Etan Vlessing
Canadian broadcasters quietly prep for possible NHL work stoppage
The major networks are hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst, as the NHL starts contract talks with its players union.
Astral and Corus toppers bullish on Canadian ad market
Astral’s Ian Greenberg and Corus’ John Cassaday told analysts to look beyond specialty TV declines in the third quarter to recovering sales in the fourth quarter.
Shaw Media promotes Nick Crowe to factual content director
The new role follows Crowe working as a factual production executive, with credits including Storming Juno and William Shatner’s Weird or What.
Astral Media and Corus Entertainment raise Q3 earnings, despite revenue falls
Both TV and radio broadcasters faced a soft advertising market as they managed to squeeze out higher profit lines during the quarter to May 31.
Bell unveils benefits package for $3.38 billion Astral Media takeover
The phone giant proposes to spend $96 million to develop and produce indie Canadian TV programming, and divest itself of 10 radio stations, to receive regulatory approval.
Bell Media buys Kevin Smith’s movie review show Spoilers for Space
The deal for Hulu’s first original series with Canadian distributor Alliance Films comprises 10 episodes of movie reviews and celebrity interviews, to debut on the local specialty channel on July 27.
Citytv Saskatchewan launches on Canada Day
Saskatchewan Communications Network (SCN) has been turned into a presence for Citytv, continuing the expansion of Rogers Media’s national platform.
Shaw Communications posts higher Q3 earnings
Higher rates charged for cable and satellite TV services helped the cable giant fend off stiff competition from rival Telus Corp.
ABC and Global Television renew Rookie Blue
The fourth season of the Canadian drama about rookie cops is in development, with production set to start in Toronto on Aug. 20.
Citytv’s Canada’s Got Talent not coming back for second season
Citing the “current economic climate,” Rogers Media is not following up the first season with a sophomore run from Insight Productions.
W greenlights Vancouver spin-off for Love It or List It
Jillian Harris will co-host the West Coast version of the reality series about families struggling with homes that no longer suit their needs.
CRTC at Banff 2012: Netflix Canada a problem? It’s the solution
The streaming service encourages more viewing, not cord cutting, according to regional CRTC commissioner Peter Menzies.
Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium unveils plans for London Games
Consortium president Adam Ashton runs down its planned 5,500 hours of coverage across multiple screens.
Monetizing mobile in Canada: Canadian Telecom Summit
Canada’s wireless phone industry in 2010 spun off $43 billion in activity for the Canadian economy, UK-based Ovum Consulting reported Monday.
Rogers prices $1.1 billion bond offering
The company is using around $1.09 billion in proceeds to pay for its 37.5% stake in MLSE, and for general corporate purposes.
