Jordan Pinto

Cineplex-Cineworld deal falls apart, legal battle underway
Cineworld said it is pulling the plug on the deal because Cineplex breached agreement terms, while Cineplex said the allegations represent “buyer’s remorse.”

Cineplex delays Q1, says Cineworld ‘remains committed’ to deal
The Canadian exhibitor said both parties are working to bring the mega-deal to fruition by June 30.

Netflix has hot quarter, but expects viewership decline after lockdowns
Overall revenue climbed 28% to US$5.7 billion, with Tiger King, Love is Blind and Ozark propelling viewership during the pandemic.

Tom Power heading to primetime during trying times
The new series Where You’re At With Tom Power sees the award-winning host connect virtually with artists from his living room.

Corus cancels Upfronts, says Q4 programming unclear
The company also announced its Q2 revenues, which due to timing were essentially unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quebecor lays off 10% of workforce
President and CEO Pierre Karl Péladeau called the temporary cuts “unavoidable” but said the company is putting in place financial support measures for those affected.

Cineplex temporarily lays off thousands of part-time workers
The exhibition giant is also cutting the salaries of its full-timers and executives as it looks to safeguard the long-term stability of its business.

Bell inks exclusive Quibi partnership
CTV News and TSN will produce daily content for the mobile-first digital service, set to launch next month.

Crave, specialty and sports drive uptick for Bell Media in Q4
Ad revenue was “relatively stable,” with entertainment, sports and OOH offset soft conventional and radio performances.

BTLR’s 97 recommendations include an ad-free CBC in five years
The report’s recommendations also include subjecting streaming services to spending obligations toward Canadian content, and collecting and publishing consumption data.

Netflix’s Q4 shows growth slowing in Canada
The streamer is also changing the way it reports its video viewership.

Growing TV ad revenue offsets radio declines at Corus
Television revenue hit $430 million for the first quarter of 2020, while merchandising and distribution revenue was also on the rise.

Supreme Court overturns CRTC’s Super Bowl simsub ban
Canada’s highest court ruled that the Commission “went beyond [its] power” by introducing the ban, which came into effect in 2017.

Cineplex to be acquired by Cineworld Group
The $2.8-billion deal is expected to close in the first half of 2020, giving the company access to “global opportunities” to help it compete.

Competitors unaffected as Disney+ hits 15 million downloads: report
According to estimates from U.S. research firm Apptopia, the Disney+ app has been downloaded around 1.1 million times in Canada.