Bell ExpressVu gets approval for VOD service
The CRTC has granted Bell ExpressVu Limited Partnership (a partnership of satellite TV provider Bell ExpressVu and BCE Inc.) a license to operate a national English-language video-on-demand service. The proposed service will consist primarily of feature films, although other types of programming will also be made available. Additional programming would include taped events, children’s programming, educational programs, music programs, classic television, and adult programming. Ten percent of all programming offered will be French-language.
Kubas report studies differences in retail in U.S., Canada
Comparing retail sales in Canada and the U.S. provides insight on what the leading developments are in the U.S. and which might be expected to arrive next in Canada. The northward migration of retail practices also acts as a test, because only the best U.S. retail ideas are likely to make the journey here. So says a new report from Toronto-based Kubas Consultants, ‘Comparing Retail in the United States and Canada.’
Despite the many differences between the two countries, including culture, climate and population, the report found that retail differences have more to do with who the retailers are, rather than who their customers are what choices people have of where to shop. For example, while both U.S. and Canadian consumers spend practically the same 29% of their respective gross domestic product in retail outlets, combination stores (superstores and warehouse clubs selling both general merchandise and food) are more developed in the U.S. This affects comparisons in almost every other retail sector, especially grocery. For a PDF of the full report, visit http://www.kubas.com.
The NBA season comes to Toronto 1
Toronto 1 is beefing up its sports programming by adding NBA Basketball action to their line-up. The broadcasts include nine regular season NBA games, starting with the season’s Christmas Day match-up between Kobe Bryant’s L.A. Lakers and Shaquille O’Neal’s Miami Heat at 3 p.m. In addition to the regular season, Toronto 1 will air six playoff games in April and May 2005.
MuchMusic picks up European music awards
MuchMusic is bringing the 2004 MTV Europe Music Awards to Canadians on Thursday, November 18 at 8 p.m. In the hour prior to the broadcast, MuchMusic starts with a special edition of the ‘auto-overhaul’ show Pimp My Ride at 7 p.m. followed by Countdown to the 2004 MTV EMAs at 7:30 p.m. The core demo for the shows is adults 18-34. Although sponsorship packages are gone, in-show ad spots are still available.
New Beachcombers movie makes its debut on CBC
Taking its cue from the legendary CBC series and just in time for the holidays comes the movie A Beachcomber’s Christmas it hits the air Monday, December 6 at 8 p.m.
People — Passages, Moves & News
Reader’s Digest announced the promotion of Mathieu Péloquin to VP of marketing, where he will be tapped for his knowledge of marketing channels, customer service and developing key supplier alliances. Additionally, Reader’s Digest has added to SVP Antonio (Tony) Cioffi’s duties by appointing him CFO and SVP of operations and Information Technology (IT). Both will pursue their duties at the company’s head office in Montreal.
Anton Leo has been appointed creative head of CBC’s TV comedy, Arts and Entertainment. Leo, who came to TV arts and entertainment just over a year ago as executive in charge of TV Comedy, has had a varied experience at CBC, having worked in television, radio and new media.
Events
Trust Based Commitment: Redefining Customer Loyalty Online Seminar presented by international market research firm Harris Interactive. November 18
To register, visit http://www.harrisinteractive.webex.com
BBM Canada Expands Competitive Television Tracking Service
BBM Canada, Toronto, is expanding its Competitive Television Tracking service. It has added the Montreal francophone market to the currently monitored markets of Toronto and Vancouver, effective September 27. Both conventional and specialty stations will be digitally monitored, and the commercial data will be linked to the recently commercialized portable people peter (PPM) ratings. Data will be available to clients on a weekly basis, seven business days after the end of a broadcast week.
The New VI ages up
Vancouver: The New VI is looking a lot like the old CH. CHUM’s struggling Victoria station has recently hired three senior journalists from the market-leading CH Victoria, owned by CanWest MediaWorks, and is now shooting for an older audience.
New home improvement site launches this week
Tomorrow, HomeEnvy.com, a complete home improvement web site that features five celebrity columnists and media personalities, will be launching. DIYS-ers will have access to handymen and women – Mag Ruffman, Kimberley Seldon, Steve Maxwell, Kathy Renwald and Red Green on the new Web site.
HomeEnvy is looking for sponsors to join in the launch and branding opportunities would include celebrity appearances, site promos and traffic generation, ongoing ad space and Web site presence.
http://www.HomeEnvy.com
Pride gets ‘HARD’ core during primetime
Canada’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered community is getting a dose of hardcore pornography as PrideVision TV re-brands its current channel. Starting November 1, PrideVision TV is airing HARD; a block of primetime porn from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m in order to facilitate a changeover to a 24/7 premium-pay adult content digital service. HARD launches in early 2005 and will feature gay erotica without traditional advertisements. PBS-style ads would appear before and after programs, but never during.
When the premium channel launches, PrideVision will re-launch as Glow TV, a lifestyle channel that represents the entire GLBT community without the adult programming. During the changeover, PrideVision has gone commercial free, but Jason Hughes, director of sales and marketing says that will change once the new channel is up and running. He expects that their current advertisers, which include Crest White Stripes, EMI music, Telus, and Labatt’s, will return. Advertising opportunities will incorporate traditional spots, show sponsorships and billboard campaigns.
CBC launching new arts web site in 2005
CBC.ca will be launching a new arts section, which will be a one-stop destination for all things arts on a national, international and regional level, in early 2005. Original content will continue to be posted at the CBC.ca arts news page until the revamped section is launched.
Reflecting the new emphasis on arts coverage in Canada, has hired three new producers to the online team – Katrina Onstad (an author, arts writer with the National Post and co-host of the film program Reel to Real); Andre Mayer (an author whose work has appeared in Toronto Life, The Globe and Mail and National Post) and Matthew McKinnon (a culture and tech writer for a variety of Canadian mags).
http://www.cbc.ca/arts
TV spot touts one of Canada’s most popular sports
The Curling News, of Richmond Hill, Ont., is promoting itself and a popular Canadian sport with a new TV spot that aired Sunday during the BDO Curling Classic on Rogers Sportsnet. The spot is the first in a campaign to increase awareness and subscription revenues and will air at all four events on the PharmAssist Grand Slam of Curling, which are the highlight events of the annual men’s World Curling Tour. The Grand Slams are managed by sports marketing powerhouse International Management Group (IMG Canada) of Toronto.
The Curling News publisher George Karrys has moved aggressively to relaunch the brand with a new name (the former title was Canadian Curling News), logo, design values and content. With a circulation of 10,000, the tab publishes monthly during the curling season. Curling is one of the fastest growing winter sports in the world, and will mark its third appearance as a full medal sport at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy. Over one million Canadians curl, most of them recreationally, at over 1,100 clubs coast to coast.
http://www.thecurlingnews.com/
MuchMusic bumps up premiere of Ashlee Simpson reality series
In response to a flurry of viewer requests for all-things-Ashlee, MuchMusic bumps up its premiere of The Ashlee Simpson Show from November 21 to November 14. Beginning this Sunday, viewers will witness the creation of a pop star – growing pains and all. The Ashlee Simpson Show follows the 19-year-old sister of Jessica as she records the multi-platinum debut ‘Pieces of Me,’ endures relationship trouble and moves into her new apartment in the Big Apple. MuchMusic purchased eight episodes of the half-hour program, which airs at 4:30 p.m.
PRIME makes changes to its primetime schedule
PRIME is shaking up their primetime lineup with several changes and additions but their popular Signature Series, which includes Antique Hunter, Great Taste/No Money, Room to Grow and Open Homes, will remain in their scheduled timeslots.
