CBC, although details on that have yet to be released.

Audience Insights signals a change

Toronto-based audio analytics firm Audience Insights has changed its name to Signal Hill Insights. President Jeff Vidler says the branding change is a reflection of several factors, including the work it’s done on the advertising side for podcast and radio. It’s been partaking in more brand lift studies for Canadian and U.S. clients such as Pacific Content, WNYC, The Atlantic and, more recently, Westwood One. It’s also put more resources into research and is focusing on more than just audience. Under its new identity, Signal Hill will specialize in helping ad clients better utilize audio, while also creating a path to monetization for podcasting and audio streaming.