TV/FILM - Broadcast Dialogue

January 8, 2009
Volume 16, No. 31
Page One
TV
/FILM: The big four U.S. networks are still getting advertisers’ marketing
dollars at the same levels as in prosperous times. But, cumulatively,
they’re down 10% percent in actual live viewers, with ABC, NBC and
Fox all drawing
around a million viewers less
each night than they did last
GENERAL MANAGER
season while CBS is up 1%.
Atlantic Broadcasters Ltd.
Network sales presidents and
Antigonish, NS
executives at various media agencies say that despite
fragmentation of national viewing, the power of the broadcast
Atlantic Broadcasters
Limited has an exciting
networks to reach mass audiences on a nightly basis continues
opportunity for a
to give them an edge. A media agency investment officer says
community broadcast
that when budgets are strapped, “advertisers turn to the tried
leader.
and true, and national TV has proven that it works in helping
For more than 65 years,
them move product in good and bad economic times ...
CJFX has served its listeners a mix of music,
marketers are looking at ad platforms that generate the most
information and entertainment. A vibrant and engaged
efficiency”... TV sales in the U.S. are predicted to drop this year,
member of the community, CJFX seeks a leader who
the first decline in at least a decade. So says market research
understands the connection between broadcasting and
firm, DisplaySearch. TV manufacturers have long argued that
community and is able to deliver that package in a
financially profitable model.
sets were recession-proof because Americans want a cheap
way to entertain their families. In 2009, sales of all types of TVs
Responsibilities:
in North America are predicted to decline by 4%. LCD TV sales
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the GM will
are expected to increase in North America by 2% over 2008, a
continue to build on the strengths of a committed staff
fraction of the 22% gain in 2008 and the 77% rise in 2007... The
of professionals and will be the “face” of the company
bringing the radio station into direct contact with the
Banff World Television Awards call for entries is open.
community on a meaningful and ongoing basis.
Categories
may
be
seen
by
clicking
http://www.banff2009.com/prog.comp.categories.php.
Qualifications:
Broadcast Dialogue
18 Turtle Path
Lagoon City ON L0K 1B0
(705) 484-0752
E-Mail, click HERE
Broadcast Dialogue Website
R
ADIO: National radio sales were off 1.2% in the first
quarter (September, October, November) and Q2 will
likely be off as well, albeit for more reasons than the
economy. Canadian Broadcast Sales President Patrick
Grierson says the second quarter was affected by December
being five weeks last year versus four weeks this year, while a
mid-week Christmas made December a three-week month.
“Additionally,” he said, “broadcast calendar Q2 is uniquely 12
weeks versus the normal 13 weeks, all of which will negatively
impact on this year’s comparative performance”... Meanwhile in
New York, Wachovia analyst Marci Ryvicker is now forecasting
a 13% drop in 2009 U.S. radio revenues, or worse. American
radio stocks, she says, have hit bottom, and she points to
various penny stocks, significant debt levels, nonexistent credit
and significant revenue and EBITDA declines. Further, says
Ryvicker, Wachovia does not see any indication of events nor
* Strong broadcaster with a commitment to excellence
* Successful background in radio and a minimum of 5
years experience in a managerial role
* Has a proven track record of achieving and overachieving budgets
* Understands the rural Canadian market
* Knowledge of the market and the community would
be an asset.
Compensation commensurate with qualifications and
experience. Applications will be accepted to Feb 12,
2009. Please reply in confidence to:
Noreen Nunn
President, Atlantic Broadcasters Ltd.
PO Box 5800
Antigonish, NS B2G 2R9
Email: nnunn@stfx.ca
-2immediate turnarounds that will favorably boost the stocks... Three more Astral
Media radio stations are flipping IDs over the next few days. 95 Crave
Vancouver today (Thursday) becomes Canada’s second Virgin Radio station
to launch after Virgin Radio 999 Toronto. 95 Crave is now Virgin Radio 953.
Jan 19-20
Tomorrow
(Friday), The Bear (CKQB-FM) Ottawa will become Virgin Radio
CBDA Conference
106.
And
on
Monday, Mix 96 Montreal will become Virgin Radio 96 (they'll
Toronto
also change their phone number to 514 790 96-96)... Toronto has a new multiwww.cbda.ca
cultural radio station. CINA-AM at 1650, owned by Neeti Prakash, is the first
Jan 26-29
radio station in Canada licenced to serve the Indo-Pakistani community.
NATPE 2009
Programs are broadcast in Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi. President is Neeti P. Ray...
Las Vegas
CHYM-FM Kitchener’s annual Tree of Hope Radiothon raised $290,186.00 for
www.natpe.org
the Family and Children’s Services of Waterloo Region. The money is used,
Feb 3
in part, to the taking care of families and children in crisis throughout the year...
Staying Tuned – BBM Canada
Writing in the Viewpoint section of RBR.com, the GM/Chief Engineer at KLQP
Toronto, ON
Madison, WI – Maynard Meyer – calls HD Radio “a flawed technology
http://www.bbm.ca/stayingtuned/
designed only to line the pockets of iBiquity.” Meyer describes the arrangement
Feb 9 -10
with iBiquity as being “insane”... Meanwhile, the FCC has invited the public to
SAC (Sales Advisory Council)
comment
on a proposal filed by a group of U.S. HD Radio broadcasters and
Conference
equipment
manufacturers seeking a ten-fold increase to the digital power
Toronto, ON
currently authorized under the hybrid IBOC transmission standard (NRSC-5-B).
www.tvb.ca
Initial comments filed, including a submission from iBiquity Digital
Corporation setting out technical data, and a study by National Public Radio
detailing potential interference increases to existing FM stations as a result of this change, have been placed on
the public record. A quick decision from the FCC is not expected due to the change of administration. Industry
Canada advises that technical authorizations for HD Radio operations here will continue to be based on the current
NRSC-5-B standard; however, broadcasters wishing to conduct experiments with higher digital power may be
allowed to do so on a temporary basis, subject to Industry Canada approval... With the debut of PPM data in
Montreal came the inevitable comparison between it and the S4 diary ratings. The S4 diary measures recall of
listening while the PPM report provides a real-time estimate of actual listening behaviour. Francophone PPM cume
scores for the average station were more than five times higher than the corresponding S4 reach measurements.
PPM estimates radio’s reach (cume) exponentially higher than the diary recall approach. With Anglophone stations,
the increase was almost six times higher. The largest cume differences in PPM were shown by stations with
minimal diary reach, but even the strongest competitors multiplied their weekly circulation by three to four times.
The diary’s Average Quarter Hour has no precise PPM equivalent in the figures available. Where AQH refers to
a 15-minute listening period, PPM substitutes AMA (Average Minute Audience). Vancouver-based Bohn &
Associates Media, which did this study, says most of the problems inherent in the 15 minutes versus one-minute
conflict can be avoided comparing rank. When that was done, Bohn said there was minimal initial change. Among
the top 10 Anglophone stations, the PPM AMA rank of the top six is identical to the diary’s AQH for S4 2008.
Francophone stations have a little bit more shuffle in the top 10, but nothing dramatic... Vista Radio Ltd. has
completed the closing of its acquisition of 106.1 The Goat Lloydminster and 99.7 the Goat Bonnyville... Lower
B.C. Mainland CBC Radio One listeners can now find it on both FM and AM. The station began broadcasting at
88.1 FM, in addition to its 690 AM frequency, this past Monday.
Events
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EVOLVING DOOR: Jeff Vidler has become Sr. VP/Managing Director Radio Research at Angus Reid
Strategies in Toronto. It’s a relatively new company (not to be confused with Ipsos Reid). Vidler, who will
continue his column in Broadcast Dialogue magazine, had been a partner in Solutions Research Group.
The new VP/GM at SRG is Graham Loughton, ex of Environics... David MacLean, after 29 Years at
CJFX Antigonish, is moving from his CEO position to new challenges as a Director of Credit Union Central. His
departure from CJFX is planned for May... Jim Blundell, VP/GM at Bob FM (CHST-FM) London, moves later this
month to become VP/GM at A Victoria/CFAX/Kool FM. The Victoria position has been vacant since Richard Gray moved
to take over A Ottawa/CFRA/Bob FM/Magic 100/Team 1200. No word yet of a successor for Blundell in London... Terry
CHECK YOUR STATION’S HISTORY BY CLICKING www.broadcastinghistory.ca
-3Reid, the morning show host at QM-FM Vancouver the past 16 years, will be leaving the station this month. He’s
decided it’s time to sleep in and look at new professional challenges. Succeeding Reid is Mike Shaeffer who most
recently was host of a U.S. nationally syndicated morning show and based in Sacramento... Pamela Wallin,
Saskatchewan's newest senator-to-be, says she’ll resign her appointed seat and run as a candidate when the
province holds elections for Senate nominees. And Mike Duffy, also one of 18 Senate appointments announced
by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, is moving back to PEI... Upon his father’s passing Edward Rogers is now the
Rogers Communications Control Trust Chair and his sister, Melinda M. Rogers is the Control Trust Vice-Chair.
Advisory Committee members are appointed in accordance with the estate arrangements and include members
of the Rogers family, trustees of a Rogers family trust, and other individuals... Jim Hutchings has retired as
Engineer at CFSL Weyburn and CJSL/CHSH-FM Estevan. His successor is Patrick Fisher, the son of Ken
Fisher who’s Station Engineer at CHAB/CILG-FM;CJAW-FM Moose Jaw... Chris Kennedy has left his PD gig
at Q92 (CFQR-FM) Montreal. No successor yet.
G
ENERAL: Some experts say the media is scaring consumers from opening their wallets, which in turn is
only adding to the woes of Canada's recessionary economy. Conference Board of Canada chief
economist Glen Hodgson says that if the media keeps saying that the sky is falling, people are bound to
think that’s what’s happening. And while there is the global credit crunch, the problems aren't as deep or
widespread as people are being led to believe. The result of blanket media coverage of the economic troubles in
Canada is said to be helping to lower consumer confidence, creating what the conference board calls “a
psychology of recession.'' In the conference board's 2009 economic forecast due next week, Hodgson said figures
will show a contraction in Canada's gross domestic product and a jump in unemployment, now about 6.3%. That's
less than half the jobless level of the 1980-81 recession. “Another way to look at it,” says Hodgson, “is that 99.5%
of the GDP is still there ... and that 94% of us still have our jobs” – nowhere as dire as in the U.S., which has
technically been in a recession for a year... The Supreme Court of Canada decided to hear the appeal by the
CAB regarding the Part II licence fee challenge. In December of 2006, the Federal Court Trial Division ruled that
the CRTC Part II Licence Fees collected by the federal government from broadcasters and broadcast distributors
are an illegal tax. The Crown appealed that decision to the Federal Court of Appeal, which ruled that the fees
are valid regulatory charges and not a tax. On June 27, 2008, the CAB filed an application for leave to appeal the
FCA decision to the Supreme Court. Part II Licence Fees go directly to the government’s Consolidated Revenue
Fund. At issue are fees of about $100 million a year levied by the Commission. It, however, stopped collecting the
money after the initial court decision in 2006, pending a final outcome in the appeal process... Shares of Rogers
Communications fell more than 3% yesterday (Wednesday) after Canaccord Adams anylyst David Lambert
downgraded the stock following the release of weaker-than-expected cable-TV subscriber results. Lambert cut his
rating on the shares to "hold" from "buy" and reduced his 12-month target to $35 from $38.
S
IGN-OFFS: Robert “Bob” Krueger, 61, of lung cancer at Hamilton’s St. Joseph's Hospital. Krueger was
the General Sales Manager at Corus Entertainment’s three Hamilton radio stations... Noel M. Wagner in
Calgary after complications arising from long term health problems related to a stroke suffered a few years
ago. Wagner spent his career with CICT-TV Calgary, formerly CHCT-TV, in various capacities. He resigned
as the station GM in 1991.
S
S
YNDICATION: Again this year, Aflalo Communications will distribute in Canada the IMS Radio Network’s
coverage of the 2009 IndyCar series. The season kicks off in Long Beach April 19 and runs through to the
Miami race Oct. 10.
UPPLYLINES: The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has awarded two of its 2008
Technical & Engineering Emmy Awards to Thomson (Grass Valley) for their impact in enhancing the
consumer viewing experience and for significant contributions to the state-of-the-art in television
engineering... In another bid to bring Web-delivered content to television, Intel and Adobe Systems plan
to develop a version of Adobe’s Flash media player technology to the chip maker’s media processor designed for
set-tops, digital TVs and other home-entertainment devices.
January 15, 2009
Volume 16, No. 32
G
Page One of Four
ENERAL: The Canadian Broadcast Distribution Association’s (CBDA)
annual conference set for Jan 19-20 in Toronto has been cancelled based
on the economic conditions. CBDA says the attendance response was
“extremely low” and that the organizing committee decided to cancel. This
is the second national Canadian broadcast conference to be cancelled this year.
Earlier, RTNDA Canada cancelled its June event planned for Edmonton... The
Copyright Board’s SOCAN Tariff 22.B (Commercial Radio) and D (Commercial
Television and Non-Broadcast Television) decision regarding the use of music
requires that the first payments for all past amounts owing before Dec. 31, 2008 become due Jan. 31. The Board
accepted the CAB’s argument that most Internet-related revenues are not related to music content and, as such,
payments due under the tariff will be substantially less than what was originally requested. Meantime, both SOCAN
and video game makers have applied for a judicial review of the decision... Astral Media’s first-quarter profit rose
to $42.4 million from a year-earlier $37.5 million. Revenues were up 24% to $244.5 million after its acquisition of
Standard Radio in the fall of 2007. Earnings per share were 76 cents, compared to 69 cents in the first quarter of
fiscal 2008, when revenues were $197.7 million... Corus Entertainment reports a fiscal first-quarter profit of $40.6
million, or 50 cents a share, up slightly
from year-earlier earnings of $39.4
million or 46 cents a share. Despite the
quarterly results, Corus says it is
reducing its earnings forecast for 2009,
setting profit guidance between $255
million and $265 million. The company
originally projected profits of between
$270 million and $280 million... Score
Media founder John Levy says the
multiplatform media approach has
helped keep ad revenues afloat despite
the slowdown. Score Television
Network is working to boost its
presence on the Internet, mobile phone
applications and satellite radio. Levy
says Score ad revenues rose 18% in the
first quarter compared with the same
period the previous year but the
company declined to quantify the
amount of ad revenue growth with
specific results... Canwest Global
Communications has reported a $33
million loss in the first quarter, citing a
deteriorating economy, low ad revenue
and accounting issues related to some
Broadcast Dialogue
18 Turtle Path
Lagoon City ON L0K 1B0
(705) 484-0752
E-Mail, click HERE
Broadcast Dialogue Website
Thursday, January 15, 2008
2
of its specialty channels. The loss amounts to 18 cents per share and reverses year-earlier earnings of $41 million
or 23 cents per share. Revenue for the quarter rose to $886 million, up 2% from the $867 million reported during
the same quarter of 2008, but operating profit dropped to $204 million from $223 million... Meanwhile, Moody’s
Investors Service has downgraded its rating for Canwest Global Communications saying that the company “has
no meaningful ability to reduce its debts” – at least in the next few years. The recession, says Moody’s, has had
an impact on ad buying patterns that may have already critically impaired the prospects for all Canadian
conventional TV broadcasters... The CAB says it can’t meet the Jan. 19 deadline set by the CRTC to set up the
proposed Local Programming Improvement Fund (LPIF). CAB wants a month’s delay. The LPIF, part of a new
policy for BDUs released at the end of October, was enacted to boost local programming, especially news, in
markets with less than 1-million people. BDUs will charge subscribers 50 cents each per month to fund the
operation – expected to generate about $60 million in its first year. CAB says the unworkable deadline clashes with
several other important proceedings. CAB also wants time to consult with non-CAB members to determine how
they would participate in the fund... At the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show (CES), 20,000 new
technology products were unveiled – including 3D HDTV, green technologies, Internet TV and digital
entertainment. Preliminary estimates suggest attendance will be more than 110,000, down from the 141,500 at
last year’s event... Cogeco reports a profit of $11.1 million or 66 cents a share in the first quarter, reversing yearearlier losses of $10 million or 60 cents a share. The cable operator says revenue rose 18.5% to $308.4 million
from $260.3 million... Atlantic Canadian broadcast journalists are reminded to submit their stories and images to
the 28th Atlantic Journalism Awards. Entries are required to have been published or broadcast in an Atlantic
Canadian medium during 2008, and postmarked no later than the submission deadline of Friday, Jan. 30. Category
descriptions, tickets and other information can be found at www.AJAs.ca.
TV
/FILM: U.S. President-elect Barack Obama has urged Congress to postpone the Feb. 17 switch from
analog to digital. He argues that too many Americans won't be ready. Obama transition team co-chair
John Podesta noted that the U.S. Commerce Department has run out of money for $20 coupons to
subsidize digital TV converter boxes for consumers. Former FCC chairmen William Kennard and
Michael Powell co-authored a piece in the New York Times calling for a postponement. They say that a few extra
months of preparation would head off a train wreck. But current FCC Chairman Kevin Martin argues that a delay
would cause confusion. The FCC and American broadcasters, he said, have been clear - for a very long time about the February 17 date. Meantime, Fox has joined with ABC, CBS and NBC in supporting a possible
postponement of the DTV transition... In its third annual State of the Media Democracy report, Deloitte says the
computer is taking over from TV as the prime source of entertainment for 14-25s. The millennials, as they’re called
– by 75% – say that the digital shift is true for them, as it consistently is across five countries (U.S., UK, Brazil,
Germany and Japan) surveyed in the report. Ed Moran, Deloitte's director of product innovation, says millennials
are the most active in gaming, music and Internet use for socializing. As well, 59% of them use their cellphones
as entertainment devices versus 33% of all consumers. While millennials are spending one-third less time watching
TV, consumers still rank television as having the most impact on buying decisions... CTV says its online properties
had a record-breaking 2008, doubling 2007 results to 337 million total video streams... CBC/Radio-Canada is
Thursday, January 15, 2009
3
asking the CRTC to ensure that DTH BTUs provide CBC’s English and/or French programming fairly across
Canada. The Commission has begun hearings to examine services in both official languages to all linguistic
minority communities... Corus Entertainment’s renewal of its deal for series aired on U.S. specialty channel
Nickelodeon will include broadband, mobile and video-on-demand content. Corus gets Canadian rights to all
media for Nickelodeon series, including SpongeBob, SquarePants and Dora the Explorer. Nickelodeon parent
Viacom has long been thwarted in its desire for a Nickelodeon Canada channel but with this deal it now gets a
giant foot in the door... ABC News and the BBC’s Iraq partnership has been extended to include BBC day-to-day
reports. While ABC will reduce its full-time presence, it will continue to have a Baghdad bureau though with fewer
employees and no full-time correspondent. The Baghdad bureaus of ABC and all other U.S. nets and cable news
channels have spent a bundle since the war began in 2003 – millions per year.
CHECK YOUR STATION’S HISTORY BY CLICKING www.broadcasting-history.ca
R
ADIO: Margot Micaleff, the Chair/CEO of Vista Broadcast Group, has been appointed to the Board of
Canwest Global Communications. The appointment came yesterday (Jan. 14) in Toronto at the Annual
General Meeting where she was described as having “vast experience in the areas of mergers,
acquisitions, divestitures and governance”... Coleman Insights, based at Research Triangle Park, NC, has
released an on-demand presentation of its “Real PPM Panelists Tell All” study. Click www.ColemanInsights.com
to view the no-charge multimedia presentation delivered to delegates at the 2008 NAB Radio Show this past
September... CHML and Y108 Hamilton’s 32nd annual Christmas Tree of Hope campaign raised $220,000 for
25 local children’s charities. Since CHML began the Christmas Tree of Hope 32 years ago, about $4 million has
been raised for local charities... Canadian Satellite Radio Holdings, the parent of XM Canada, says it nearly
doubled its net loss in the fiscal 2009 first quarter on a big currency loss, but sharply increased revenues. The net
loss ballooned to $31.5 million or 66 cents a share for the three months ended Nov. 30, compared with a $16.2
million loss or 34 cents a share for the same period last year. Revenue in the quarter, however, rose 53% to $12.5
million from $8.1 million. The company says its loss reflected a $17.3 million foreign exchange loss... Motown
turned 50 on Monday, and organizers
have a year of celebrations planned. The
studio that was home to the likes of The
Supremes, Temptations, Four Tops,
Smokey Robinson, Jimmy Ruffin,
Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The
Commodores and the Jackson Five, to
name only a few, will become The
Motown Historical Museum. In this
anniversary year, look for special album
releases, documentaries, museum
exhibitions and a new stage musical
that’s in the works. Radio stations around
the world will also take part with
broadcast specials. Detroit city councillor
Martha Reeves, one of the Motown’s
former stars (with the Vandellas), was
among those taking part in the
celebrations. Over the years, Motown
produced nearly 200 No. 1 hits, with
many of them now considered classics
that continue to be covered by
contemporary musical acts. (Ed’s note: If
you haven’t yet seen the video Standing
in the Shadows of Motown, the story
behind the music, rent, buy or steal a
copy.)
Thursday, January 15, 2009
4
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EVOLVING DOOR: Danny Kingsbury, the long-time KISS-FM (CISS FM) Ottawa General Manager, is
no longer with the Rogers Radio Ottawa cluster. Kingsbury says the move was a re-structuring but, he
says, “It's all good, a sign of the times. I'm grateful for the past 10 years, Rogers treated me great, Scott
Parsons (Exec VP National Capitol Region/Ontario North/Atlantic Canada) is a terrific guy to work for and I have
loved Ottawa as almost everyone does.” Kingsbury may be reached at dannykingsbury@rogers.com ... Citing
the hard economic times that the company is facing, and planning a new direction for the company, CHIN Toronto
has parted company with one of its shareholders, Donina Lombardi, VP of CHIN TV and the youngest daughter
of the founder, the late Johnny Lombardi. Siblings Lenny and Theresa Lombardi are now the sole shareholders.
Joe Mulvihill, Exec VP/COO, was let go in the restructuring... Paul McGuire has become the third member of The
New Country 95.3 (CING-FM) Hamilton’s morning show. McGuire, a CMT host, joined Lea Cater and Brad
Hoffman as the new morning drive co-host this past Tuesday... Michael Skarzynski succeeds Steve Morris as
President/CEO of Arbitron. Morris remains Chairman. Skarzynski was most recently CEO of Iptivia, a
performance-management software company... Mitchell Blair and News Talk Radio – CJME Regina/CKOM
Saskatoon – have parted company after Blair resigned. The Regina-based sportscaster says he has no immediate
employment plans... Former Teletoon publicist Kate Dickson has been promoted to Communications Supervisor.
Part of her responsibilities include building awareness of the Toronto-based English networks... Bob Duck, ex
ND/Morning Show Co-Host at CHVN-FM Winnipeg, is now ND at CJCD-FM Yellowknife... Jessica Jackson
moves from the Jim Pattison stations at Cranbrook to become morning co-Host with Marlon Martens at B93
Lethbridge. She begins Feb. 2.
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IGN-OFFS: Charles T. McManus, 79, in hospital at Barrington, NS. He’d been in broadcasting for 30 years,
his last position as an Anchor at CFQC-TV Saskatoon (now CTV Saskatoon)... Valérie Letarte, 47, of
cancer in Sutton, Quebec. She was described as “a vivacious broadcaster who stimulated and entertained
youngsters for five years with her popular French-language radio show”, 275- allô/Ados-radio on RadioCanada.
L
OOKING: Newcap TV Lloydminster - News Producer/Editor; East Coast Music Association (ECMA)
Charlottetown - Executive Director; CJFX-FM Antigonish - General Manager; Astral Media Radio
Edmonton - Imaging Producer; Astral Media Radio St. Catharines – Senior Account Executive; Teletoon
Toronto – Communications Assistant; CTV Toronto – Engineering Technician, a Manager for Brand
Partnerships and a Program Host Current Affairs Program; CTV Regina – Creative Services/Promotions and a
Writer/Producer; Canwest Broadcasting Toronto – Program Coordinator/Drama and Factual Specialty Channels
and a Qualitative Research Supervisor; 1031 Fresh FM London – Midday Host; New Country 93.7 JRFM/100.5
The Peak Vancouver – Account Executive; and, Rogers Radio Medicine Hat – Creative Writer.
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UPPLYLINES: Elder Engineering founder Gordon Elder retired December 31 after almost 50 years in the
broadcast technical business. His company, too, “retired” having ceased operations from his King City,
Ontario, location. Stuart Hahn, Elder’s long-time associate, has formed Hahn Broadcast Engineering to
continue the tradition of service to Canadian broadcasting. Hahn is also located in King City... Andrew
Mulrooney and Guy Fournier have been promoted at Comlab’s Davicom division. Mulrooney became Director
of Technical Support and Training and Fournier is now Regional Sales Manager for the Canadian and U.S.
markets. Both appointments were effective Jan. 1... Jan Mills has been promoted to Director, Marketing
Communications, at Iroquois, ON-based Ross Video. He moves into the new new position after 31 years with the
company, the last 10 as Media Marketing Manager.
January 22, 2009
Volume 16, No. 33
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Page One of Four
ADIO: Astral Media, in what it describes as a reorganization at some of its
English-language radio operations, has cut 23 employees. The company
says most of the jobs – at all levels – will not be replaced. Last week, Astral
said it had outperformed industry rivals in the first quarter but has begun to
feel the effects of a softening Canadian economy, the rest of the year described by
some as being “grim”. Profit in the first quarter ended Nov. 30 rose to $42.4 million,
up from $37.5 million in the same quarter last year... The deal for Newcap to
purchase Haliburton Broadcasting’s 12 rural Ontario FM stations is dead. The
Dartmouth-based company blames “seriously deteriorating credit markets” for the deal having gone south. Rob
Steele, Newcap’s CEO, says that while the company sees the Haliburton properties as “attractive assets” Newcap
would someday like to own, “we have decided it is not the appropriate time to increase the debt levels of the
company''... Attendees at next Thursday’s Radio Marketing Bureau PPM Symposium will hear and be given the
opportunity to discuss the future of Portable People Meters with a panel of broadcasters and media agency
executives who have been actively involved in the launch of PPM in Canada. They are: Lesley Conway-Kelley,
Exec VP/GM, Astral Media Radio Sales; Mario Cecchini, VP, Quebec, Corus Radio; David Campbell,
President/CEO, Group M Canada; David McDonald – Group Manager, Radio – M2 Universal; and, Jim
MacLeod, CEO, BBM Nielsen Media Research. Tickets by clicking www.rmb.ca and clicking on Buy Tickets...
The broadcaster who brought “Baby Blue” movies to Toronto on Citytv back in the 70s is trying something similar
on his AM 740 Toronto. Moses Znaimer, who shocked Toronto when he dared to air soft-core pornography at
midnight on Friday nights, now has an hour-long radio show airing at Midnight, Monday through Thursday, called
Midnight Blue. It’s billed as “the first-ever, R-rated, late-night radio show”... As snow fell at a notorious downtown
Toronto intersection Saturday night, cars slowed to watch two hookers holding signs with the question: Should
prostitution be legal? It was part of an ad campaign for CFRB Toronto to get people talking about issues in the
city. But Valerie Scott, executive director of Sex Professionals of Canada, was quoted as saying: “Here they are
paying them for one hour to hold up a sign in order to get publicity for their radio station. I don't want to hear
Broadcast Dialogue
18 Turtle Path
Lagoon City ON L0K 1B0
(705) 484-0752
E-Mail, click HERE
Broadcast Dialogue Website
Thursday, January 22/08
2
[anything] on that station about how women should not be working on the street after this. Now they have zero
moral authority to complain”... The New York Festivals 2009 Radio Programming & Promotion Awards is
accepting entries up to March 31.
TV
/FILM: Global Toronto is eliminating its Noon newscast, resulting in 39 employees losing their jobs.
Canwest decided in November that it would eliminate the morning Global Toronto newscast, and in
the process, decided to cancel the lunchtime newscast as well. January 30 is said to be the last day
for both programs. The morning slot will be a simulcast of CH Morning Live from CHCH-TV Hamilton
on the E! Network. Canwest said in November that it would slash 560 jobs as it struggles to deal with slumping
ad revenues, the tough economic conditions and fierce competition... Meanwhile, Canwest Global, says the
Communications, Energy and Paperworkers (CEP) union, has petitioned the CRTC for a suspension of
conditions of licence imposed in 2001 respecting cross media ownership. The 2001 conditions called on the
company to ensure the independence and separation of newsrooms of its television services and affiliated
newspapers. CEP opposes such a suspension. Union VP Peter Murdoch is quoted as saying that “Canwest is
doing everything it can to slash newsrooms and reduce labour costs.” Canwest VP, Public Affair John Douglas
says CEP claims are wrong... If CTV’s airing of the controversial Steve Murphy interview with then-Liberal leader
Stephane Dion last October breached any national broadcasting codes, Canadian Broadcast Standards
Council Chairman Ron Cohen says we’ll know about it within months. A CTV producer indicated that a clip of
Dion stumbling wouldn’t air, but it
subsequently did, thus setting off a
debate about journalism ethics and
WANT YOUR TALENT TO GET TO THE NEXT LEVEL?
whether CTV was fair. Cohen says the
Find out how from someone who’s been there!
CBSC received roughly 30 complaints
about the broadcast... Scott Moore,
Lisa Brandt will aircheck your announcers and/or news staff, boost
the head of CBC Sports, says a drop
their writing skills and be your Talent Coach. Thorough, practical and
in revenue, coupled with the cost of TV
cost-effective.
rights, has caused CBC to pull out as
“When you want to be the best you have to give your people access to the
a carrier of Toronto Blue Jays
best. Lisa has done a great job at working with our entire group and inspiring
telecasts. Another factor was the
and helping our on-air staff to continue to work on their craft. The proof is on
CBC’s inability to supplement ad
the air! You can hear the improvement.” Jon Pole, President, MY FM
revenue with revenue from cable
companies. The CBC’s two-year
"Lisa mined subtle nuances from my scope I hadn't even considered.
contract with the club expired at the
Whether you're fresh out of school or an old fossil like me, the value to one’s
end of the 2008 season. The Jays
career is priceless.” Gordon Gibb, Drive Host, 980 KRUZ
were demanding the same fee, about
$150,000 a game, from all networks.
Combined with production costs of
Call or email to discuss your market-specific needs:
about $50,000, the total expenditure
www.lisabrandt.ca
(226) 448-7227
lisabrandt@rogers.com
approaches $200,000... Ottawa will
host The 29th Annual Genie Awards
April 4, 2009 at the Canada Aviation
Museum. The Academy of Canadian
Cinema & Television along with
Canwest Media and the National
Capital Commission have partnered
for this year’s event.
Thursday, January 22/08
R
EVOLVING DOOR: Confirmed as among those caught in
the 23 Astral Media Radio English staff cuts (see
RADIO) are: Rob Braide, VP Branding Communications
and Industry Relations (and former VP/GM at
CJAD/CJFM/CHOM-FM Montreal); Jean-Marie Heimrath,
VP/GM of Astral’s Toronto-based English-language radio
syndication arm, Orbyt Media (formerly Sound Source); Eric
Stafford, VP/GM of The Bear Ottawa; EZ Rock Toronto; PD
Brian DePoe; VP of English Programming Ross Davies; VP of
Engineering Dave Simon; CFRB Toronto Morning Anchor Jane
Brown; CFRB afternoon Anchor David Bent; CFRB evening
Anchor Bill MacDonald; CFRB overnight Anchor John Elston;
and, late night CFRB talk show Host Richard Syrett; and, Lee
Sterry, GM at Astral Radio Penticton. His successor is Sales
Manager Janet Burley who becomes GM/GSM. (ED.’s note:
Other names have been bandied about from various Astral radio
properties across the land but confirmation wasn’t yet available.
More in our next edition.)... Also at Astral Media Radio, VP/GM
Tom Cooke of the Hamilton cluster, will manage the London
Astral stations upon the retirement of Braden Doerr Feb. 27.
Cooke officially takes the London reins March 2. And at The
Bear Ottawa, Denis Bouchard, GM at Astral's Gatineau
stations across the river, is acting GM... VP/GM Paul Fisher is
no longer at Rogers Radio Vancouver. No word yet on a
successor... Gayle Zarbatany succeeds Danny Kingsbury at
CHEZ/KISS Ottawa as Program Director. She moves from sister
Rogers property CITI/Clear Winnipeg where she was CITI-FM
Station Manager/PD. Zarbatany begins in Ottawa Feb. 5. As an
aside, she’s married to another broadcast veteran, Ford
Gardner... CBC Ottawa Managing Editor George Hoff is no
longer with the public broadcaster. He’d been with CBC for 29
years, serving as Director of News gathering for TV and radio,
Senior Executive Producer of News gathering for TV and
Washington Bureau Producer. So far, a successor has not been
announced... Ed Ylanen is no longer with Astral Media Radio
as GM of the Peace River properties. Succeeding him as GM is
Terry Shepherd... Lucie Pelletier is the new GM at TVA
Sherbrooke. The post had been vacant since Dec. 31 when
Serge Matte retired. For Pelletier, it’s a return to TVA
Sherbrooke. Until recently, she held the position of sales and
marketing director at TQS.
3
GENERAL MANAGER
Atlantic Broadcasters Ltd.
Antigonish, NS
Atlantic Broadcasters
Limited has an exciting
opportunity for a
community broadcast
leader.
For more than 65 years,
CJFX has served its listeners a mix of music,
information and entertainment. A vibrant and engaged
member of the community, CJFX seeks a leader who
understands the connection between broadcasting and
community and is able to deliver that package in a
financially profitable model.
Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the GM will
continue to build on the strengths of a committed staff
of professionals and will be the “face” of the company
bringing the radio station into direct contact with the
community on a meaningful and ongoing basis.
Qualifications:
* Strong broadcaster with a commitment to excellence
* Successful background in radio and a minimum of 5
years experience in a managerial role
* Has a proven track record of achieving and overachieving budgets
* Understands the rural Canadian market
* Knowledge of the market and the community would
be an asset.
Compensation commensurate with qualifications and
experience. Applications will be accepted to Feb 12,
2009. Please reply in confidence to:
Noreen Nunn
President, Atlantic Broadcasters Ltd.
PO Box 5800
Antigonish, NS B2G 2R9
Click: nnunn@stfx.ca
L
OOKING: Atlantic Broadcasters, owner of X FM Antigonish, is looking for a GM to succeed David
MacLean who is leaving the station after 29 years. See the ad above... Other jobs we’ve heard about include:
Joy TV Winnipeg - General Sales Manager; Astral Television Networks, Toronto – Supervising Editor;
Canwest Broadcasting Toronto - Director, Broadband Video and a Master Control Operator - Digital; CBC
Vancouver – Manager Finance and Administration; CBC Regina – National Reporter; CBC Canada – Director,
Mobile Division; CBC Calgary – Regional Human Resources Manager; Rogers Radio Winnipeg – Program
Director; Astral Media Radio Regina – Broadcast Technology Professional; Astral Media Radio Montreal –
Junior IT Technician; Rogers Radio Medicine Hat - Creative Writer; and, CKFX-FM North Bay – Morning
Announcer.
G
ENERAL: Jim Shaw, the CEO of Shaw Communications, says consumers aren’t cutting back on cable
packages despite a recession. Instead, he says, they’re opting to keep the bells and whistles on their TV
and Internet services. Shaw customers don't appear to be bumping down their cable and Internet packages
to cheaper bundles, since it would only save them about $10 off their bills per month. “It's just not a big
Thursday, January 22/08
4
enough ... to worry about,” he was quoted as saying after
last week’s annual general meeting in Calgary. People,
he said, are more likely to scale back instead at the
grocery store or at the coffee shop... In the U.S., Clear
Channel CEO Mark Mays, in a memo to staff on
Tuesday, said approximately 1,850 positions across
Corporate, Outdoor and Radio have been eliminated,
about 9% of the CC workforce. Mays wrote that the
company is “facing an unprecedented time of distress in
the general economy –– and the ripple effects have hit
some of our largest customers hard”... Among 27 people
named to join the Order of Ontario is consumer
advocate Peter Silverman, best remembered for his
days at Citytv Toronto. Silverman now does his show
exclusively on radio at CFRB Toronto... The Western
Association of Broadcasters’ newly-designed website
(www.wab.ca) is now capable of accepting registrations
for the 75th Annual WAB conference to be held June 5-7
at Kananaskis... The Federal Communications
Commission has fined Comcast, Time Warner Cable,
Cox Communications, Charter Communications,
Cablevision Systems, Bright House Networks, Harron
Communications, Midcontinent Communications and
Suddenlink Communications a total of about $500,000
in amounts ranging between $7,500 and $25,000. Some
of those companies, too, were told to issue refunds to
subscribers for not giving 30-day notices about channel
changes. In October, the FCC asked 13 cablecos for
more information on their practices of migrating channels to digital. The Commission was concerned that those
who subscribe to less expensive tiers of analog service would have access to fewer channels because some have
been moved to the digital lineup. American cable companies want to move analog channels to digital to create
more room to add high-definition channels and other content. Comcast questioned the legitimacy of the FCC’s
probe while Time Warner Cable disagreed with the finding.
S
UPPLYLINES: Prestige Telecom of Montréal has completed its acquisition of all the outstanding shares
of Radian Communication Services (Canada), as well as certain U.S. assets of a Radian affiliate...
Hackett’s Cove, Nova Scotia-based Nautel Ltd. has been awarded the contract for 133 FM transmitters to
modernize Turkey’s national FM radio infrastructure. They’ll be deployed by Turkish Radio-Television
Corporation (TRT).
January 29, 2009
Volume 16, No. 34
Page One of Three
G
ENERAL: The Canadian Association of Broadcasters saw 14 people
dismissed yesterday (Wednesday), including COO Tina Van Dusen, in
what’s described by the CAB Board of Directors as a restructuring move
aimed at creating a “streamlined and effective advocacy association”. The
14 had been working in Member and Marketing Services, Regulatory and Policy,
Communications, Legal and Administration (see REVOLVING DOOR).
President/CEO Glenn O’Farrell had announced his resignation shortly after the
2008 national convention in Ottawa. Charlotte Bell, the Chair of the CAB Board
(and Senior VP Regulatory Affairs at Canwest Media in Toronto), says a renewed organization will “operate with
reduced resources and a more focused approach to advocacy relating to broadcasting sector policies and
copyright matters.” A new president will be recruited with a view toward what’s described as more forward looking
industry research to affect federal broadcasting policy, including copyright matters. Further, the annual CAB
convention slated to be held in Vancouver next fall, has been cancelled – the third such national event to be axed...
CBC/Radio-Canada has commissioned a two studies – one English, one French – to evaluate the breadth and
depth of its news content. The studies will also gauge public expectations. The third-party, independent study will
be made public... The federal government says its $10.7 million in the funding of high-tech industries in
southwestern Ontario will establish what it calls the Corridor for Advancing Canadian Digital Media, with hubs in
Kitchener and Stratford. It will include a Digital Media Convergence Centre in Kitchener and an institute at the
University of Waterloo that will encourage research and commercialization of digital media. The region already
boasts related companies such as Research in Motion, maker of the BlackBerry... Canwest's specialty channel
unit – CW Media Holdings – posted a $53.3 million loss in the first quarter, even as revenues climbed to $106.1
Broadcast Dialogue
18 Turtle Path
Lagoon City ON L0K 1B0
(705) 484-0752
E-Mail, click HERE
Broadcast Dialogue Website
If You Just Can’t Wait to See
February’s
BROADCAST DIALOGUE
Click on the Cover and Check out
The Complete Digital Edition.
January 29/09
Page 2
million, with $66.7 million of it coming from advertising. The rest was from subscriber revenue. The results were
affected by foreign exchange losses of $57.1 million... The Western Association of Broadcasters is hoping to
find a Manitoba TV manager for its Board of Directors. Nominations may be sent to info@wab.ca... The first
Advertising Week in Canada – in Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver – is seeing
events and speakers highlighting advertising’s role in society. In Toronto yesterday (Wednesday), the Canadian
Advertising Research Foundation sponsored Nigel Hollis’ session dealing with the Power of Advertising. Hollis,
the Exec VP/Chief Global Analyst at Millward Brown, discussed the PIMS program (Profit Impact of Market
Strategy) that follows the long-term effects of increasing, decreasing or maintaining advertising efforts during a
recession.
TV
/FILM: Faced with the updating to digital requirement, CTV and Canwest Media are looking at cutting
their losses, possibly by shutting some or all of their small- to medium-market A and E! stations. Both
nets fear – based on current regulation – that they will never again be profitable with those
conventional over-the-air operations. At CRTC hearings coming up in April, you can expect to hear that
argument being made, along with petitions to relax rules related to local programming. But while the networks are
arguing that their business model is compromised, the Commission and some others take an opposing view. They
suggest the problems are temporary. But both Canwest and CTV say that if a “break” is good enough for Quebec
TV network TQS, it’s good enough for them. The CRTC gave TQS’ new owners a licence, with minimal
requirements to produce local programming. It stipulated, however, that another look be given the TQS financial
situation after two years. That was done to prevent TQS from shutting its doors... CTV is ”a little behind” last year’s
position in the sale of Super Bowl ads. Rick Brace, CTV's president of revenue, business, planning and sports,
says “... sales are very last-minute” but also says the network is close to selling all commercial space by
tomorrow’s (Friday's) deadline... Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment has an agreement to buy an 80.1% stake
in Insight Sports specialty channel, GolTV Canada. The purchase of the 24/7 soccer network still needs CRTC
approval... The S-VOX group of companies has sold The Christian Channel to World Impact Ministries (WIM)
of St. Catharines. The Ontario-based charity’s purchase is still subject to CRTC approval... CTV Calgary has
completed installation of a high-def transmitter and is on the air with CTV HD Calgary, the only OTA operation in
the city to do so... Backers of a plan to expedite passage of a delay of the mandatory U.S. digital transition date
were didn’t fare well yesterday (Wednesday) when the move failed in getting the required two-thirds majority in the
U.S. House of Representatives. Republicans opposing the measure managed to gather up 168 nay votes to
prevent the extension passing with limited debate and no amendments. Earlier, the U.S. Senate had passed a bill
that would have extended the transition to all-digital TV signals from Feb. 17 to June 12. The additional time, said
legislators, was aimed at giving those who haven’t prepared for the switch do so in the coming months... The
federal government has renewed the Canadian Television Fund (CTF) at current levels for two years... A
commentary by Jim Kelley on a hockey hit didn’t promote violence, says the Canadian Broadcast Standards
Council. Kelley, on Prime Time Sports broadcast on Sportsnet Ontario, made tongue-in-cheek comments about
a hit by Mark Bell on Daniel Alfredsson during a Toronto Maple Leafs - Ottawa Senators game. The decision
may be found be clicking www.cbsc.ca.
January 29/09
Page 3
R
EVOLVING DOOR: Ron Suter, the SVP/GM of Toronto-based NBC Universal TV Distribution and SVP
of Universal Studios Canada, has been promoted to Executive VP/GM, Canada, NBC Universal Television
Distribution and Exec VP, Universal Studios Canada. He has been with NBC Universal since 1981, when
he started out in the records division of MCA in Toronto... Tayler ‘Hap’ Parnarby, a mainstay in the Toronto
market – and a broadcast journalist for 50 years – was among those Astral Media Radio people affected by last
week’s layoffs. Parnaby, 67, had been CFRB Toronto's chief correspondent since 1988 and a former mainstay
at the CKO-FM news network, CKEY Toronto and CHUM Toronto... Along with Glenn O’Farrell and Tina Van
Dusen (see GENERAL), other departures in yesterday’s dismissal of CAB staffers include: Carol Asboth administration; Sylvie Bissonnette - VP Finance & Administration & CFO; Sandra Benoit - Executive Assistant
to the President/CEO; Lindsey Ehman - Coordinator Public Affairs; Sean Kiely - Sr VP Member Relations &
Administration; Marye Ménard-Bos - Executive Director Events and Member Services; Pierre Pontbriand - VP
Communications; Jay Thomson - VP Regulatory and Policy; and, Susan Tolusso - Director of Communications...
Mike Duffy’s successor at CTV Newsnet is Tom Clark, the Washington Bureau Chief. His new show is to be
called On The Hill and a start date, says CTV, will be announced later. He continues as a back-up anchor for Lloyd
Robertson. Meanwhile, CTV South Asia Bureau Chief Paul Workman moves to Washington as Tom Clark’s
successor... Marc Michaels, the morning show host at Wired 96 (CFWD-FM) Saskatoon, moves to Vibe 98.5
Calgary, also in mornings. He succeeds Chad Martin who moved up to Ops Mgr... Rob Pepper of the Pepper
and Dylan morning show is also taking on the PD’s gig at The Bounce Edmonton, beginning next Monday
morning. He succeeds Dan Tucek who moved back to his home province of Ontario... Gord Craig, the ND at
SHINE FM (CJCA) Edmonton, was among several staff laid off. Management points the finger at the economic
downturn... Ryan Vanner moves from Big Dog 92.7 Regina to CBC Edmonton as a Broadcast Technologist,
effective Feb. 16... Michael Copps has been chosen by U.S. President Obama to run the FCC as Acting
Chairman until the likely candidate for the permanent position – Julius Genachowski -- is nominated and
approved.
R
ADIO: The CRTC, by majority decision, has denied all applications for a new FM’er in Guelph, three new
applicants and the fourth from Corus-owned CJOY Guelph for a flip to FM. The others are Blackburn
Radio, Frank Torres, and Guelph Broadcasting Corporation. The Commission’s studies on total
revenues generated in the Guelph radio market sealed the fate of all applicants, including CJOY’s proposed flip...
There were hearings in Orillia this week for a new station there but thinking in the corridors was split, half the
observers picking a winner and other half suggesting it may turn out to be a repeat of the Guelph decision.
Applicants for an Orillia FM’er are: Nick Montague; Larche Communications (holder of the market’s only licence,
CICX-FM), Bayshore Broadcasting, Newcap, Debra McLaughlin, Frank Torres, Rock 95 Broadcasting, and
Instant Information Services.
S
IGN-OFFS: Neil MacMullen, 70, suddenly at his home near Kentville, Nova Scotia. The former owner of
the Annapolis Valley Radio stations was found by his wife, Lorraine, on the floor of their Berwick house
apparently the victim of a heart attack. MacMullen sold the stations to Maritime Broadcasting Systems in
1998... Gordon Fred Kelly, 73, at Calgary’s Foothills Medical Centre. Gord Kelly, a Reporter and Anchor with
CFCN-TV (CTV) Calgary for over 50 years, retired in 2002.
L
OOKING: X92 FM Calgary - Technician; Astral Media Radio Regina – Creative Writer; CTV Toronto –
Motion Graphic Designer and a Graphic Designer; Canwest Broadcasting Toronto -- Senior Web
Application Developer-Team Lead; CBC Toronto – Manager of Planning; CPAC Ottawa -- Broadcast
Systems Maintenance Engineer/Technician; and, TVO Toronto – Contract Officer.
February 5, 2009
Volume 16, No. 35
Page One of Three
R
EVOLVING DOOR: On Ground Hog Day, CTV Toronto’s legendary
meteorologist, Dave Devall, saw his shadow and predicted 60 more days
until his retirement.
Devall has been with the
ROGERS MEDIA INC.
Toronto station for 48 years and
VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER
nationally on CTV Newsnet for
VANCOUVER RADIO OPERATIONS
10. His official retirement date is
set for April 3, yet he will remain
The Vice President/General Manager, Vancouver Radio
Operations will oversee all aspects of these 7 radio stations
on call for special events and as an occasional fill-in. CTV
(Vancouver, Squamish, Whistler and the Fraser Valley).
Toronto will count down Devall's final days on air with tributes,
He/she will lead a team of approximately 150 people.
stories and special events. Meantime, his successor will be
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Tom Brown, the Weather Specialist for CTV Toronto’s News
– Develop the overall strategy and operational leadership of
at Noon... Succeeding Melanie Kurzuk at CNW Group in
the business
Toronto when she leaves at month’s end will be Nicole Guillot,
-- Work with the radio senior leadership team to set and
achieve revenue and profitability objectives
the VP, Product Management & Operations. Kurzuk’s position
– Establish and maintain strong working relationships with the
as Sr. VP News and IT Division will not be filled but instead will
senior leadership teams in all parts of the Rogers
organization
be integrated into Ms. Guillot’s responsibilities... Jeff Lumby,
– Assess, lead and develop a high performing team.
the morning show Co-Host at DAVE-FM Cambridge, is no
longer with the station. A successor is being sought... Newton
FIRST YEAR PRIORITIES
During the first year the successful candidate will be expected
Choy, a 10-year veteran with Shaw Communications, has
to:
been promoted from Sales Manager to Regional Manager of
– Develop a comprehensive understanding of the business
plans, mission, strategies and current needs of the business
the Prince George office. He succeeds Terry Shepherd who
– Demonstrate strong leadership and drive change
returned to Astral Media Radio at Fort St. John/Dawson
– Provide effective, value-added insights into the operation of
Creek... Sarah Weaver has been promoted to Program
the business to ensure the leadership team can make fully
informed decisions
Manager at Corus-owned specialty channel VIVA. She had
-- Drive and grow EBITDA.
been the Project Manager for Women’s Specialty in the
CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS
television division and has been with Corus Entertainment for
The successful candidate will possess a combination of:
three years... Ranjan Thakre, the former Marketing and
– Significant success (6+ years) in a senior broadcasting
Communications Director, has been appointed to the new
leadership role with a heavy focus on the operational aspects
– A competitive mind set, with strong analytical and
position of Executive Director of Content at Saskatchewan
organizational skills
Communications Network (SCN) in Saskatoon. Also at SCN,
– A team building leadership style that will be effective in
developing, retaining and motivating a team of professionals
Executive Director of Programming Richard Gustin will retire
– Has effectively managed the financial reporting, budgeting,
April 17... Gail Rivett has become Astral Television
forecasting, and planning processes
Networks’ VP, Consumer Marketing at the company’s Toronto
– University or college degree (preferably in broadcasting) or
equivalent relevant industry experience.
office. She had been Senior VP Marketing & Publicity with
Alliance Atlantis in Toronto... Astral Radio’s EZ Rock
Please do not apply online.
Interested applicants are invited to e-mail a resume in
Edmonton saw Rob Vavrek promoted to PD a few weeks
confidence to colin.simpson@rci.rogers.com or send a
back. He had been handling the creative services and
resume to:
production/imaging department.
ROGERS MEDIA
Broadcast Dialogue
18 Turtle Path
Lagoon City ON L0K 1B0
(705) 484-0752
E-Mail, click HERE
Broadcast Dialogue Website
O
OPS: Sylvie Bissonnette was not one of the 14 let go
from the Canadian Association of Broadcasters as
reported here last week. Bissonnette, who is the CFO;
HUMAN RESOURCES
777 JARVIS ST
TORONTO ON M4Y 3B7
Rogers is an equal opportunity employer.
Thursday, February 5/09
2
VP Policy and Public Affairs Elizabeth Roscoe; General Counsel Margot Patterson; and, Chief Regulatory Officer
Pierre Louis-Smith will – as the search continues for a new President/CEO – form a management committee to
oversee the association.
S
IGN-OFFS: Russ Germain, 62, of cancer in Toronto. The veteran CBC broadcaster, who used to anchor
radio’s The World at Six, was with the Corp for 29 years, and was host of Ideas through the late '70s and
early '80s. He was also a TV newscaster on the local CBC Toronto station... Keith Gordon MacKenzie, 79,
in Nanaimo. MacKenzie, the former long-time Victoria radio and TV personality, first as a sportscaster on
CHEK TV and CKDA/CFMS, went on to become Executive VP of CKDA/CFMS.
G
ENERAL: Canwest Global
C o m m u n ications s a i d
Monday that it was looking at
divesting non-core assets as
it reviews its “strategic alternatives”,
a term which usually suggests a
range of options that could include its
sale. Canwest’s bankers have limited borrowing under the Canwest Media division's $300-million senior credit
facility. The revisions will limit borrowing under the credit line to $20 million until Feb. 27, in addition to $92 million
already drawn on the facility. Monday's announcement followed Canwest's mid-January disclosure that Canwest
Media was in danger of violating debt covenants... Canwest Global won a $50.7-million arbitration award from
Sun-Times Media Group, formerly Hollinger International, in a dispute over the purchase in 2000 of Hollinger's
Canadian newspaper group. Canwest originally claimed it was owed $84 million in adjustments arising from the
$3.2-billion deal for the former Southam newspaper chain of big-city dailies and half of the National Post. Hollinger
contended that Canwest owed it $116 million. The decision, with allocation of interest and legal costs still to be
determined, is subject to appeal in Ontario Superior Court... Moody's Investors Service says it worries about
American broadcasters. The already weak fundamentals, it says, are getting worse. Loan covenant noncompliance is likely and there’s the prospect that the ratings agency (Moody’s) will cut credit ratings for even more
broadcasters. But television companies, it says, are in worse shape than radio... CBC/Radio-Canada and
members of the Canadian Media Guild have reached agreement in a new five-year collective agreement. Guild
members voted 93% in favour of the deal, reached four months ahead of the expiry of the existing agreement. For
many CMG members, it's the first time in a decade that a contract has been reached without a strike or a lockout.
TV
/FILM: The CRTC says it
is reviewing the process
to potentially narrow the
focus to the way it issues
TV licences for the private networks.
The results, it says, should be
Thursday, February 5/09
3
announced Feb. 16. Meanwhile, CTV and Global, as well as smaller nets, are to appear at licence renewal
hearings in April when they will likely tell Commissioners that their small market stations are hurting at a time when
they’re supposed to be building digital transmitters. The networks, it’s speculated, may seek shorter licence terms
for some stations. A two- or three-year term is better than seven years, they argue, because the industry is in such
flux... Beneficiaries of the tough economic times and the arrival of the Barack Obama administration are the three
major U.S. networks’ evening news programs. ABC, CBS and NBC are getting far more viewers, hitting milestones
this week. CBS Evening News had its biggest weekly average in two years and ABC's World News its largest in
one year. The 11.5 million people who watched NBC's Nightly News last Monday was its biggest one-day audience
in three years... The Walt Disney Co.'s television division is cutting 400 jobs, or about 6% of its work force. The
cuts include 200 layoffs, while another 200 vacant positions will not be filled in a staff of between 6,500 and 7,000
people. The eliminated positions were at all levels and made across the Disney/ABC Television Group, which
includes the ABC network, ABC Studios, and cable channels including Disney Channel, SOAPnet and ABC
Family... The Banff World Television Festival has extended the Program Competition submission final deadline
for its awards, The Rockies, to Friday, Feb. 20. The festival will take place June 7-10 at the Fairmont Banff
Springs hotel... With the tallies in
from all U.S. markets, Nielsen
shows Super Bowl XLIII pushed
ahead to be the most-watched ever
and second only to the final
episode of "M*A*S*H" for the alltime TV average viewership title.
R
ADIO: Two new FM’ers for London, one to Blackburn Radio Inc., the other to Sound of Faith
Broadcasting (Faith). Blackburn’’s proposal to offer a Triple A format at 98.1 with 4,000 watts targeting 3464s, said the Commission, will add to the musical diversity of the London market while addressing an underserved demographic. In Faith’s case, the CRTC considered its proposal best to respond to the economic
capacity of the London radio market. The Commission gave low-power CHJX-FM, owned by Faith, a short-term
licence for its 234-watt station at 99.9... CKRZ-FM Ohsweken, the native community Six Nations radio station
near Brantford, went off the air Feb. 1 at 6 p.m. The board that governs the low-power station voted to pull the plug
because of a $100,000 debt. A source said that over the last year staff was laid off and corners cut but bingo
revenues and advertising tanked. CKRZ’s six remaining employees have been released. CKRZ went on the air
22 years ago with a 10-watt transmitter and donated equipment.. Corus Entertainment has partnered with
StreamTheWorld to deliver its 52 radio stations on a Corus iPhone application. The company says it’s the first
Canadian broadcaster to feature a native iPhone streaming application... Corus Quebec wants to cut about half
its staff at French-language INFO 690 (CINF) Montreal, an all-news station that’s had financial losses for several
years. Discussions are underway between the company and the union representing about 30 station employees...
Meanwhile, Corus Radio Quebec and the Federation of Chambers of Commerce will join forces to air financial
“good news” stories. The move is meant to counter consumers’ frustrations caused by the economic conditions.
Beginning March 2, Corus will disseminate three daily 60-second items to its 14 French and English Quebec
stations... Nashville Mayor Karl Dean has dubbed the week of March 2 as Country Radio Week, in honor of the
Country Radio Broadcasters' CRS 40 meeting to be held there. Country radio specialists Jaye Albright and
Michael O’Malley have lined up a five-hour slate of presentations, speakers and special events for their clients
attending CRS.
L
OOKING: Rogers seeks a VP/GM for its Vancouver cluster of radio stations. See the ad on Page 1... Other
jobs we’ve heard about include: Astral Media Radio Toronto – Business Manager and a Commercial
Producer; Astral Media Radio Prince Rupert – Morning Show Announcer; CTV Toronto – Camera
Operator; CBC News Toronto Director, Digital Media; Corus Radio Cornwall – Creative Writer; Q107
Toronto – Promotions Coordinator; DAVE-FM Cambridge - Morning Show Co-Host; CFAX Victoria - News
Announcer; CKFX-FM North Bay – Morning Announcer; Astral Media Radio Penticton - Account Executive and,
Astral Télé Réseaux Montreal - Directeur(trice), services crééatifs.
S
UPPLYLINES: Laura O’Hare has joined Peterborough-based Capella Telecommunications, a distributor
of voice, video and data systems, as Director of Product Management. She had been with White Radio as
National Product Development Manager, and was at Rogers Cable Engineering.
February 12, 2009
Volume 16, No. 36
TV
Page One of Four
/FILM: Private television broadcasters saw profits plummet by almost
93% for the year ended Aug. 31, just a month or so before we learned
of the economic fallout that would affect markets worldwide. Even so,
the CRTC’s annual report on the health of over-the-air private TV
blamed rising competition and a sluggish ad market for revenues that fell 1.5% to
$2.1 billion. But just $8 million of that was the profit before interest and taxes
compared with $112.9 million in 2007. The revenue drop came after CTV and
Global warned the regulator last year that the financial model for network TV was
breaking down. In Quebec, Pierre Dion, the President/CEO of TVA Group, is quoted in a Quebecor news release
saying “... the legislation governing broadcasting dates from an era when the television market was dominated by
three over-the-air networks... “, ”The industry has changed considerably but the regulatory framework has not” and
“... specialty channels are piling up spectacular profits while merely meeting their regulatory obligations and
generating few benefits for producers of Canadian content.” Dion says Quebecor, TVA’s parent company, wants
carriage fees: “The fact that they cannot collect both carriage fees and advertising revenues, as the specialty
channels can, has pushed private general-interest broadcasters to the edge of the abyss." But at the hearings last
year, the cable industry argued that if a fee were allowed then they would pass it onto consumers who, they
argued, wouldn't stand for it. Since then, Rogers Communications has announced price increases on channel
packages. That move leaves the networks bitter as they prepare for April’s licence renewal hearings. At Canwest
Global, spokesman John Douglas says the company will continue to push for a carriage fee: “The industry is
challenged and the model has to be reconfigured, and clearly there needs to be change on the regulatory side to
reflect the economic realities of the industry right now”... Meantime, Canwest has put its E! stations – CJNT-TV
Montreal, CHCH-TV Hamilton, CHCA-TV Red Deer, CHBC-TV Kelowna and CHEK-TV Victoria – up for sale,
or re-branding, or re-programming or possibly even closing one or all of them. They could be sold as a group or
go individually but, says the company, if a buyer or buyers can’t be found within two months the stations may be
shut down. Canwest has hired RBC Capital Markets to help with the process. CEO Leonard Asper says the
company wants to concentrate efforts on Global Television and its more profitable specialty channels, divesting
non-core assets. Both Canwest and CTV, in these months just ahead of April renewal hearings, say their smallmarket stations are in trouble and that shutdowns are a possibility. Canwest’s $3.6 billion debt from acquisitions
of newspapers and specialty stations dragged down the company's finances. In a memo to staff, Canwest
Broadcasting Interim President Peter Viner said that “operating a second conventional network in Canada is no
longer key to the long-term success of our broadcasting business”. Further, he wrote, that while the five E! stations
have contributed to Canwest and their local communities, the company believes it must “leverage our collective
assets –– conventional, specialty and online –– and focus our resources on the areas of greatest return. This
means concentrating on one powerful and profitable conventional brand –– Global”... Online TV is getting a greater
percentage of viewing numbers. In its latest Fast Forward Quarterly research, Toronto-based Solutions Research
Group reports that 41% of online Canadians report having watched a TV show via the Internet. Short video
viewing, says SRG is becoming nearly universal, with over 70% watching short clips or streaming content on a
regular basis. That’s double the rate of Q4 2006 viewing levels. Three in five online Canadians agree with the
statement, “Soon all TV shows will be available for viewing on the Internet”. Other findings include: 32% of
Canadian households (4 million homes) now have an HD-capable set although HD-box adoption is much slower,
at only about 1.5 million; PVRs show only gradual growth in Canada, about half the levels observed in the U.S.
(13% in Canada, 25% in the U.S.); and, among digital cable subscribers, 12% use VOD weekly, flat during several
quarters of tracking. The Fast Forward Quarterly study tracks the digital lifestyles of Canadians... About two million
Canadians who use rabbit ears or rooftop antennas will be affected when U.S. broadcasters switch to digital June
12. They’ll need set-top converter boxes – at about $100 each – to receive over-the-air U.S. broadcast signals or
all they’ll get is a blank screen...
Broadcast Dialogue
18 Turtle Path
Lagoon City ON L0K 1B0
(705) 484-0752
E-Mail, click HERE
Broadcast Dialogue Website
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Page 2
A few self-described “old-timers” from CKCO-TV Kitchener are putting together a website showing the early days
of the CTV station. Former staff are asked to send photos or videos of their days at the station. A few samples can
be seen at: http://ckco-history.com and submissions can be sent to info@ckco-history.com.
R
ADIO: Heritage Minister James Moore, speaking to the Heritage Subcommittee earlier this week, said
he'd consider allowing advertising on CBC Radio. Further, Moore – during questioning – said he isn't ruling
out any option that could help the CBC or any other broadcasters, all of which are facing economic
challenges. He was clear, however, that the idea of ads on CBC Radio hasn’t been discussed with the
Corporation but that “... I would certainly work with them on any option that they think would work to best serve their
mandate in serving Canadians”. The extra revenue which the CBC could gain from ads across all of its English
and French radio services is estimated to be roughly $95-million... On another matter, Heritage Minister Moore
told the Heritage Committee that the timing of the Copyright Reform bill (C-61) is still being worked out but that it
likely won’t come before Parliament until next fall... Radio reaches 90% of adults 18+ every week, according to the
annual Foundation Research study of 1,012 Canadians. The more active you are, it says, the more radio you
listen to. Working Canadians, parents and the affluent account for a weekly reach of 94% or better. Highlights
include: 81% of adults listen daily, second only to TV in reach; and, radio use in 2008 increased or stayed the
same as the previous year for 83% of adults... CFRA Ottawa talker Lowell Green has fallen afoul of the Canadian
Broadcast Standards Council for breaching the CAB’s Code of Ethics over his comments about the Islamic
religion. The question of the day was “Is there something inherent in the Muslim faith that promotes violence and
oppression of women?” The majority of callers answered in the affirmative, a few disagreed and Green adamantly
expressed his own view that “almost every act of terrorism around the world today . . . is carried out in the name
of Islam. [...] Don’’t tell me this is the work of a few fanatics.” In another talk show decision, this one about Andrew
Krystal’s show on News 88.9 (CHNI-FM) Saint John, the CBSC determined that a caller’s hostile comments
toward guest Paul Watson, the head of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, did not promote violence. The
caller suggested that Watson should suffer the same fate as seal pups. Complete decisions on both decisions may
be found by clicking www.cbsc.ca... 89.5 The Hawk (CHWK-FM) Chilliwack launches Feb. 20 under the
leadership of GM/SM Kevin Gemmell. PD/Morning Host is Glen Slingerland. The new station is owned by Radio
CJVR Ltd., based in Melfort, Saskatchewan, and was licenced last year... CHED Edmonton will remain the Voice
of the Edmonton Eskimos for four more
years. The CFL club and Corus
Entertainment’s contract extension
makes CHED the exclusive rights holder
of all Eskimos' home and away games
through to the end of the 2012 season...
Both the U.S. House and Senate have reintroduced measures that would charge a
performance fee to local radio stations.
Opposing it, the National Association of
Broadcasters says the performance fees
would do little to help artists. Instead,
says NAB, it would mainly improve the
bottom line of the top music labels... The
staff at CFOB Fort Frances have
unanimously ratified a new collective
agreement with Northwoods
Broadcasting, owner of the
Northwestern Ontario station... The
Community Radio Fund of Canada has
launched its first call for proposals for
Canadian community-oriented
broadcasters and associations.
Contributions are available under two
programs: Radio Talent Development and
the Youth Internship Program. The
deadline for each is March 27.
Applications are available at
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Page 3
www.communityradiofund.org. The CRFC is certified as an eligible recipient of Canadian content development
(CCD) contributions... Sirius XM Radio Inc. has been working with its advisers to prepare for a possible
bankruptcy filing, according to the New York Times. The newspaper cites people close to the company. Neither
Sirius nor EchoStar Corp., which holds a large amount of Sirius XM debt, would comment. Yesterday
(Wednesday), Sirius XM stock went into freefall on the NY Times report. Shareholders stand to get nothing if it files
Chapter 11 to thwart a takeover by EchoStar... ... KDKA Pittsburgh has been fined $6,000 by the FCC because
of a talk show prank promising $1 million to a caller. The money was promised to the 13th caller on U.S.
Thanksgiving 2007. That listener stayed on hold for 45 minutes thinking he had won the money. CBS argued the
offer was clearly a joke. But the FCC said the host misled listeners by calling the contest “the real deal”.
G
ENERAL: In a piece by Bea Vongdouangchanh in The Hill Times referring to the 14-person cut at the
Canadian Association of Broadcasters, government and communications consultant Gord McIntosh
is quoted as saying that he thinks what happened at the CAB resembles the demise of the Canadian Cable
Television Association three years ago. There were so few CCTA members left, says McIntosh, that they
essentially said: “Why don't we just do this ourselves?” On Jan. 28, the CAB announced that “the renewed
organization will operate with reduced resources and a more focused approach to advocacy relating to
broadcasting sector policies and copyright matters.” McIntosh is quoted as saying that the downsizing or eventual
elimination of an industry association could be detrimental in the long run to public policy because industries should
be able to speak with one voice. But he believes the CAB will survive. "I just don't think it will be quite the same
as it was pre-recession . . . it's got no communication shop, so what are you going to do once it's time to talk to
your stakeholders? You need an impartial voice on behalf of the industry that can speak to everybody and that's
institutional memory, and institutional expertise"... Canada’s Auditor-General says the CRTC is among federal
agencies that are drowning in paperwork. Sheila Fraser says the problem persists despite first being identified
five years ago. It’s the administrative stuff related to human resources and finance that the regulator has to file to
other, larger departments. Some agencies now write more than 100 such reports each year with many likely only
collecting dust. The CRTC, said one insider, is doing “more and more” paperwork that has no relation to the
Commission’s core responsibilities... The Canadian Press wants investment from those who are interested in
taking an ownership stake in Canada’s news cooperative. While any decision to move in that direction must first
be approved by the board, CP management says it has to now consider a restructuring. CP wants to expand
further into online video and mobile news feeds for cellphones and BlackBerrys. But in a memo to staff, the
likelihood of buyouts and possible layoffs because of tough economic times for news organizations was also
raised... Network TV, newspapers, general interest magazines and even the big Internet sites like Facebook are
failing to thrive, says Kelly Toughill, an associate professor in the School of Journalism at the University of
King's College in Halifax. In a Toronto Star opinion piece last weekend, Toughill asserted that the Internet grabs
attention not because of speed but by being niche targeted thus delivering targeted advertising without wasting
time and money delivered by shotgunning ads. The fragmentation of the whole marketplace (e.g. 34 different
brands of toothpaste on the same shelf) is hurting mainline media the most. Why advertise on a network when you
can place your ad for less money on a specialty channel catering to your specific market, asks the professor.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Page 4
Loughill bemoans the deterioration of mass media’s community-building function, i.e. the spending of time watching
or listening or reading items while on your way to what you really want to see or hear. Coughill’s point? Having 34
different kinds of toothpaste in one store encourages the fragmentation of society itself... Among the Canadian
Women in Communications 2009 award winners are:
– Susanne Boyce – President,
Creative, Content and Channels, CTV Inc.; and,
- Nyla Ahmad - VP, New
Venture Operations & Strategic Partnerships, Rogers Communications, Robin McIntyre - Regional President
– Ottawa, Rogers Communications, Margot M. Micallef QC - Chair & CEO, Vista Radio and Susan Wood Manager, Partnerships and Sponsorships, CBC British Columbia. Presentations will be made at the CWC
Annual Awards Gala March 31 at the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa... Beginning in September, Loyalist
College in Belleville will begin offering a blend of journalism training: a three-year advanced diploma, Journalism On-line, Print and Broadcast. The offering, says Loyalist, will meet the industry's need for professionals with
diversified skills and abilities to work within the converging media environment.
R
EVOLVING DOOR: After 25 years, Jeff Forgeron, Supervisor at Global Ontario's transmission
department, has moved to CTV Toronto as Manager, Transmission Engineering... Returning to K-97
Edmonton in mornings is “The Terry, Bill and Steve Show”, beginning Feb. 23. The trio has been apart
for three years (after six years as an on-air team at K-97)... At NCI Winnipeg, three new hires though,
arguably, the most notable is Bryan Stone as Ops. Mgr. Stone was the former long-time VP/GM at CHUM
Winnipeg. Most recently, he’d been with the non-profit Winnipeg Harvest. Stone starts next Tuesday. Maureen
Spence, ex of the Winnipeg Sun, became Sales and Marketing Manager and Miles Morrisseau becomes the
PD Feb. 17... Kath Thompson, MD and Host of Virgin Radio 1069 “Gods of Rock” Ottawa show will move west
to join the new 97.7 Calgary as Asst PD. The move is expected at about mid-March... Mitch Drew joined the
JOYTV 10 Vancouver Sales Department as an Account Executive after two years working at an advertising
agency. He was Sales Manager of the station – 2001-2005 – when it was known as NOWTV... Ian Scott has
joined Telesat in Ottawa as Executive Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs. Most recently, he was VP,
Federal Government Relations for Telus... Jamie Mason, the morning show Host at Astral Media Radio Prince
Rupert, has followed PD Craig Ellis’ call to join him at CFNR Terrace as the afternoon drive Host. Ellis had also
hired him at Prince Rupert two and a-half years ago when he was Radio Operations Manager BC Northwest for
then-Standard Broadcasting.
S
L
IGN-OFF: Charlie MacMillan, 60, in a skiing accident while on vacation in B.C. MacMillan taught hundreds
in his radio and television broadcasting course at Sydney Mines, N.S., many of whom are now spread across
Canada.
OOKING: The New Wired (CFWD-FM) Saskatoon – Creative Writer and an Account Executive; Astral
Television Networks Toronto – Consumer Marketing Manager, Movie Services and an Interstitial
Programmer; CTV Toronto - Post Production Supervisor; Canwest Broadcasting Toronto - HR Specialist;
CBC Sudbury – Sr Researcher French Services; CKPG TV Prince George – Writer/Producer; Astral Media
Radio Terrace – Creative Writer for Radio/TV; Virgin Radio Toronto – Account Executive; Astral Media Radio
Penticton - Morning Show Co-Host; FLY FM/ 98.9 The Drive Kingston – Traffic Director; CHUM Toronto - Sales
Account Executive, Digital Media; CFCY/CHLQ/CJRW Charlottetown - GSM; and, Rogers Radio Ottawa – Music
Director.
S
N
UPPLYLINES: Curtis Pippin of WesTower Communications in Saskatoon leaves the organization this
week. The contact at WesTower is now Brent Hrywkiw, VP, Midwest Operations.
EW SUBSCRIBERS THIS WEEK INCLUDE: Kevin Gemmell, GM/Sales Manager of 89.5 The Hawk
(CHWK-FM) Chilliwack. Welcome!
February 19, 2009
Volume 16, No. 37
Page One of Two
TV
/FILM: The CRTC says it’s predisposed to one-year licence renewals
for over-the-air TV broadcasters instead of the usual seven-year
renewals. Grappling with the major financial issues gripping the
industry, says the Commission, is a necessary stop-gap measure.
Carriage fees, however, aren’t in the cards, at least for now despite last week’s
figures showing conventional private broadcasting’s profits in 2008 were at their
lowest level in 13 years. The major OTA broadcasters say they need new sources
of revenue to deal with the increasing share of ad money going to specialty cable
channels and to the Internet. The Commission says the hearing beginning April 27 will be of a more limited scope
than usual, focusing on four key issues: The appropriate contributions to Canadian programming in the current
economic conditions; terms of administering the Local Programming Improvement Fund; whether to impose a
requirement that spending on Canadian programming and non-Canadian spending is equal (on a one-to-one ratio);
and, terms for the transition to digital. Comments from broadcasters should be submitted by next Monday, Feb.
23... Meanwhile, The CRTC is considering placing a cap on how much the big TV networks can spend on acquiring
hit U.S. shows. The proposal would require CTV, Global, and Citytv to spend the same amount on Canadian
programming as they do on American programs. CRTC data released earlier last week showed the networks spent
a record $775-million on foreign programming last year, with most of it coming from our neighbour to the south.
The networks say that the ad dollars derived from popular foreign shows help pay for their Canadian productions...
The English-language arm of Al-Jazeera wants a specialty licence in Canada, one with a broader reach than the
one granted in 2003. Back then, Al-Jazeera Arabic won a licence but the conditions were so restrictive that cable
companies chose not to carry it. The new application was submitted yesterday (Wednesday) by Ethnic Channels
Group, a multi-ethnic broadcaster with 12 channels in Canada.
Broadcast Dialogue
18 Turtle Path
Lagoon City ON L0K 1B0
(705) 484-0752
E-Mail, click HERE
Broadcast Dialogue Website
G
ENERAL: Canadians are watching more videos and TV shows on computers and cellphones, programming
that isn’t Canadian. CRTC hearings began Tuesday in Hull to review the Commission’s policy of allowing
broadcast content to be unregulated on those two mediums. Cultural groups argue that time is running out
for regulators to ensure Canadian content remains a player in the new media. Actors, producers and
directors urged regulators to drop their hands-off approach and begin treating new media as just another delivery
platform. Several commissioners noted, however, that it’s not clear if there even is a problem needing to be
tackled. As one industry observer noted: “measuring the extent of Canadian content would be a nightmare.” This
hearing is expected to go well into March... Rogers Communications says lagging TV ad sales dragged its fourth
quarter to a $138-million (22 cents per share) loss. The results included a writedown of $294 million, reflecting a
decrease in the value of its television division and associated impairment charges. A year earlier, fourth quarter
profits were $254 million, or 40 cents a share. Rogers Media President/CEO Tony Viner is quoted as saying: “So
far, things aren't getting any better in (the first quarter) and I don't expect we'll see any positive inflection until, at
best, the latter parts of the year”... TVA Group had a fourth-quarter profit of $14.4 million, down from the year
earlier’s $15.6 million. The Quebecor Media subsidiary said its earnings amounted to 60 cents a share, compared
with 58 cents last year. While the company's TV business saw a 26% increase in operating income from specialty
channels, losses increased at Sun TV Toronto on lower advertising and operating income... Canwest Global
Communications, which owns 56.6% of Ten Network Holdings, says its Australian TV broadcasting unit has
decided to scrap a proposed equity offering. The decision to cancel the financing announced earlier this week,
says Canwest, reflected “difficult financial market conditions” and terms that weren't acceptable... Richard
Dearden, counsel for the Ottawa Citizen, told the Supreme Court of Canada that libel law needs to be changed
to protect journalists against defamation suits, even when they get some of their facts wrong. But Ronald Caza,
the lawyer for a former Ontario Provincial Police constable, says such changes would allow the media to publish
Thursday, February 19, 2009
2
false statements and escape liability. Caza fought and won a $100,000 damage award against the Citizen after
news reports questioned the degree of rescue training the former constable had before he and his dog went to New
York following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Bottom line: What’s wanted is a new legal test on whether or not a story
is in the public interest and whether a news outlet made a good-faith effort to ensure its information was correct.
What we now have are traditional common-law principles that require every fact in a story to be proven true.
R
ADIO: Sirius XM Radio came to an agreement with Liberty Media where Liberty will make $530 million
in loans to Sirius XM in return for a 40% equity stake. The funding staved off both Chapter 11 and an
aggressive push by EchoStar to gain control of the American satellite radio company... Howard Cogan
hasn’t been heard on the Canadian Jack stations lately and that’s apparently because Rogers Radio
decided not to renew his contract. Cogan continues with JACK Calgary plus imaging the JACK USA stations.
(Ed’s note: It’s kinda like hearing another voice doing the intros to the Law & Order TV series)... RNC MEDIA is
launching new formats and IDs tomorrow (Friday) in the Quebec regions of Outaouais, Saguenay and Abitibi –
TAG Radio X 96.5, KYK Radio X 95.7 and GO Radio X 95.7, 104.3, and 102. RNC already operates X Radio
Quebec City... The Local Radio Freedom Act, a resolution to stop any new performance fees, taxes or royalties,
has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Gene Green, D-Texas, and Mike Conaway RTexas. The measure has 110 co-sponsors (73 Republicans and 37 Democrats).
R
EVOLVING DOOR: Gerry Murphy, the long-time GM of CFSX Stephenville, retired Jan. 30. Succeeding
him from his base in Corner Brook is Ian Balfour, the Ass’t General Manager, Western Newfoundland and
Labrador for Steele Communications (a division of Newcap)... Braden Doerr is calling it a day come Feb.
27. After that, the VP/GM of Astral Media Radio London will be retired and “working from the extensive bucket
list” of things he says need doing. Hamilton cluster manager Tom Cooke will take on the added responsibility of
the London stations... Dave Scapillati, the General Manager, Media Sales & Marketing at CBC Television and
based in Toronto, has left the corporation. A former Coca-Cola executive, Scapillati was responsible for introducing
campaigns such as Hockey Night in Canada’s Anthem Challenge, Kraft Hockeyville and One Million Acts of
Green... New PD at Q92 Montreal is Brian Depoe, ex of Virgin Radio Toronto. Depoe was among those caught
in the Astral Media English Radio layoffs a couple of weeks back... Moving to Big Dog 92-7 Regina March 6 as
Creative Director is Rob Arnold, the Creative Director at Astral Media Radio (BC Interior - South) Kelowna...
Charlee Morgan will join Rawlco Radio’s New 97.7 (CIGY-FM) Calgary in mid-April as Co-Host of the morning
show, among other on-air duties. She makes the move from FM1049 (CKCL-FM) Vancouver where she was a
morning personality... Nancy Slater, the morning show Co-Host at 102FM North Bay – and 17 years in radio –
is moving on. Next stop is Ramsay Media, a production company in Kingston... Troy Scott, ex morning co-host
at Hank-FM Winnipeg, has joined B-103 Kelowna in that same position, partnering with Heather – The Morning
Buzz with Heather & Troy.
S
IGN-OFFS: Ron Able, 57, of pancreatic cancer in Winnipeg. Able was the longtime QX104 (CFQX)
Winnipeg morning show host, along with Caroline Hunter. He was diagnosed with cancer in early January.
Able’s radio career took him to Montreal, Halifax and Vancouver but for the last 12 years he’d been in the
morning chair at CFQX... Edward J (Ted) Delaney, 77, after a five-month illness that included a perforated
ulcer and complications, in hospital near Toronto (Stouffville). He was best known in broadcasting for his many
years at Baton Broadcasting (CFTO-TV) Toronto, first in sales and then when he became VP of Programming.
In 1988, Delaney moved to his last position before retiring, that of Executive Vice President... Michael O'Connell,
63, of a pulmonary disease in Halifax. He is best remembered as the CKOY-AM Ottawa (Newsradio) veteran who
Margaret Trudeau used to phone on-air.
L
OOKING: CFPL 980 London - Account Manager; Astral Media Radio Kelowna – Creative Director and
an Account Executive (inside sales); KFUN (CKKW-FM) Kitchener/Waterloo – Host, Afternoon Drive;
POWER 97 (CJKR-FM) Winnipeg – Afternoon Drive Announcer; AM640 Toronto – Talk Show Producer;
Astral Television Networks Toronto – Account Executive; TVO Toronto - Digital Media Producer/New
Media Specialist; CBC Ottawa – Director, National Compensation; TLN Television (Telelatino) Network Toronto
- Controller; and, CPAC Ottawa - Broadcast Systems Maintenance Engineer/Technician.
N
EW SUBSCRIBERS THIS WEEK INCLUDE: Jim Haskins, CBC-TV Edmonton. Welcome!
February 26, 2009
Volume 16, No. 38
TV
Page One of Four
/FILM: A (CKNX-TV) Wingham and A (CHWI-TV) Windsor will be closed
when their licences expire at the end of August. CTV says the economic
model for television in Canada is broken. CTVglobemedia Exec VP of
corporate affairs Paul Sparkes warns that the company may need to consider
similar action in other markets. Windsor and London viewers who wish A News will,
after August, need to tune to A (CFPL-TV) London. A stations are also licenced
in Ottawa, Victoria and Barrie. Last week, CTV said it would shut down CKX-TV
Brandon when its licence expires at the end of August unless a buyer can be
found. CBC Television has been buying the CKX airtime but told CTV that it no longer wants to do so. The public
network says it can’t afford to buy the station outright. About 40 people work at the western Manitoba broadcaster
which was founded in 1955... But on the same day of the CTV-CKX announcement, CRTC Chair Konrad von
Finckenstein – in a speech to the Canadian Film and Television Production Association's (CFTPA)
conference in Ottawa – made note of declining ad revenues, slumping profitability, loss of audience and even the
need to re-examine the switchover from analog to digital transmission. He also referred to a decision last year
which turned down the request by TV networks to charge BDUs for their signals. “While we turned down this
request . . . we are not blind to the plight of conventional TV," he said. Conventional broadcasters understood the
need to give new specialty channels a free ride at the beginning of the 500-channel universe but now, they say,
that “invitation only” party is over... Debt rating
agency Dominion Bond Rating Services
(DBRS) downgraded two divisions of Canwest
Global on Monday; Canwest Media Inc. and
Canwest LP. The company has a deadline of
this Friday for a $100-million debt facility.
Canwest Media's rating was downgraded to
CCC from B-high, while Canwest LP was shifted
to CCC-high from BB-low – both considered
below investment grade. It was last Friday that
the Globe and Mail reported Canwest to be
searching for last-minute financing to avoid filing
for bankruptcy or having to divide and sell
assets. The company’s largest shareholder,
apart from the Asper family, is Fairfax Financial
Holdings. It has been gradually increasing its
stake in Canwest over the past year to its
present 22.41%. In a memo to staff before the
weekend, CEO Leonard Asper said that what is
often overlooked is that “Canwest’s businesses
are highly profitable and generate well over $500
million a year in operating profits. Our issue is
that in this recession, those profits have been
reduced by a serious downturn in revenue so
our ‘mortgage’ is too high for our lenders liking.”
In an effort to reassure employees, he said:
“Regardless of the paths that we follow, these
businesses are strong. They will continue to
operate and need talented people to keep them
Broadcast Dialogue
18 Turtle Path
Lagoon City ON L0K 1B0
(705) 484-0752
E-Mail, click HERE
Broadcast Dialogue Website
February 26/09
Page 2
strong. We still have to produce newspapers, web pages and television programs and these all need to be
supported with advertising. From what I can see, we are doing this as well, if not better than anyone out there right
now.” The company raised a little cash this week by selling part of its stake in The Score – about 16.6 million
shares -- for $6.62 million. Canwest also retained Genuity Capital Markets to steer the sale of its remaining nine
million shares, which could bring in another $3.6-million... CTV’s The Bridge has been picked up by CBS, the
second such CTV production to go on that Amnet. CTV now partners with CBS for Flashpoint. As well, The
Listener – another upcoming CTV show – will air on NBC... And two more Canadian series are on their way to U.S.
TV screens. ION Television says it will acquire The Border (Fireworks International) and The Guard
(Lionsgate), both one-hour original dramatic series. They’ll each make their American debuts later this year. The
Border follows members of Canada’s Immigration and Customs Security Unit working with the U.S. Department
of Homeland Security while The Guard focuses on members of a Coast Guard Search and Rescue. The Guard
is produced by Halifax Film and Brightlight Pictures, and is shot in B.C... TVO, Ontario's public educational
media organization, is bringing its TVOKids songs and music videos to iTunes. The TVO-iTunes partnership
covers four international contracts: North America, Japan, Europe and Australia-New Zealand. TVO engages a
wider audience across multiple platforms including Yahoo! Canada, Joost.com and YouTube.
R
ADIO: Erin Davis, the co-Host of CHFI Toronto’s morning show, is the winner of The Rosalie Award 2009.
It will be presented during the 7th Annual Trailblazers' Breakfast Friday, March 13, during Canada Music
Week at Toronto’s Royal York Hotel. The award, inspired by legendary CKLW Windsor/Detroit Music Director
Rosalie Trombley, honours outstanding Canadian women in broadcasting. Between 1967 and 1984, Trombley
was the most powerful MD in North America – possessive of an uncanny ability to pick hit songs... Of adults
surveyed, 83% say their time with radio and the Internet increased or remained the same in 2008; compared to
TV at 76% and print at 79%. The 2009 Foundation Research study shows radio continuing to perform well. Of
those adults, 36% listened to radio while surfing and radio/Internet multitasking is above average for adults 18-34
(39%), working adults (39%), women with children (43%), working women (44%) and business executives (41%)...
Corus Radio has kicked off a Shop Local campaign at its 52 stations across the country in an effort to support
communities and local businesses. Initiatives include 30- to 60-second spots featuring local business leaders
discussing encouraging economic news within Positive Local Business Profiles and It’s a Great Day to Buy a Car
spots that encourage listeners to take advantage of low interest rates and pricing... Silk-FM Kelowna, during its
one-day fifth annual Radiothon for Kids, raised almost $45,000 for the BC Children’s Hospital. The money is
aimed specifically at urgently needed research, equipment and education programs... U.S. radio revenue fell by
9% in 2008 to $19.5 billion. Further, the Radio Advertising Bureau reports, local revenue was down by 10% to
$13.6 billion. National fell 12% to $2.9 billion. Local and national combined for a 10% drop. Off-air revenue was
up 7% to $1.8 billion. In the fourth quarter, revenue fell by 11% compared to Q4 2007, to $4.6 billion. Local dropped
by 13% to $3.2 billion. National fell 14% to $735 million. Local/national combined fell by 13%. Off-air revenue at
$444 million was up 1% for the quarter. The American growth categories in the 4th quarter included home
improvement and discount/department stores. Automotive chopped local and national spending in Q4 by 40% over
February 26/09
Page 3
the same period the year before but despite the drop-off, it was still U.S. radio's top spending category in 2008
($2.8 billion) at about 15% of total radio revenue. But for the quarter, communications/cellular/public utilities
became the top local and national category, outbilling the automotive category. It's still in second place for the
whole year... The Local Radio Freedom Act, designed to prevent a move by the recording industry (RIAA) to levy
performance fees on U.S. radio stations, added 16 new sponsors in the House of Representatives, bringing the
total to 126 members. The NAB is supporting the measure, saying that forcing radio stations to pay to play music
would jeopardize station-employee jobs. "NAB welcomes an honest debate over whether radio stations or the
record labels have historically been a 'better friend' to musicians," said NAB spokesman Dennis Wharton. "Since
the days of Count Basie, there have been two constants in music: free radio airplay has propelled the financial
success of countless performers, and those same artists have been systematically abused by the labels. For RIAA
to now use artists as a shield in their quest for a performance tax is utterly cynical and hypocritical"... After 30 years
at the same address, Mountain FM Squamish moved yesterday (Wednesday) from its “off downtown” location
to what’s described as a more central studio on the highway. The Rogers operation, one of Canada’s official
Olympic stations, wants get greater visibility for next year’s Winter Games.
R
EVOLVING DOOR: Darlene Palmer is no longer GM at Magic 99.9 (CJUK-FM)/Giant FM (CKTG-FM)
Thunder Bay. Effective this week, Ottawa-based Newcap VP of Industry Affairs Mike Keller took over as
acting GM/GSM while a determination is made on a permanent successor... Susan Wood, the Promotions
Manager at CBC British Columbia and based in Vancouver, has been promoted to Manager, Partnership and
Sponsorships. The job move takes effect April 1... Michael Moman is doing afternoon drive at Magic 98.3 (CJMK)
Saskatoon, having moved to the job from mornings at Newcap’s Kool 101.3 FM Bonnyville. Dean Lee, with the
Bonnyville station since September, moves from afternoons to mornings... Some changes at Corus Radio
Cornwall: Jamie Carr has left his morning co-host gig at Rock 101.9; Lorne "Andy" Glazer, the afternoon show
host at Rock 101.9 is no longer with the station; morning show host/PD Wayne Thompson of Variety 104 has left
the station; and, Mike Kaye, the creative director for the Corus Cornwall cluster, has also departed. Nick Seguin
has been appointed Production Manager... Gone from KISS FM Ottawa is afternoon drive host Renee Manning...
John Harada, MD at KFUN (CKKW-FM) Waterloo, has left the station... And, clarification on an item here last
week: Charlee Morgan joins K-97 Calgary at mid-April doing weekends, community ambassador work and
substitution for morning show co-Host Sue Deyell during her maternity leave.
S
IGN-OFF: Ann Wilson, 80, of cancer in Saint John, N.B. Wilson, a TV star in the Maritimes in the 1960s and
’70s, is remembered as Miss Ann who appeared every morning on CHSJ-TV Saint John to entertain children
with stories and songs.
G
ENERAL: While the CBC expects to break even this year despite the economic downturn, the public
broadcaster says it expects serious funding shortfalls in the upcoming fiscal year and that it is looking to the
federal government for financial help. CBC wants Parliament Hill to provide immediate relief for a budgetary
shortfall expected in 2009-2010 that, says CBC, will plunge the corporation into a deep deficit. Corporation
president Hubert Lacroix says “decisive action in the coming months” is required that could involve cuts to
programs and staff. But Finance Minister Jim Flaherty says the CBC already gets substantial federal financing...
The North American Broadcasters Association’s (NABA) 2009 Conference and Annual General Meeting is set
for Washington, June 3-5, at the Willard InterContinental Hotel. For registration and information, click
www.nabanet.com... RTNDA Canada - The Association of Electronic Journalists has released the names of
its 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award winners. They are: (Atlantic Region) Wayne Clark, an award-winning
cameraman, whose introduction to journalism came in the mid 1960s when he was hired to work in the photo lab
at the Chronicle-Herald newspaper in Halifax. By August 1966, Clark was shooting news for ATV in Halifax.
Colleagues say he brought his "A-game" to work every day regardless of whether he was working with a veteran
or a rookie reporter; (Central Region) Dave Devall, who has been with CTV Toronto (CFTO) since the station’s
1961 inception. While studying Radio and Television Arts at Ryerson, he also served in the Royal Canadian Air
Force where part of his training centred on meteorology. After nearly 48 plus years on the job, he announced his
retirement to take effect April 3; Peter Silverman, who led the 'Silverman Helps' investigative/consumer news unit
at Citytv Toronto for over 20 years. Silverman is the winner of several journalism awards, including the New York
Festival's 'Grand' and 'Gold' awards, and an RTNDA Award for investigative reporting; (Prairie Region) Hal
Gardiner, who’s served as an on-air newsman for over 40 years in markets such as Weyburn and Estevan as well
as Edmonton and Calgary; and, Carl Worth, who began his career in radio in 1965 at CKDM Dauphin. In 1999,
he accepted the job of News Director for CTV Regina, a position he holds today... The RTNDA President’s
February 26/09
Page 4
Fellowship – up to $3,000 to cover the cost of registration, travel, meals and accommodation – is up for grabs.
But the deadline is Feb. 28 and, frankly, if you’re interested your chances of winning are good. A working journalist
will be offered the chance to attend the seminar of choice at the Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida;
Leadership and Management, to Reporting Writing and Editing, to Ethics and Diversity, and there are others.
Details at www.poynter.org. Your application can be downloaded from: www.rtndacanada.com... Lawrence M.
Tanenbaum, the Chairman of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, has completed the purchase of an additional
7.7% of MLSE from CTVglobemedia, increasing his ownership to 20.5%. The Ontario Teachers Pension Plan
holds 58.4% and CTVgm has 7.7%. The privately-held MLSE owns and operates such properties as the Air
Canada Centre in Toronto, the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC, Leafs TV and Raptors
NBA TV... The 4th annual Career Development Day, presented by the Ontario Association of Broadcasters,
takes place in Toronto (333 Bloor St. E.) Monday, March 9 from 1 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Career Development Day
includes Radio Promotions, Radio News, Radio Production, Radio Sales, Radio Programming, TV News, TV
Commercial Production, TV Sales/Marketing, TV Programming, Copy Writing and New Technologies. The Michael
Monty Award will be presented to the student who most exemplifies Monty’s character traits while still maintaining
a high grade point average. Faculty members across Ontario are invited to nominate their students for this cash
award. Submissions must be received by tomorrow (Friday), Feb. 27, at memberservices@oab.ca. Broadcast
Dialogue is proud to be the sponsor of this year’s event... The Vatican will soon have a channel on YouTube. The
initiative will involve Google, the Vatican Television Centre and Vatican Radio.
S
UPPLYLINES: 680News Toronto is using new technology from Intellione and Rogers Wireless to generate
live traffic reports based on GPS information from mobile phones. Rogers produces the raw data from moving
cell phones through the network, while Intellione picks up the data to produce actual traffic information.
Reporters can click on a section of the map to see the speed and number of handsets monitoring that particular
road segment.
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OOKING: Loyalist College, Belleville - Professor, Broadcast Engineering Technology; Newcap Radio
Lloydminster - Radio Creative Writer; CTV Vancouver - Sr. Producer, CTV Creative Agency; CTV British
Columbia – Assignment Editor; CTV Toronto – Closed Captioning Supervisor; Global Television Ottawa –
Reporter, Global National; CBC News Toronto - Associate Producer; CBC Washington Bureau - Technical
Supervisor; CBC Regina – Sales Manager and an Account Manager; Corus Television Toronto – Director and
On Air Promotion; QX104 Winnipeg – Morning Show Announcer; Astral Media Radio Toronto – Traffic Manager;
Newcap Radio Calgary – Junior Creative Writer; and, Corus Cornwall – a Morning Show Announcer and an
Announcer
N
EW SUBSCRIBERS THIS WEEK INCLUDE: Bryan Stone, NCI-FM Winnipeg. Welcome!
March 5, 2009
Volume 16, No. 39
TV
Page One of Three
/FILM: There have been a number of developments as Canada’s
television broadcasters prepare for the renewal hearing beginning April
27 in Ottawa. At the forefront are actions by CTV and its petitions to the
CRTC in advance of that hearing. Earlier this week, CTV laid off 118
people from newsroom jobs at its ‘A’ branded TV stations, axing morning shows at
some locations and newscasts at others. A (CKVR) Barrie lost 24 people, A
(CHRO) Ottawa/Pembroke lost 34, close to 42 at A (CFPL) London/A (CHWI)
Windsor/A (CKNX) Wingham and 18 at A (CIVI) Victoria. Paul Sparkes,
executive VP of corporate affairs at CTVglobemedia, says CTV is doing what it can
to hang on to conventional television, but, he says, “the conventional model is now
broken. In the long term, the only real solution is fee for carriage." Had subscriber
Click Here
fees been approved in the last go-round with the CRTC, upwards of $300 million
would have been pumped into the broadcast industry. Meanwhile, CTV says its
OTA operations will see a loss upwards of $100 million in 2009. In related news:
* CTV will not renew 45 licences for broadcast retransmitters
* CTV says it has notified the CRTC that it will ask the Commission for permission to discontinue separate and
distinct local programming on four CTV channels: CKCO-TV in Oil Springs and CFRN-TV in Whitecourt, Ashmont
and Red Deer
* Canwest Global wrote down the value of its conventional television assets by $1 billion last year
* Canwest has put its five E! stations up for sale
* Canwest submitted licence renewals for its OTA stations seeking one-year terms and an easing of programming
requirements
* Canwest won an extension to March 11 for further talks to stave off a potential bankruptcy protection filing
* NDP MP Charlie Angus said if Canwest is broken up and sold off in pieces, the government must take steps
to ensure it doesn't lead to further media centralization in future. Liberal Senator Jim Munson, a former CTV
Parliament Hill reporter, says the Senate's Transport and Communications Committee might have to revisit
the issue of media convergence. Angus said the government should come up with an action plan to address what's
happening to Canadian media, particularly local TV stations
* Rogers seeks seven-year licence renewals for its Citytv and OMNI conventional stations and wants to dedicate
20 hours a week to local programming in each of its markets, half of which will go towards news shows.
* Earlier this month, Rogers cut the value of its Citytv and OMNI stations by $295 million
* The CBC says it may have to sell some of its assets, anything from unloading Radio 3 to putting a website up
for sale. Tight funding has left few options for the Corporation, says CBC President Hubert Lacroix, and he’s
seeking a meeting with the Prime Minister in an effort to win some financial flexibility.
In other TV/FILM news, The Canadian Television Fund has increased its program
commitments for 2009-2010 by almost 14% over last year. The increases go to the
Broadcaster Performance Envelope, French-language Projects Outside of Quebec,
Aboriginal-language Projects, the Digital Media Pilot Program and the Production
Click Here
Incentive Pilot Program... Lionsgate and Macrovision Solutions Corporation
have closed their transaction for Lionsgate’s acquisition of the TV Guide Network
and TV Guide Online from Macrovision... Rogers wants CRTC permission to program more sitcoms, movies and
hockey games on the Outdoor Living Network (OLN). OLN can now devote only five per cent of its lineup to such
programs, so long as they qualify as Canadian content. Pointing to Space and History Television as examples,
Rogers said it wants OLN to “... establish a more well-rounded service for our viewers”... TVA has filed requests
to add more programming categories for three of its specialty channels: Mystère (mystery), Argent (financial
Broadcast Dialogue
18 Turtle Path
Lagoon City ON L0K 1B0
(705) 484-0752
E-Mail, click HERE
Broadcast Dialogue Website
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Page 2
news) and Idées de ma maison (home/living). Among the categories TVA wants to add are religion programming,
professional and amateur sports, including live sporting events, drama, sitcoms, comedy programming, animated
programs and music videos... Pelmorex is asking the Commission to require that its specialty channels -- Weather
Network/MétéoMédia – be mandatory on all cable and satellite basic digital services as they now are on analog.
In exchange, says Pelmorex, the networks will act as “a national public alerting aggregator”, distributing emergency
information... The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada filed a complaint with the
CRTC against CanWest MediaWorks back in November, 2007, related to shifting elements of local program
production from its stations to broadcast centres in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto. By doing so, said
CEP, now-Canwest Media would be in contravention of its CRTC obligations regarding the broadcast of local
programming and the Commission’s local advertising policy. The Commission, in a ruling this week, disagreed.
It said it was unable to make any such conclusion. Further, it said, there is no basis to conclude that Canwest is
in contravention of its obligations to broadcast a minimum number of hours of local programming... A complaint
against OMNI.2 (CJMT-TV) Toronto over the airing of Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Law & Order: Special
Victims Unit before the 9 p.m. watershed hour does not, says the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council,
violate the CAB’s Violence Code. In another television decision, the f-word -- which showed up in a screen crawl
on CTV’s Question Period – did not violate the CAB’s Code of Ethics. Both decisions may be found by clicking
www.cbsc.ca... The CRTC has granted approval for a regional Quebec cable channel called Je me souviens,
which will be devoted to obituaries and related public notices.
S
R
IGN-OFF: Paul Harvey (Paul Harvey Aurandt), 90, in Phoenix of an unknown cause. Paul Harvey’s
broadcast career spanned a phenomenal 70 years. Best known for his deliberate delivery and pregnant
pauses during Paul Harvey News and The Rest of the Story, Harvey was heard on more than 1,200 radio
stations and 400 U.S. Armed Forces networks stations.
EVOLVING DOOR: Former BBM President Owen Charlebois, who moved to the U.S. to join Arbitron, was
caught up in a company restructuring. His position as President of Technology, Research and Development
was eliminated. Charlebois’ last day on the job was at the end of last week... Vancouver sportscaster Garry
Raible, 62, is packing it in, opting for early retirement from News1130. He’s been a fixture in the Vancouver
market for 36 years, working at CJJC,
CJOR, CKWX, CKNW and - for the last
13 years - News1130. Raible will stick
around until the end of April before
moving with his wife to join other family
members in Kelowna... Liz Draper
(Zorko) joined Newcap Calgary last week
as creative director. She has over nine
years experience at Rogers, Rawlco and
Standard Creative Departments as a
senior writer and, most recently, on-air as
co-host of the morning show at The
Range (CFIT-FM) Airdrie/Cochrane...
Six layoffs at Rogers-owned CIGM
Sudbury are likely in advance of the
approved swap of stations by Newcap
(CFDR Dartmouth) and Rogers. They
include ND Brian Band, PD/PM Drive
Host Chris Johnson, two Sales Reps
and Promotions Director Keith Groves...
Patrick Charles has joined the Virgin
Radio 96 (CJFM) Montreal morning
show, teaming with Cat Spencer and
Lisa Player. Charles had been with Q92
Montreal’s morning show... At The New
Wired 96.3 Saskatoon, Mark Morris, ex
of Sun FM Penticton, takes over the lead
on the morning show with Cassie and
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Page 3
Blake... Jim Mullin has been promoted to Sports Director at CKNW Vancouver.
R
ADIO: Forty jobs have been cut across the country by CHUM Radio – 17 layoffs and 23 vacant jobs that
won’t be filled – at Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, London, Toronto, Peterborough, Lindsay,
Ottawa and Montreal. The radio division of CTV blames weaker revenues and the need to reduce operating
costs... The CRTC has approved a new FM station for Whistler, B.C., to be owned and operated by Four
Senses Entertainment Inc. Four Senses is owned by Barry Duggan (45%), Donovan Tildesley (22.5%), Hugh
Tildesley (22.5%) and Robert Wilson (10%). Format is Hot AC featuring music from the late ‘80s and ‘90s. It will
be at 101.5 with 881 watts... Westwood One (WW1) has an agreement in principle to refinance its capital
structure. The lenders have agreed to refinance WW1's $241 million in outstanding debt in exchange for $25
million in cash, a 25% equity stake and $117.5 million in new senior secured notes. Westwood's largest
shareholder, The Gores Group, will inject more cash into the company.
G
ENERAL: Newcap had a fourth-quarter loss of $3.89 million or 34 cents a share, reversing year-ago profit
of $5.76 million or 50 cents a share. Revenue for the three months ended Dec. 31 was up 8% to $29.96
million from with $27.7 million. The company, which owns 77 radio stations, says it took a $1.3 million
goodwill impairment writedown and an investment loss of $7.1 million during the latest quarter. Annual loss
was $4.3 million or 39 cents a share, compared with net income of $20.3 million or $1.77 a share in 2007. Year-end
revenue was up seven per cent to $105.78 million, from $98.8 million... U.S. President Barack Obama will
nominate Julius Genachowski as the next chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.
Genachowski inherits the transition to digital TV signals now slated for June 12 and developing a plan to bring
broadband access to rural and low-income areas of the United States.
L
OOKING: CTV Vancouver - Assignment Editor; CTV Toronto – Director, News; CTV Edmonton –
Director/Switcher; CTV Winnipeg – Photo Journalist; CBC Ottawa – Investment Analyst Strategic
Investment; CBC Calgary – Weather Reporter/Meteorologist; Corus Television Toronto – Broadcast
Engineer-Junior; CHEX Television Peterborough – Sports Announcer/Videographer; Teletoon Toronto
– Research Manager; CKNW Vancouver – Account Manager; Jack FM/FAN 590/CHFI/680 News Toronto Promotions Director; and, Astral Media Radio Vancouver – Retail Sales Manager.
March 12, 2009
Volume 16, No. 40
TV
Page One of Three
/FILM: CTV has laid off 24 staffers at Canada AM and axed its last
remaining early morning local newscast at CTV Montreal (CFCF-TV).
While no jobs were lost at the Toronto base for the national show nor
at Halifax, Canada AM employees at other locations across the country,
producers of local news segments for single-markets, are affected... Meanwhile,
London West Conservative MP Ed Holder says he intends to deliver the mail he’s
been getting about the loss of jobs at CTV-owned A London to the CRTC. He says
Londoners feel “very personal about local content and that’s what this is all about.”
In southwestern Ontario, CTV says it will close its Wingham and Windsor stations in August. That, coupled with
the cancellation of the A London morning show, means 48 people (most in London) will be out of work... But the
Canadian Media Guild says the Local Programming Initiative Fund (LPIF), established last year by the CRTC and
meant to improve local programming in small markets, is the key to saving local news. While the LPIF is still under
development, the Guild says it could be used to save local TV stations “that are being abandoned by the big media
conglomerates”. The money will come from a percentage of cable and satellite revenues and is expected to
amount to $60 million in the first year... The federal government, in an attempt to boost Canadian content over
multiple platforms, is revamping the way it funds TV and new media. Heritage Minister James Moore says that
the Canadian Television Fund (CTF) and the Canada New Media Fund (CNMF) will be combined and become
known as the Canada Media Fund. It is
scheduled to launch next April and will
favour hi-def projects as well as requiring
applicants to make their projects available
on at least two distribution platforms, one
of which must be TV. Moore says the
government expects to dole out $310
million over the next two years under the
programs... CBC won’t be getting any
help from the federal government to cope
with its economic woes because, as
Heritage Minister Moore says, the public
broadcaster already gets substantial
public funding and shouldn’t expect more.
CBC president Hubert Lacroix has been
calling on Parliament Hill to help stave off
potential cuts to staff and programming.
But the Heritage Minister says: “The CBC
is receiving $1.1 billion this year and
that's the allocation that they will have for
this year”... ZillionTV has been launched
in the U.S., and it has the support of
almost every major American content
producer -- including Disney, NBC
Universal, Sony Pictures Television,
20th Century Fox and Warner Bros.
Zillion is selling a $100 set-top box (that
replaces a digital cable box or satellite
Broadcast Dialogue
18 Turtle Path
Lagoon City ON L0K 1B0
(705) 484-0752
E-Mail, click HERE
Broadcast Dialogue Website
March 12, 2009
Page 2
receiver) that plugs into a TV set and
delivers programming, on-demand, over
the Internet -. There are no
monthly fees. Instead, the programs
carry ads. Viewers won’t need a cable
or satellite subscription. While there are
similar devices, none have come close
to winning such industry support.
Global Television Saskatoon requires a full time Broadcast
American broadcasters and producers
Technician. The successful applicant will have a minimum of five
are betting that TV over the Internet is
years experience in a broadcast environment.
ready for prime time... In a column for
The Toronto Star, Angelo Persichilli
The successful applicant is a self-motivated individual with a college
– the political editor of Corriere
level electronics diploma or equivalent who would be responsible for
Canadese and a former ND at CFMTthe maintenance, installation and trouble-shooting of technical
TV Toronto – says Canadian
apparatus.
broadcasters blundered by not
investing in quality programming rather
He/She will provide proof of excellent audio and aural skills, and
than in hardware, e.g. expanding
have an aptitude for electronics and computers. He/She will hold a
ownership of OTA operations and
valid driver’s licence and be available for shift work.
specialty channels. They increased
their capacity to broadcast, he says, but
Interested candidates should send a resume to:
reduced their ability to provide quality
Canadian-produced programs –
GLOBAL TELEVISION
resorting to U.S. program buys for the
218 ROBIN CR
OTA stations and reruns for specialties.
SASKATOON SK S7L 7C3
or click
Persichilli says television and the
bmain@globaltv.com
Internet are just the delivery methods:
FAX: (306) 665-6069
“If we keep ignoring quality while
spending money to acquire new
technology and firing journalists, we just
transfer the failure from one channel to another”, or from the newspaper to the Internet to the television set... John
Doyle, writing in The Globe and Mail, says the television industry is not in crisis. He says people haven’t stopped
watching TV, that there is no crisis of confidence in television as a medium. Canwest Global, he writes, is on the
brink of collapse because of huge debt, not because a lot of people suddenly started watching less TV. It's the
advertising that's gone soft, not the viewing audience. And then, on the topic of small market closures, he writes:
“I think the decisions by Canwest and CTV to cut staff and programs at small-market channels are part of a
strategy to force a radical redrawing of the Canadian TV landscape. It's a signal to the CRTC and to the
government that, as TV execs keep saying, ‘the conventional model is now broken.’" Doyle wraps up by saying
that normal service will be resumed, not as we have known it, but it will resume... Three new category two specialty
channels have been approved: Aux TV; Trek TV; and, Vanessa. Aux, owned by Glassbox, is national and
focuses on emerging music and its creation; Trek TV, also owned by Glassbox, is national, targeted at 17-27s, and
devoted to world cultures, travel, geography, exploration and anthropology. And Vanessa, owned by Sex-Shop
Television, is adult programming geared toward charm, sensuality, eroticism and sexuality.
BROADCAST
TECHNICIAN
G
ENERAL: Canwest Global Communications was expected to get another reprieve this week as it faced
a late Wednesday deadline for renegotiating borrowing conditions on its debt as well as an estimated $38
million in repayments due Friday. Canwest has been shopping some of its assets and making smaller
agreements to sell certain divisions. Meantime, Canwest sold its U.S political magazine, The New
Republic, to private investors headed by editor-in-chief Martin Peretz from whom Canwest bought the publication
two years ago. Financial terms weren’t disclosed... At the CRTC New Media Hearing this week, Rogers
Communications’ VP, Television Services David Purdy proposed offering its subscribers a website where they
could watch TV shows at no charge as a way to promote Canadian Internet content. The service would serve as
an alternative to a proposed levy on ISPs to fund Canadian online content. It would also, said Purdy, be an
incentive for Rogers Cable subs not to cancel during a tough economy (to access the proposed site, Rogers
customers would have to maintain their cable subscriptions). U.S. cable companies such as Comcast are losing
subscribers as consumers turn to U.S. websites where they can watch their favourite shows without paying monthly
cable fees on top of their Internet bills. As for major Internet service providers’ attitudes regarding a controversial
March 12, 2009
Page 3
ISP levy for Canadian content, Rogers and Shaw Communications are opposed. Rogers calls the idea “unlawful”
while Shaw said such a levy is “unprecedented in the world"... The Ontario Association of Broadcasters’ 4th
annual Career Development Day in Toronto, drew 150 college broadcast students for roundtable discussions
covering a range of broadcast disciplines. Hosts included: York Bell-Smith, Star 93.3FM/107.9 The Breeze
Cobourg; Rob Brignell, Bayshore Broadcasting Owen Sound; Derm Carnduff, Y108FM/Country 95.3
Hamilton; Kelly Colasanti, OMNI Television Toronto; Pat Cugliari, Astral Media Radio Toronto; Mark Dailey,
Citytv Toronto; Renée Dubois, AM640 Toronto; Malcolm Dunlop, OMNI Television Toronto; Doug Elliott,
K-Rock/KIX/The Lake Kingston; Don Gaudet, SUN TV Toronto; Laurie Graham, Astral Radio Niagara;
Azeem Haq, Evanov Radio Toronto; Rob Johnston, Corus Radio Toronto; Steve Kassay, Durham Radio
Oshawa; Steve Kowch, Astral Media Radio Toronto; Warren Locke, Rogers Radio Toronto; John McKenna,
CHCH-TV Hamilton; Scott Metcalfe, 680 News Toronto; Ashleigh Myers, Astral Radio Niagara; Sabrina
Pirillo, Proud FM Toronto; Chris Pottage, Rogers Radio Toronto; Arthur Reinstein, Canwest MediaWorks
Toronto; Paul Schmidt, SUN-TV Toronto; Jamie Schouela, Global Television Toronto; Dominic Sciullo,
Global Television Toronto; Gene Stevens, AM740 Toronto; Geoff Thrasher, CHCH-TV Hamilton; Fred
Walker, CommEnt, Mississauga; Chris Watson, JACK-FM Toronto; and, Sandra Watson, Durham Radio
Oshawa. Sponsors this year, as last year, were The Canadian Press and Broadcast Dialogue... Henry Champ,
now retired, is the 2009 RTNDA Canada President's Award winner. While Champ's career took him all over the
world for some of the biggest stories perhaps the biggest was the historic election of the first U.S. African-American
president. Champ worked with CTV, NBC and CBC before calling it a day. The award will be presented to him a
the President's Dinner in Toronto June 26.
R
EVOLVING DOOR: CFDR Dartmouth/Halifax PD Gary Greer, who’s been on medical leave since last
June, is on long-term disability – suffering from MS. “Right now,” he says, “my focus is on my health and
trying out some new treatments with the hope of slowing down the progression of the disease.” JC Douglas,
PD at sister station Q104, is overseeing day-to-day programming. It’s unlikely Newcap will appoint a new
PD since the station will soon be owned by Rogers. Rogers and Newcap swapped AM properties at Sudbury and
Dartmouth... Karen Parsons, the PD/ND at 660News Calgary, has given notice of her resignation. It’s effective
in mid-June after which Parsons will be returning to her home in Toronto... K-Rock/Kix/The Lake Kingston
Manager, National Accounts Kelly Spanton is no longer with the operation... Sales Manager Simon Constam
is no longer with The Wave Hamilton. Succeeding him on an interim basis is Pat Hurley.
S
IGN-OFFS: Gary Richards, 61, in Bridgewater of cancer. For over 25 years, Richards was a mainstay at
CKBW Bridgewater before moving out of the business... Ron Robbins, 92, in Victoria. Robbins, the man
who founded the University of Regina's school of journalism in 1979, had a 26-year history with CBC
before he became the director of the school of journalism. It was the first university degree program of its kind in
western Canada.
L
OOKING: Global Saskatoon - Broadcast Technician (see the ad on Page 2); Global Edmonton - Reporter
and a News Producer; News Talk Radio Saskatchewan, Regina & Saskatoon - Junior Anchor/Reporters;
Newcap Television Lloydminster - Swing Producer; Rogers Radio Calgary – News Director; Astral Media
Radio Atlantic Fredericton – Specialty Advertising Sales Rep; Astral Media Radio Ottawa – Creative
Writer; CTV Toronto – Sr Lighting Director; CBC Ottawa – Senior Human Resources Consultant; CBC Vancouver
– Manager, Finance and Administration; and, YTV Toronto – Account Executive.
R
S
N
ADIO: Corus Radio Winnipeg has raised more than $139,000 for Winnipeg Harvest, exceeding its target
goal of $100,000. Hunger For Hope is a fundraising initiative aimed toward ending child hunger in Manitoba.
Since May, 2008, the Hunger For Hope activities have included a 99.1 Groove FM compilation CD featuring
new Canadian and Manitoba artists and Power 97 Texas Hold‘em Poker Tournaments.
UPPLYLINES: Integrated Tower Solutions, a new communications, tower, engineering and services
company, has been established in Saskatoon. The company, headed by Curtis Pippin (ex of WesTower),
will also offer project management and technical services.
EW SUBSCRIBERS THIS WEEK INCLUDE: John Devries, Roland Canada, Toronto. Welcome!
March 19, 2009
Volume 16, No. 41
Page One of Three
TV
/FILM: In an interview with The Canadian Press yesterday
(Wednesday) afternoon, Heritage Minister James Moore said the
federal cabinet is aware of the threat to local news content should local
TV stations close. He also confirmed that the government is looking
specifically at how to assist Canwest Global, hinting that any such help could come
in the form of looser regulations and changes to the tax system, which would also
help other private networks. Canwest, CTVglobemedia and Quebecor have been
lobbying Prime Minister Harper's office asking for relief in the form of regulatory
changes. The Commons Heritage committee has struck a sub-committee to look at the issue, and has summoned
CRTC Chairman Konrad von Finckenstein to appear next week... Meanwhile, Canwest Global, which had a
deadline last week for renegotiating borrowing conditions on its $390 million debt, won a reprieve until April 7. The
company said it would continue talks with its senior lenders and representatives of an ad hoc committee of
noteholders that, if successful, would allow for a recapitalization of the company. In the interim, Canwest is
informally marketing its 56.6% majority stake in Australia's Ten television network to local investors, hoping to raise
$390 million... And, in material filed with the CRTC to support Canwest’s application to renew CHCH-TV
Hamilton’s licence, a financial projection shows that the station will lose almost $30 million next year. It also shows
that the station is expected to bring in just under $41 million in its next fiscal year against costs of more than $69
million... Police closed off a section of a downtown main street last Saturday afternoon to accommodate hundreds
of A-Channel Windsor fans and supporters who rallied against CTV's recent decision to close the station. A
who’s-who of local political and labour leaders vowed to fight the parent company's decision... CTV is now offering
high definition streaming video – full episodes (and full seasons) of Corner Gas and Flashpoint – at
http://hdbeta.ctv.ca. It’s part of a beta program being conducted with Microsoft and Akamai Technologies. CTV
says the technology adapts stream quality based on a user’s connection speed. Viewers with varying bandwidth
connections can see HD quality streaming with instant start-up and no buffering.
Broadcast Dialogue
18 Turtle Path
Lagoon City ON L0K 1B0
(705) 484-0752
E-Mail, click HERE
Broadcast Dialogue Website
G
ENERAL: CBC reports on
its website that its board
has approved a budget
that includes deep cuts.
May 6 - 8, 2009
While nothing specific was in the
Delta Sun Peaks Resort
(near Kamloops)
report, asset sales, the merging of
local stations and job losses are
expected. An announcement to
staff is expected by month’s end.
CBC faces a $60-million shortfall
in ad revenues, primarily from
television. Heritage Minister
James Moore has turned down
requests by the broadcaster for an
advance on its regular funding. A
meeting which was to have been
held Monday between the CBC
Board of Directors and Heritage
Minister Moore was cancelled
because, according to the CBC, it
was afraid there might have been an appearance of political interference by Moore. Had the encounter occurred,
BC ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS
62ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE
www.bcab.ca
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Page 2
it would have been in the middle of a two-day meeting to adopt CBC’s 2009-2010 business plan... Mary Tyler
Moore, the seven-time Emmy Award winning actress, will be presented with the NAB Distinguished Service Award
during the NAB convention April 20 in Las Vegas... Virgin Mobile Canada has created a mood meter that ranges
from "Everything Sucks Huge" (red) to "The Recession Ain't Getting Me Down" (green). The five-stage colourcoded system shows that – this week – young Canadians are on Yellow Alert ("Sorta' Freaking Out Right Now"),
which means:
- Biting nails - 72% are anxious about their future
- Brand disloyalty - 41% have given up a brand they love
- Show me the value! - 52% are open to trying value brands
- Chic-onomics - 88% have changed their shopping habits
- Recessionistas - 42% are making "noticeable sacrifices"
- Unemployment - 42% fear being unemployed
- Politics - 57% say they don't believe a change in government would change anything
- The Simple Life - 75% want a simpler life.
The Mood Meter looks exclusively at the impact the recession is having on young people's (17-35s) lives, how
they're feeling about the state of the economy and what the recession means to them. It's also a barometer of their
thoughts and shopping habits, as well as their feelings on how brands are behaving. See Virgin Mobile’s
www.screwyourecession.ca.
R
EVOLVING DOOR: Unofficially, Nadir Mohamed will succeed the late Ted Rogers as CEO of Rogers
Communications Inc. The long-time telecom executive’s promotion from COO is expected within the next
week or so. As well, the Board is apparently working on a plan that would give scion Edward Rogers a key
title, thus striking a power balance between the two... Guy Roy is the new IT/Engineering Technician at Big Dog
(CHBD-FM) Regina. Roy has experience at CBC Ottawa and, ironically, succeeds Ryan Vanner who moved to
CBC Edmonton... Judy Maddren, a Host of World Report on CBC Radio since 1993, is retiring March 27... Fred
Jack has been signed by Clear Sky Radio as its new colour commentator of Lethbridge Hurricanes broadcasts
on CJOC-FM 94.1 The Lounge (CJOC) Lethbridge. Jack’s background includes Sports Director at Boundary
Kootenay Radio and as the play-by-play voice of the Trail Smoke Eaters and Castlegar Rebels... Monia
Monger (Mrs) has been appointed ND at LCN, Groupe TVA’s news channel. Most recently she’d been a producer
at TVA-Quebec in Montreal and, before that, Managing Editor at TVA-Quebec.
S
IGN-OFFS: Jim Whelan, 58, at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Whelan had
been a long-time Sales Representative with, first, All-Canada Radio and, later – and up to his being
incapacitated last spring – with Canadian Broadcast Sales... Luc Simard, 87, in Rivière-du-Loup. Simard
launched the Quebec city’s first radio station, CJFP, in 1947. In 1962, he launched CKRT-TV Rivière-du-Loup
and later, in 1986, the city’s first FM’er. Luc Simard was inducted into the CAB Broadcast Hall of Fame in 1987.
R
ADIO: At Canadian Music Week, radio winners were:
Music Director of the Year:
(Major Market):
Barry Stewart, CHUM FM Toronto
(Medium Mkt):
Trapper John, The Wolf Regina
(Small Market):
Darren Robertson, SUN FM Kelowna
Program Director of the Year:
(Major Market):
Ryan Zimmerman, The Bear Edmonton
(Medium Market):
Chris Myers, WIRED Saskatoon
(Small Market):
Jason Manning, Rock 105.3 Medicine Hat
On-Air Talent of the Year:
Roger, Darren & Marilyn, CHUM FM Toronto
Promotion of the Year:
JACK FM Vancouver
Station of the Year
(Small Market):
The Drive Kingston
(Medium Market):
HTZ FM St. Catharines
(Country):
CISN Edmonton
(CHR):
HOT 899 Ottawa and Z103.5 Toronto
(AC):
CHUM FM Toronto
(Rock):
The Bear Edmonton
(Classic Gold):
Q107 Toronto
(News/Talk/Sports): 680 NEWS Toronto
(Multicultural):
WORLD FM Edmonton
At the CMW radio executives session last Thursday, leaders from Astral, CBC, CHUM, Corus, Harvard, Newcap,
Thursday, March 19, 2009
The April Broadcast Dialogue magazine
take an historical look at the
Western Association of Broadcasters
in this, the Association’s 75th anniversary.
Page 3
and Rogers concurred that the medium – in this
economic client – will do better than others and will
recover more quickly. All pointed to local content as
being the catalyst for long-term success...
Aboriginal Voices Radio has two frequencies up
for grabs, one in Montreal and the other in
Kitchener. AVR returned those licences to the
CRTC... Tomorrow (Friday), March 20, Beau and
Tom celebrate 20 years as morning hosts at CHUM
Winnipeg. The first 18 years were at Q94FM before
they moved across the hall to BOB FM. They’re
claiming their longevity as a record for Winnipeg
because their time in mornings has been
uninterrupted, unlike another morning host who had
a 25-year run... Don Imus told his audience
Monday morning that he’s been diagnosed with
stage two prostate cancer. But the American radio
veteran also said that the cancer has not spread
and that his doctors have told him it can be treated
and likely cured... Analysis from U.S.-based
Coleman Insights reveals that the average spoken
word-formatted station experiences a 12% AQH
share improvement when markets transition from
diary to PPM measurement. The calculation was
based on an analysis of ratings data for 88 spoken
word-formatted radio stations in 11 U.S. markets
that have been converted to PPM measurement...
At Moose FM (CKFU-FM) Fort St. John, a switch
from 80s.90s.Whatever!!! to Country... Seaside
FM(CFEP-FM) Eastern Passage has moved from
94.7 to 105.9 to provide better service to Metro
Halifax and Dartmouth.
L
OOKING: Astral Television Networks
Toronto – Sales and Affiliate Marketing
Associate; CTV Winnipeg – Creative Writer;
Teletoon Toronto – Supervisor, Promotion
Production; CBC Montreal - Supervising Technician; CBC Toronto – Associate Business Manager English Radio;
CJAD Montreal - Producer; Astral Media Radio Toronto – Traffic Manager; Corus Radio Kitchener – Account
Manager; Big Country 93.1 FM Grande Prairie - Announcer/Producer; CHUM Satellite Services Markham (CTV)
- Installer Technician; CHST-FM London - Morning Co-host/News; CFRU Guelph – Station Manager; CIXFFM/CIBQ Brooks – Senior Sales Rep; and, Magic 104 (CFQM) Moncton - Afternoon Drive/Music Director.
S
UPPLYLINES: London-based Amberfin has appointed Jay Batista, the former VP Sales at VCI Solutions,
as President of its Americas operation from offices in Burbank. AmberFin, says the company, “enables
content owners to maximize the value of their TV, film and video content, from capture through to
distribution, while increasing revenues, reducing costs, saving time and eliminating incompatibility issues.”
March 26, 2009
Volume 16, No. 42
G
Page One of Three
ENERAL: Canada’s television broadcasting industry is in "desperate" need
of a "systemic solution" to withstand the economic and structural battering
it’s now receiving. So said CRTC Chairman Konrad von Finckenstein in
an appearance before the House of Commons Heritage committee
yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon. Von Finckenstein, calling the effect on
conventional TV broadcasters “profound”, said there’s a need to "rethink" traditional
assumptions and develop a long-term vision for the Canadian TV sector. “The
combination of the arrival of new media as a possible alternate system of
distribution and the onset of the global financial crisis,” he said, speak poorly for the model we now have. And, he
told the Heritage committee, a long-term solution isn’t something that the Commission can do alone. "It is a
process,” he said, “that will require everyone to step up to the table with bold and creative ideas." In the past six
months, Canada's private broadcasters have written down the value of their television licences, and last year saw
collective profits plunge to record lows. Before the financial crisis, the CRTC twice rejected requests from OTA
broadcasters for fees-for-carriage from BTUs but, said the Chair, "If a carriage fee can be justified, we will consider
it as part of the solution”... Meantime, the CBC plans to cut up to 800 jobs to make up for a $171 million shortfall
in 2009-10. As well, CBC President/CEO Hubert Lacroix said the corporation also needs to sell $125 million in
assets to make up the shortfall in operating costs. Key areas not facing change include: Radio One and Radio
2 will remain free of ads; CBC TV will
maintain its commitment to 80%
Canadian content in primetime; CBC will
continue to invest in new media platforms;
and, regional stations will not be closed.
The plan is to cut about 400 jobs at the
CBC, about 330 at Radio-Canada and
another 70 corporate positions. Lacroix
told a meeting of employees yesterday
(Wednesday) that CBC had been
unsuccessful in convincing the federal
government to give it a cash advance.
The layoffs are to begin in mid-May at the
earliest after management assesses how
many voluntary retirements it can secure.
All layoffs would be complete by the end
of September. Executive salaries are
being frozen, but Lacroix said
management bonuses would be reduced
by half -- not eliminated -- for the next
fiscal year. One source questioned what
the actual dollar benefit of the layoffs will
be once severance packages for 800
people are figured-in. Viewers and
listeners will see the greatest impact in
network programming -- national shows
produced in Toronto, Ottawa and
Montreal. Of the savings the network is
trying to find in English programming,
Broadcast Dialogue
18 Turtle Path
Lagoon City ON L0K 1B0
(705) 484-0752
E-Mail, click HERE
Broadcast Dialogue Website
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Page 2
80% will be borne by the network, as opposed to 20% in the regions. Similarly, English-language television will
bear the majority of the cuts at the CBC -- about 80% versus 20% for radio. In the House of Commons yesterday
(Wednesday) afternoon, Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff – calling CBC a national institution – called on the federal
government to extend it a repayable bridge loan. But Prime Minister Stephen Harper, noting that CBC was
allocated more than $1.1 billion in the last budget, said the corporation already gets enough federal money....
Arbitron has cut its staff by approximately 10% and new CEO Michael Skarzynski has ordered further cost
reductions which are expected to result in annual savings of about $10 million. Among those caught in the layoffs
is 24-year veteran Jay Guyther, most recently Sr. VP, Ratings Services... RTNDA may soon become RTDNA,
the Radio Television Digital News Association. The American parent of the 63-year old News Directors
association is in the midst of a reassessment that includes: Not finding a successor for longtime President Barbara
Cochran when she steps down in June; the new, more inclusive name (above) and membership; the end of the
Communicator magazine; and, lower costs of joining and participating.
R
ADIO: 1050 CHUM Toronto, the Rock’n’Roll Oldies icon, will – for the second time in its history – make a
move away from music this morning (Thursday, 5 a.m.) when it flips to CP24 Radio 1050. It will be 24-hour
news programming simultaneous to what’s being aired on CTV’s Toronto-area specialty channel, CP24.
CTV says viewers can watch CP24, listen to it on radio and follow along online at cp24.com. Four jobs at
CHUM Toronto are affected although CHUM management is hoping to deploy their talents in other areas...
National advertising sales dropped 5% in the second quarter, says Canadian Broadcast Sales. Not surprisingly,
the economic climate is the culprit delineating needs vs. wants. CBS President Patrick Grierson says strength
on the want side won’t be back until consumer confidence begins a return... Fox Vancouver broadcast the Jeff
O’Neil morning show live on video from the beach at Cancun through cfox.com last Friday. Further, the morning
show was able to receive text messages on the beach from listeners which he then took to air. Show stalwart
Charis, through webcams back in Vancouver, was able to give up-to-the-moment traffic from her lawn chair at the
broadcast. The actual broadcast video feed also transmitted all of the off-air banter of the hosts, including them
talking to the operators in master control back in Vancouver... Last.fm, the Internet radio site bought a year ago
by CBS, will begin charging $3 a month beginning March 30 for users outside of the U.S., UK and Germany. There
are 30-million listeners to the London-based website. While some users reacted by swearing off Last.fm, the
company says it has no choice, that the world’s “a huge place and it's not cheap to deliver music over the
Internet"... The third annual Corus Caring Hearts Radiothon raised more than $102,000 in support of Cornwall
Community Hospital Foundation’s ongoing equipment appeal. During the broadcast from a local shopping mall,
a tag team of Corus Cornwall announcers (Variety 104.5/Rock 101.9/AM 1220) played host to 13 hours of live
interviews and testimonials from hospital staff, donors, patients, volunteers and local celebrities... The power of
radio continues unabated, particularly in its ability to touch and to serve local communities. The latest example
comes from BOB FM Lindsay where morning Host TJ Connors stepped up to the plate for a nine-year-old boy
who was undergoing his fourth chemotherapy treatment for leukemia at a distant Hamilton hospital. While that was
going on, his home in a small community near Lindsay was being burgled. Young Avery Daly’s Nintendo WII
console – among other items –
was stolen. Connors told the
BC ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS
story, took pledges, had the City
62ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE
of Kawartha Lakes mayor on the
air and, by 9 a.m. the next day,
May 6 - 8, 2009
had raised over $4,200. A couple
Delta Sun Peaks Resort
(near Kamloops)
of days later, the BOB FM
morning man traveled to Hamilton
with a new WII, some other
games and toys, and a cheque for
Daly’s mother.
www.bcab.ca
R
EVOLVING DOOR: Kerry
French, Vice President,
Business Analysis and
Dave Haydu, Director of
Engineering, are no longer with
CHUM Corporate in Toronto...
Guy Mayson, the President/CEO
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Page 3
of the Canadian Film and Television Production
Association (CFTPA), has resigned. He’d been with
the Association for 12 years. While he will move on
to “new challenges in the communications industry”,
Mayson will serve as a strategic advisor to CFTPA
during its “planned” transition... Ed Holmes, who
most people will remember from his days at Global
Television in Toronto as Director of Broadcast
Operations, is now Manager, Technical Production
Operations at TVO in Toronto... Ken Farrell is the
new GM at XFM (CJFX-FM) Antigonish, succeeding
David MacLean. Farrell, a local real estate and
automotive businessman – and a 25-year veteran of
on-air services (sports and play-by-play announcing)
to the station – begins June 1... The U.S. Television
Bureau of Advertising says President Chris Rohrs
will leave at the end of 2009, concluding 10 years of
service... After three months at CJCD Yellowknife,
ND Bob Duck is returning to Winnipeg.
TV
/FILM: The recession has provided an
early windfall for cablecos that see
demand for digital TV booming. Shaw
Communications says its base of digital
TV customers grew by 11% in the three months
ended Feb. 28. Vidéotron reported a 21% digital TV
hike in the fourth quarter, while Rogers
Communications saw a 4% increase in Ontario.
Cable’s success is pegged on people tending to find
their entertainment at home, as opposed to going
The April Broadcast Dialogue magazine
out... Toronto-based Insight Sports says a team of
takes an historical look at the
managers led by President/CEO Kevin Albrecht will
Western Association of Broadcasters
buy several of the company's non-broadcasting
assets and Insight will focus on expanding its
in this, the Association’s 75th anniversary.
broadcasting business. Key among Insight's growth
prospects is WFN: World Fishing Network,
distributed across North America through cable,
telecom and satellite services. Insight's remaining properties will also include GameTV and Major League Gaming
(MLG) in Canada, an interest in the NHL Network in Canada and the USA, as well as Edmonton-based Aquila
Productions... Although exact figures aren't available, anecdotal evidence suggests automakers have started
buying scatter and spot ads on U.S. broadcast and cable networks. Ian Beavis, Exec VP of IAG Research’s
automotive unit, says there’s a feeling the new car market is at or near the bottom now and those who sat out
earlier in the year are now getting going.
L
OOKING: CTV Toronto – Manager Brand Partnership, Comedy, Space, Movies; Astral Media Dawson
Creek – Videographer/Reporter; Shaw Cable Saskatoon – Manager, Programming; CP24 Toronto –
Reporter (Weather); Astral Media Radio Penticton – Account Executive; CJCD Yellowknife – News
Director; Q-14 Stettler - Morning News Anchor; Newcap Radio Sydney – Sales Representative; and,
Rogers Radio Squamish – PM Drive Announcer.
April 2, 2009
Volume 16, No. 43
Page One of Two
TV
/FILM: CRTC data shows specialty and pay TV operators are in solid
financial health. Revenue for specialty, pay, pay-per-view and video-ondemand services rose 7.6% to $2.9 billion in the year ended Aug. 31/08.
Profit before interest and taxes grew 5.9% to $686.1 million. The largest
share -- $2.3 billion – went to specialty. Employment was flat at 5,500, but the amount
spent on Canadian programming rose 11% to $1.1 billion... Research by Pulse has
found that 71% of U.S. households think the economy is either in a recession or
heading toward a depression and thus, lifestyles and buying habits are changing.
Respondents report being 35% more likely to be at home watching TV rather than participating in outside home
activities. More than half (53%) of American households surveyed said they’re shopping less, eating out less (52%),
going on fewer vacations (51%) and attending fewer concerts and theatre performances (50%). CTAM, the Cable &
Telecommunications Association for Marketing, distributed the research and noted that the things most people
won’t give up are cable TV and broadband service... Canwest Global says it’s delaying the potential closure of its E!
stations in Montreal, Hamilton, Victoria, Red Deer and Kelowna, probably to the end of summer. The company had set
a deadline for the end of March to either sell, shut down or restructure the stations, but the deadline was pushed back
because of the apparent interest of potential buyers in some of the operations... Rogers Sportsnet and Regina-based
Access Communications are in the midst of a dispute involving the fee-for-carriage fees Access pays Rogers. Rogers
has proposed new fees to which Access takes exception. The matter is now in the hands of the CRTC. Leading up to
the Commission’s involvement, however,
was the withdrawal of certain shows by
Rogers. Full Sportsnet service is now back
on the Saskatchewan BTU...
Broadcast Dialogue
18 Turtle Path
Lagoon City ON L0K 1B0
(705) 484-0752
E-Mail, click HERE
Broadcast Dialogue Website
G
ENERAL: Canwest Global’s
uncertain future is affecting the
stock of Corus Entertainment and
Astral Media, according to Eric
Bernofsky of Desjardins Securities. He
says that, coupled with an overall downturn
in advertising spending, is affecting all
broadcasters. Bernofsky says that while
Desjardins still believes Corus and Astral to
be the two best positioned media
companies in Canada, there are a number
of near-term risks that may weigh down
their share prices... The cash-strapped
CBC is scaling back its sports and news
coverage and reducing the number of
episodes for marquee TV shows. Cuts
include: Reduction in number of episodes
of shows including The Border, Being Erica
and Little Mosque on the Prairie; reduction
or elimination of sports coverage including
international figure skating, skiing, world
aquatics, world athletics and soccer;
elimination of CBC Radio programs Out
Front, The Inside Track, In the Key of
Charles, The Point and the weekend
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Page 2
edition of The Signal; elimination of 80 positions from CBC News; elimination of daytime Living programs; reduction
of staff at The Fifth Estate and Marketplace; reduction in spending on children's TV programs; reduction to one-hour
of regional radio noontime programs; reduction of live music recordings and radio drama; closure of one-person
bureaus in La Ronge and Thompson; reduced staffing in Windsor, Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Quebec City; Moncton, Saint
John, Sydney, Corner Brook, Labrador, Gander and Grand Falls, NL... The CRTC began hearings in Gatineau Tuesday
to reconsider FM applications for the National Capital Region (Ottawa/Hull). As well, the Commission is looking at the
Pelmorex application for mandatory distribution on digital basic of The Weather Network and MétéoMédia...
Nominations for the Paul Mulvihill/NABS Humanitarian Award are open until April 10. The award is presented
annually to honour those from the communications industry who have volunteered to better the lives of others, with
local/national charities or through community service(s) in Canada. The winner will be announced May 14 at the 25th
Annual National Advertising Benevolent Society (NABS) Fundraising Gala Dinner in Toronto. For a nomination
form, click: www.nabs.org/events/paulaward/... The Edmonton chapter of Canadian Women in Communications
has an April 29 luncheon on tap that features men. For info, click www.cwc-afc.com and then follow the links to
Events>Edmonton.
R
EVOLVING DOOR: Wayne Waldroff, VP/GM of The Canadian Press and – before the name change – GM
of Broadcast News, will retire at the end of May. Waldroff’s early years at the news agency included duties as
the weekend sportscaster at BN Audio. Before joining the agency, Waldroff worked on-air at CJSS Cornwall
and CJRN Niagara Falls... Terry Scott has been promoted to Director of Broadcasting at The Canadian Press,
effective June 1, succeeding Waldroff. Scott has been with the news agency since 1990, beginning as a Reporter/Editor
and working his way up to General Executive in 1994 and Director of News and Information/Broadcast in 2006... It’s
official. Nadir Mohamed, 52, has been confirmed as Rogers Communications’ President/CEO. Mohamed had been
President/COO of the company's communications division since May 2005... Nick Ketchum, after 23 years with the
CRTC, officially retires at the end of June – although he’s on holiday leave as of now. Most recently he was Special
Advisor, Broadcasting. Ketchum may be reached at nfjk@hotmail.com... Norm Bolen becomes the new
President/CEO of the Canadian Film and Television Production Association (CFTPA) April 15. Bolen is the former
Exec VP, Content, at Alliance Atlantis Communications and the current Chair of the Banff World Television
Festival... Gord Marratto, who’d worked with Byrnes Media and who’s a previous owner of CKDK-FM Woodstock,
is now RSM at Evanov Radio Group’s 88.5 The Jewel Toronto... Ed Watson is the new Assignment Editor at CTV
British Columbia in Vancouver. Watson was CTV’s legislative Bureau Chief and a former CHEK-TV Victoria
Anchor... Daniel Tremblay, with Astral Media Radio since 2001, has become PD at CHOM 97.7 Montreal. He’s held
several positions in the company including GM of CFOM Quebec and GM of Énergie and Rock Détente stations in
Quebec.
S
R
IGN-OFFS: Larry Glick, 87, in a Florida hospital after open heart surgery. Many radio hosts point to Glick as
their inspiration and tributes from "Glicknics" have been pouring in to the WBZ Boston website... David Ross,
64, in Kamloops of cancer. The veteran Canadian actor, producer and arts supporter was the 20-year producer
of the Western Canada Theatre Company in Kamloops. He had roles in more than 100 CBC Radio dramas.
ADIO: FRED-FM (CFRK-FM) Fredericton has been re-launched, now 92.3 FRED-FM… Fredericton’s
Greatest Hits. Among changes, says GM Hilary Montbourquette, is a unique music position, an entertaining,
compelling, relevant and local morning show and target-specific local content. Note the emphasis on local... LIFE
100.3 Barrie raised $376,000 during its annual listener-supported Sharathon March 25-26. Station Manager Scott
Jackson said the recession concerned him going into the Sharathon but that the Christian station’s goals were met
half-way through the second day... Shore Media Group has won CRTC approval for its Shore FM Vancouver for a
move to 104.3 from 104.1. The company struck a deal with KAFE-FM Bellingham to trade frequencies. All that
remains now in the approvals process is the nod from the U.S. FCC. Shore FM President/GM Roy Hennessy says he
expects the new station to be on the air within a few months... X.92.9 FM Calgary, the Harvard-owned station, says
it’s standing strong in its “no Nickelback guarantee” despite the band’s three Juno awards won Sunday night. PD
Christian Hall says the station has had the guarantee in place since its inception almost three years ago . . . and there
are no plans to change. Hall says X.92.9 started the slogan to illustrate what kind of “radio station we are not.”
L
OOKING: CTV Ottawa - Supervisor, Accounts Receivable; CBC Radio & TV Yellowknife - Regional Manager
of Production and Resources; CP24 Toronto – Reporter/Anchor; CHAT-TV Medicine Hat – News
Anchor/Producer; TVO Toronto – Media Archivist; CBC Toronto - Senior Technical Analyst - ETL Developer
and a Producer; CBC Ottawa - Manager, Internal Control, Finance and Administration; Astral Media Radio Fort
St.John – Account Executive; Astral Media Radio Ottawa – Swing Announcer/Music Assistant; and, Lloyd FM
Lloydminster - Mid-Day Announcer.
April 9, 2009
Volume 16, No. 44
TV
Page One of Three
/FILM: The feds are said to be considering a $150-million fund to keep
local TV stations in business in light of MPs’ concerns over the CRTC
not moving fast enough to head off possible small station shutdowns.
In Moncton yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon, Prime Minister Harper
said no decisions have been made on an industry bailout. Localities threatened are
CTV and Canwest Media properties in Brandon, Windsor, Wingham, Barrie (CTV)
and Canwest’s E! stations in Red Deer, Kelowna, Victoria, Hamilton and Montreal.
Local TV backers say any money must go directly to the small market stations
where their existence is threatened. CTV and Canwest are said to be opposed to any of these funds being used
to support CBC. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty says he’s encouraged about the possible $150-million fund
to help rescue local stations and their newscasts... Canwest Media has a two-week extension – to April 21 – from
senior lenders and additional access to credit. In a memo to staff, President/CEO Leonard Asper said that while
it’s only two weeks, “... it is part of an ongoing discussion between the company and its lenders in which we seek
to reach a longer-term solution.” But there may be a showdown with bondholders next week, though not seen as
likely. However, if Canwest doesn't make a $30.4-million interest payment to them by April 15, they could push the
company toward insolvency. The company has enough cash on hand to make the payment but its banks are the
senior creditors and would likely block any pay-out to other creditors. At Noon EDT today (Thursday), Canwest will
host a teleconference to review the corporation’s second quarter and the first six months financial results for the
2009 financial year. Formal remarks will be followed by a question and answer session. Leonard Asper will be
joined by CFO John Maguire and other Canwest executives... Meanwhile, Canwest subsidiary CW Media has
received gross proceeds of roughly $6.6-million for its 16.6 million shares to a previously announced issuer bid
by Score Media... Pelmorex Communications, which operates The Weather Network and MétéoMédia, has
– for the third time – sought must-carry (“exceptional importance”) status from the CRTC. Along with that, it also
wants approval for its emergency alert system, which would be a voluntary opt-in for other broadcasters. The
Commission has asked the company to file an implementation plan demonstrating that such a system could be
up-and-running by next year. However, intervenors from Rogers Cable and Bell TV say Pelmorex hasn’t offered
any new evidence of “exceptional”
status since its last two denials...
BC ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS
The B.C. Court of Appeal has
issued a ruling that allows
62ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Adbusters Media Foundation to
May 6 - 8, 2009
pursue legal action against the
Delta Sun Peaks Resort
(near Kamloops)
CBC and Canwest Global for
refusing to screen its anticonsumerist TV ads. The
Adbusters' legal counsel said that
the case’s significance lies in
whether private broadcasters
using public airwaves have the
right to determine who gets to
speak on them; about the rights of
the people to hear alternative
viewpoints in a public space.
Adbusters launched a legal
challenge after the CBC pulled its
anti-car ad from its automotive
Broadcast Dialogue
18 Turtle Path
Lagoon City ON L0K 1B0
(705) 484-0752
E-Mail, click HERE
Broadcast Dialogue Website
www.bcab.ca
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Page 2
show Driver's Seat... Dave Devall, who retired last Friday as CTV Toronto’s Weatherman, was honoured that
afternoon by the Guinness Book of Records for having the longest career as a TV weather forecaster -- 48 years,
two months and 27 days.
R
ADIO: Corus Entertainment, StreamTheWorld and MySpace Canada have a deal for an online radio
streaming service to be called MySpace Radio. Located at www.myspace.com/radio, it streams roughly
50 Corus stations... The CRTC has denied applications for new FM’ers in Iroquois Falls and Cochrane. The
Northern Ontario localities, says the Commission, don’t have the capacity to support new commercial
stations... Shore 104 FM Vancouver, the AAA-formatted station scheduled to launch June 1, will be repped
nationally by Astral Media Radio Sales. Shore 104 FM is a private company owned by David Aisenstat, Roy
Hennessy (President/GM), Sam Feldman, Bob Mackowycz, Bob Mackowycz, Jr., Sean Morrison and Michael
Landsberg... More than $210,000 was raised at the 4th Annual ‘Kids Can’t Wait’ Radiothon last Friday, with
all three Rogers Kitchener stations taking part. The KidsAbility foundation is the beneficiary of the efforts by the
folks at 96.7 CHYM FM/KIX 106.7 FM/570 News. Each year, KidsAbility –– Centre for Child Development
provides assessment and therapy services in the Waterloo Region and Wellington County to over 3,300 children
with challenges that range from communication disorders and developmental delays to physical disabilities...
Dominik Schollmayer, a German DJ at Hit Radio Antenne in Hanover, has set a world record for the longest,
continuous radio show – on-air for 169 consecutive hours – just over seven days. The 26-year-old was allowed
to play two tracks consecutively for up to six minutes but had to return to the mic after the second song. While he
was allowed a five-minute break per hour, he often banked it so he could take 15-minute breaks every three hours.
The existing record of 168 consecutive hours of broadcasting was held by a DJ in India.
G
ENERAL: Corus Entertainment reports a profit of $29 million for the quarter ended Feb. 28, down from
$35.4 million during the same quarter the year before. The results were equivalent to 36 cents per share,
down from 41 cents per share in the year-earlier quarter. CEO John Cassaday, in a conference call
yesterday (Wednesday), said the company is looking at new ways to reduce costs including all aspects of
the Corus Radio division. Corus’ Discovery Kids and YTV specialty channels declined by double-digit
percentages while its W Network and Cosmopolitan TV experienced ad growth. Advertising aimed at younger
viewers has been in a decline for several quarters. Overall, revenue in Corus Television increased 5% to $123.4
million, while radio revenue sank 6% to $57.9 million... The Canadian Press is cutting 25 jobs, 8% of CP’s
workforce, in a restructuring that also includes the suspension of pension contributions for 2009-2011. In a first
effort, selected staffers have been offered buyouts before any layoffs occur... Careful, this plan might be on its way
to Canadian news operations. The Associated Press in the U.S. and the newspaper industry there plan an
aggressive effort to track down copyright violators on the Internet and try to divert traffic from websites that don't
properly licence news content. “We can no longer stand by and watch others walk off with our work...” said Dean
Singleton, the AP's chairman and the chief executive of newspaper publisher MediaNews Group. The AP has
tangled with bloggers over the extent to which "fair use" principles should allow them to post AP text on their sites...
The newly expanded Vancouver Convention Centre officially opened Friday, the building getting set to play host
to broadcasters from around the world who’ll flock to Canada for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter
Games. The International Broadcast Centre features a 2.4-hectare living green roof and a restored marine
habitat underneath. The site will open to national and international broadcasters January 12, 2010 and close in
late March.
R
EVOLVING DOOR: Terry Spence, after 35 years at the station, has been fired by CFAX Victoria. The
former ND, Exec VP, part owner and GM, had been a talk radio mainstay in the B.C. capitol. C-FAX was
sold to CHUM in 2004, which in turn was bought by CTV Globemedia... Still with CFAX Victoria, Johnny
Z (Zwolak), the longtime Production Manager – after 36 years with the station – will retire in May... Dave
Simon, ex VP Engineering for Astral Media Radio in Toronto, is the new Director of Engineering, Radio for CTV
Ltd.’s CHUM stations. He succeeds Dave Haydu, who left the company a week or so back. Simon, unlike Haydu
did, works from the Agincourt office... Brian Main, the Station Manager/GSM at Global Saskatoon, has departed
his 21-year career with Global and moved to the mining industry. Succeeding him on an interim basis is Wayne
Rorke... Derek Debolt is the new Managing Editor at Global Edmonton. Debolt had been Senior Producer at
CBC Radio Edmonton and, prior to that, ND at CFCN-TV Lethbridge and an instructor at Lethbridge College...
Charlene Packer has joined the Newcap Calgary (XL 103fm/Fuel 90.3fm) creative Team. Parker, after four years
with Astral Media Radio Ottawa, began at Newcap Calgary March 30... Lucie Brodeur, GM, Marketing &
Promotions at Corus Québec, left that post last week to start a marketing communications and special events firm
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Page 3
called Plan B. She can be reached at lucie.brodeur@gmail.com.
S
IGN-OFFS: Murray Gaunt, 73, in a London hospital. Gaunt, the Huron-Bruce MPP for 18 years and CKNX
Wingham's farm editor for 17 years after that, was inducted into the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame in
2005 because he was "a strong voice for the agriculture community as a member of the legislature, farm
news broadcaster and agricultural commodity group leader for more than 40 years”... Grant Wyatt, 54, in
West Vancouver. Wyatt was an ENG/Steadicam Operator at CKVU-TV/Citytv Vancouver for over 32 years.
L
OOKING: Big Dog 92-7 Regina - Senior Account Rep; Harvard Broadcasting Regina - Promotion
Manager; Astral Television Networks Toronto – Research Analyst; CTV British Columbia Vancouver
– Graphic Artist; NHL Network Toronto – Story Editor; CTV Edmonton/Calgary - Reporter/Producer; CTV
Retail Sales Toronto – Account Executive and a Web Developer; Canwest Media Toronto – Digital
Solutions Specialist; CBC Toronto - Senior Technical Analyst - ETL Developer; CBC Ottawa - Senior Manager,
Risk Management and Administration, CBC Pension Fund and a Manager, Internal Control, Finance and
Administration; Evanov Radio Group Toronto – Creative Director; Dougall Media Thunder Bay – Creative
Writer; and, Newcap Radio Thunder Bay – Account Manager.
* * * * *
April 16, 2009
Volume 16, No. 45
Page One of Three
TV
/FILM: The idea of buying more ads to help local TV stations is being
discussed at the cabinet's committee on priorities and planning. While
general support is there for helping local TV, how best to do it remains
the question. There had been talk about a government handout of up
to $150 million as a quick solution but some MPs are worried that a money funnel
wouldn’t do much to hold off cuts. Instead, they say, the feds could benefit from the
advertising... The Writers Guild of Canada, however, wants no part of a bailout,
ad buying or otherwise. It maintains that Canwest is still a profitable business, as
is CTV. The Guild maintains that while conventional ad revenue was down, specialty channel advertising was up.
Further, it wrote, “It seems when Canwest reports to its shareholders, it’s an integrated business – but when they
talk to government it’s all about the hardships of over-the-air.” Executive Director Maureen Parker asks: “How can
the broadcasters ask for a taxpayer bailout when broadcasting remains profitable?”... Knightscove Media, a
Canadian distributor of family entertainment, has entered into a non-binding letter of intent to acquire the
operations of Ellis Entertainment. Ellis is a Toronto-based producer and distributor of TV product to about 150
countries... CTV Saskatoon will lose 10 and a-half positions this summer when the station moves a large chunk
of technical operations to Calgary. The positions are concentrated in production and traffic... TLN Telelatino has
launched a campaign in support of Red Cross efforts for victims of the recent Italian earthquake. Rather than
promote any other activities, TLN says
that what “... our Italian friends and
relatives need right now is relief from
experts who provide emergency services
year-round all over the globe”. Italian Red
Cross rescue teams were on the scene
an hour after the earthquake struck. All
monies raised in Canada will go directly to
the Canadian Red Cross’ sister agency in
Italy.
Broadcast Dialogue
18 Turtle Path
Lagoon City ON L0K 1B0
(705) 484-0752
E-Mail, click HERE
Broadcast Dialogue Website
G
ENERAL: Astral Media has
reported a second-quarter profit of
$28.9 million, down from the $57.3
million it reported last year after
booking a big tax-related gain. Astral said
its earnings were unchanged after
stripping out the year-ago tax gain.
Astral's earnings were 51 cents per share,
versus 98 cents in last year’s same
quarter. Revenues rose two per cent to
$209.3 million... Canwest Media has a
new deadline of April 21 from an ad hoc
committee of senior noteholders as the
Canwest Global subsidiary works on
recapitalizing itself. The committee
agreed to postpone demands for a
US$30.4-million interest payment – due
March 15 – for another week... Canwest
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Page 2
Global Communications
reported a quarterly net loss of
$1.44 billion including a $1.19billion writedown of assets, mostly
May 6 - 8, 2009
in its newspapers. Revenue was
Delta Sun Peaks Resort
(near Kamloops)
$637 million in Canwest's second
quarter ended Feb. 28, down by
10% from $701 million in last
year’s same quarter. The net loss
($8.09 per share) compared with
a year-ago loss of $34 million, 19
cents per share. Its operating
profit for the quarter fell to $15 million from $95 million... The Department of Sociology at the University of Alberta
in Edmonton says that the Corus Entertainment Ph.D. Fellowship in Television Studies will begin in September
2009. The $10,000 annual fellowship is aimed at applicants working “within the broader area of critical-cultural
television studies”. The successful applicant will also get the Sociology department's standard PhD funding
package. Deadline for application is April 30 and the decision to award the scholarship will be no later than May
15. Questions? serra.tinic@ualberta.ca... Eleven stations shared in the 29 Regional Edward. R. Murrow Awards
that went to Canadian shops as determined by RTNDA International in the U.S. The Regional Murrows for the
Canadian winners will be presented at the RTNDA Canada regional award dinners in Moncton, Edmonton,
Vancouver and Toronto in May and June. Winners are:
BC ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS
62ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE
www.bcab.ca
RADIO, LARGE MARKET
Overall Excellence
Newscast
VOCM St.John's
Videography - TV only
CIVT-TV Vancouver
680News (CFTR) Toronto
Overall Excellence
Continuing Coverage
VOCM St. John's
Web site
CIVT-TV Vancouver
Breaking News Coverage
680News (CFTR) Toronto
Continuing Coverage
680News (CFTR) Toronto
Newscast
680News (CFTR) Toronto
Use of Sound - Radio only
680News (CFTR) Toronto
Feature: Hard News
CFRB Toronto
News Documentary
CFRB Toronto
TELEVISION, LARGE MARKET
Overall Excellence
CIVT-TV Vancouver
Overall Excellence
Breaking News Coverage
CIVT-TV Vancouver
Feature: Hard News
CTV Montreal
Feature Reporting
CFRN, Edmonton
Investigative Reporting
CFCN-TV Calgary
RADIO, SMALL MARKET
Overall Excellence
Newscast
CIVT-TV Vancouver
VOCM St.John's
Overall Excellence
News Series
CIVT-TV Vancouver
Breaking News Coverage
VOCM St.John's
Sports Reporting
CIVT-TV Vancouver
TELEVISION, SMALL MARKET
Overall Excellence
CKVR-TV (‘A’) Barrie
Overall Excellence
Continuing Coverage
CIVI-TV Victoria
Feature: Hard News
CTV (CKCO) Kitchener
Feature Reporting
CJCH-TV Halifax
Investigative Reporting
CIVI-TV Victoria
Newscast
CKVR-TV (‘A’) Barrie
Videography - TV only
CIVI-TV Victoria
Writing
CIVI-TV Victoria
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Page 3
R
Making Media Accessible.
President & Chief Executive Officer
The National Broadcast Reading Service
The National Broadcast Reading Service Inc. (NBRS) is
a non-profit Canadian success story. Established in
1989, this multi-media organization assists the blind,
low-vision, senior and other Canadians in making print,
film and other forms of entertainment more accessible.
Through innovation, creativity, accountability and a
shared enthusiasm for the organization’s vital role,
NBRS is well positioned to deliver on its vision - to
reduce barriers to media faced by vision and printrestricted Canadians. The President and CEO will
support and lead this effort, working with a strong
national Board of Directors and a dedicated staff.
Accountable for all operations and business planning, as
President and CEO you will ensure that the systems,
business processes and resources are continually
enhanced to deliver value and corporate performance.
Core to your role is the ability to provide leadership and
a renewed sense of direction. You will play an important
external role, building relations with volunteers,
stakeholders, partners, the media, governments, clients
and the public. You will champion initiatives to define
and achieve the goals of a new strategic plan.
As the ideal candidate, you are a respectful, empowering
and decisive leader who fosters a culture of enthusiasm,
team, excellence and accountability. You are a strong
communicator, influencer and can interact with comfort
and confidence with a range of audiences, including
staff, Board, volunteers, governments and players in the
broadcasting industry. You recognize that technology is
an enabler and can apply exceptional relationship
abilities and business management skills in fulfilling the
organization’s mission. Regarded as a leader in the
broadcasting industry, previous experience working with
a nonprofit board will serve you well, as will exposure to
the CRTC.
To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please
contact Joanna Solomon at (416) 366-1990. To apply,
please submit your resume and related information
online at: www.rayberndtson.ca/en/careers/7562.
NBRS is committed to the principles of equity and diversity in the
workplace and in particular welcomes applications from individuals
who are blind or have vision restrictions.
ADIO: The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group and BC
Children’s Hospital Foundation have formed a
partnership in which Pattison stations will support and
promote a $200-million Campaign for BC Children
around the province. It will urge BC’ers to "Be A Superhero" by
supporting the construction of a new BC Children's Hospital and
Child Health BC, an initiative that is improving access to
pediatric care for all BC children... Two six-year-old twins from
the Montreal Italian community cracked open their piggy bank
and donated $9.12. An elderly Montreal widow wrote a cheque
for $1,000. The city’s Italian community has, so far, collected
more than $80,000 toward the relief and recovery effort under
way in the aftermath of the Italian earthquake. And a CFMB
Montreal radiothon on Good Friday raised the majority of it –
$61,000. Host Ivana Bombardieri hopes the results of another
fundraiser yesterday (Wednesday) will bring the total up to $1
million... Corus Radio has been employing an engaging and
successful campaign at The Fox Vancouver in which it hooks
up a listener with a need to a supplier that’s willing to provide it
at no charge. The most recent “hookup”, the fifth so far, saw a
young man move towards acquiring laser eye surgery so that he
can become a transit policeman. An eye clinic will perform the
surgery and will, in turn, receive $5,000 in advertising from The
Fox. The FOX HOOKUP happens every weekday morning.
R
EVOLVING DOOR: New GM/VP for Rogers Radio
Vancouver is Geoff Poulton. He’s going to stay as GM
at Citytv Vancouver until a successor is found... New
Manager, French Services at CBC Sudbury is Michel Morin.
He returned to Sudbury after a 15-year absence after turns at
CBC points in Toronto, Montreal and, his most recent stop,
Radio-Canada Trois-Riviêres where he was Executive
Producer. It was in 1979 that Morin took part in initiating CBC
French language service at Sudbury... Barb Matheson, the
Director, Publicity and Communication at E1 Entertainment
Canada in Toronto, has moved to Walt Disney Studios Motion
Pictures Canada, also in Toronto... At The Jewel 88.5
Toronto/Newmarket, Paul Stoutenburg has become the
Promotions Coordinator. Stoutenburg arrived from CTV’s ‘A’
Barrie. Also at the Evanov Radio Group station, Candace
Lowes became the Assistant Promotions Coordinator. Her
background includes promotions at Moose FM Haliburton.
S
IGN-OFF: Harry Kalas, 73, in the broadcast booth at
Nationals Park in Washington. Kalas had been the voice
of the Philadelphia Phillies for nearly 40 years. The
news of his passing prompted makeshift memorials
around Philadelphia and made headlines on newscasts and websites across the U.S.
L
OOKING: The National Broadcast Reading Service is searching for a new President/CEO. See the ad on
this page... Other jobs we’ve heard about include CBC Toronto - Director of Technological Maintenance for
English Services; NBRS Winnipeg - Program/Volunteer Coordinator; CP24 Toronto - ENG Editor; Canwest
Toronto – Assistant Editor; CBC Winnipeg - Regional Media Production Support, Manager; CBC
Sherbrooke - Regional Line-up Editor; CBC Toronto – Mobile Application Programmer; CHAT-TV Medicine Hat Writer/Producer; Corus Radio Peterborough – Junior Account Exec; and, Evanov Radio Group Toronto –
Creative Director.
April 23, 2009
Volume 16, No. 46
T
Page One of Three
V/FILM: Appearing yesterday (Wednesday) before the House of Commons
Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, Ivan Fecan, President/CEO of
CTVglobemedia and CEO of CTV called for “swift federal action” to address
“the crisis in local Canadian television”. Fecan said CTV wasn’t looking for a bailout or a short term fix. Instead, he said, “what interests us is a plan to build a
sustainable future for conventional television in Canada”. CTV put forward a threepoint plan that would, it said, provide a viable new framework: Immediate
implementation of fee-for-carriage that would not involve consumers but rather
would be an industry-to-industry matter; satellite carriage for local TV stations that the Broadcasting Act has
already determined requires priority carriage of local TV; and, a hybrid digital transition strategy that would speak
to the unjustified spending of several hundred million dollars to reach 9% of the Canadian marketplace, particularly,
said CTV, when the investment produces no additional revenue... In attacking claims that the TV sector is in
decline, Rogers Communications questioned assertions from CTV and Global Television that their conventional
TV business needs regulatory relief. RCI Vice-Chairman Phil Lind told MPs on the House committee examining
the state of the local TV industry that declining income isn’t the result of a TV sector in turmoil. Instead, he said,
it’s the temporary drop in ad revenue in this recession. RCI also points to both companies buying up specialty
channels in recent years. Refuting that
was CEO Pierre Péladeau of
Quebecor. He said the TV industry has
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE NEEDED
changed forever, with cable and the
Internet splintering audiences. There’s
no reason, he said, that companies
should be forced to own money-losing
conventional TV assets if specialty
channels are making the lion's share of
profits. This week’s hearing was
organized after the nets warned that
several small stations could be closed
New Country, 93.7 JRfm & World Class Rock, 100.5 the PEAK have
because they’re losing money...
immediate openings for experienced Account Executives in our
growing sales department.
Speaking of losing money, YouTube
makes newspapers look like the smart
Looking to grow your sales career quickly?
place to put your cash. Credit Suisse
says Google will lose $470-million U.S.
Consider joining Canada's Country Music Station of the Year, CJJRon the video-sharing site this year
FM and Vancouver's newest radio station, 100.5 the PEAK.
alone. If that figure is even close,
YouTube, which Google bought in
Self starting, motivated career achievers with a minimum of 2 years
2006, is in big trouble because, as one
of broadcast sales experience, please.
competitor admitted, user-generated
content is proving to be a financial
Accepting resumes through May 15/09 at talent@thepeak.fm.
albatross: They haven't made the “ton
No phone calls please. Only those that are to be considered for
of money” the tech evangelists said
interviews will be contacted.
they would. The content that seems to
do best online is the same stuff that did
AS PART OF THE JIM PATTISON BROADCAST GROUP’S EMPLOYMENT EQUITY POLICY WE
well offline -- content produced by
WELCOME APPLICATIONS FROM PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND PEOPLE OF ALL
professionals... A new Global
CULTURAL AND ETHNIC BACKGROUNDS.
Television series – Copper – has been
Broadcast Dialogue
18 Turtle Path
Lagoon City ON L0K 1B0
(705) 484-0752
E-Mail, click HERE
Broadcast Dialogue Website
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Page 2
picked up for broadcast on ABC in the U.S. The hour-long drama will begin taping in Toronto in June. Copper joins
The Listener, Flashpoint and The Bridge among Canadian productions finding a second life on American TV...
Global Television, TVA Montreal and Sun TV Toronto have CRTC approval to suspend parts of their licences
relating to cross-media ownership and to replace it with a standard policy called the Journalistic Independence
Code. It would provide for an independent body half controlled by the industry it’s regulating to adjudicate
complaints related to independence of co-owned media outlets. The outlets are to have independent news
management but no restrictions on news gathering... Fox Business Network has been approved for carriage in
Canada as an eligible satellite service for distribution on a digital basis... CTV Ottawa VP/GM Louis Douville has
been named Executive of the Year, Private Sector, by the Regroupement des gens d’affaires de la Capitale
nationale (RGA). The RGA’s gala event last weekend honoured businesswomen and businessmen who achieved
outstanding performances in their businesses and who continue to make social contributions to their community...
G
ENERAL: Corus Entertainment says it won’t be laying off any employees now but instead, as a costcutting measure, most full-time employees will take an unpaid week off. Further, the company has
suspended its portion of paying into the employees pension plan from June 1 to August 31. Corus says
those two moves will save it several million dollars. Exceptions are commissioned sales people, contract
workers and part-timers... During his remarks opening NAB2009 in Las Vegas, NAB President/CEO David Rehr
said that the broadcast industry, despite the current downturn, is poised “to reap tremendous benefits from exciting
new advances in digital technology for radio and TV.” Nearly every industry (in America), he said, faces tough
economic times but that not many of them are as well-positioned to succeed as broadcasters are... While the
numbers of delegates are down at NAB this year, it’s not nearly as bad as some had been expecting. Definitely
a far cry from the worst of predictions. Best estimates are about a 20% decline from last year... Canwest Global
Communications has arranged another extension from lenders and noteholders, to May 5. The previous
extension expired Tuesday. Canwest says it continues discussions with the secured lenders and a committee of
holders of its eight per cent senior notes who, meanwhile, will continue to provide credit... Broadcast audiences
routinely complain about the jarring audio level changes between commercials and programs or when switching
from one station to another or even between different programs on the same channel. But this may soon be a
thing of the past thanks to a new loudness meter developed by the Advanced Audio Systems group of the
Communications Research Centre (CRC) in Ottawa. The next big step will be adopting a loudness level that
the world’s broadcasters agree on. CRC is hoping that will happen by month’s end... CBC says it will embrace a
24/7 breaking news format for its TV, radio and online news operations, breaking news online first before it
services CBC Newsworld. That’s a shift from feeding The National first while regarding Newsworld and CBC.ca
as afterthoughts. Further, supper-hour local TV newscasts will expand from one hour to 90 minutes, and beginning
at 5 p.m. To better deliver news with less money, the CBC proposes to introduce a central news assignment desk
for its multi-platform operations... A reflection of the American broadcast news situation on Canada’s TV stations
may be appropriate. A just-released survey shows jobs in local U.S. TV news dropped by 4.3% and salaries
dropped by 4.4% last year. At the same time, stations set a record for the amount of news on the air while the net
number of stations originating news declined by only four in the past 16 months. The 2009 RTNDA/Hofstra
University Annual Survey shows that more than half of stations are making a profit on local news. Bob Papper,
director of the survey and professor and chair of the department of journalism at Hofstra University, says, he
expects jobs and salaries to continue to decline in 2009, but looks for improvement in 2010... Coming up May 13,
the Canadian Broadcast Distribution Association (CBDA) will hold an advanced wireless seminar in Toronto
with a focus on rich media applications. To register, click:
https://secure.calexis.com/cbda/get.php?pageID=CBDA_Seminar_Registration.
BC ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS
62ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE
May 6 - 8, 2009
Delta Sun Peaks Resort
(near Kamloops)
www.bcab.ca
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Page 3
R
EVOLVING DOOR: Len Lawson, Director, Broadcast Sales at Telesat in Ottawa, will retire in August. He
says an immediate goal is “a lot of international travel, including New Zealand”... Don Mumford succeeds
Jim Blundell as VP/GM of Bob FM London. Blundell moved to Victoria as VP/GM of the CTV properties
there, A Victoria and the two radio stations. Mumford retains his duties as VP/GM at A London, A Windsor and
A Wingham... Dave Ostler, after 19 years with the Moncton operation, will retire from his Sales Manager’s job at
the Newcap stations effective May 29. Ostler is part of the team seeking his successor and will help in the
transition process... Michelle Dubé, co-anchor of CHCH-TV Hamilton’s evening news, has left the station after
four months to become a Reporter at CTV Toronto (CFTO-TV)... New PD at Radio Ville-Marie’s CIRA-FM
Montreal is Claudette Lambert. She had worked as a journalist, host, director and in public relations during her
24-year career at CBC radio and TV... Brenda Dittrich is now with Shore FM Vancouver as the yet-to-belaunched station’s Creative Director. She moved from her Ass’t Creative Director’s gig at Newcap Edmonton...
Peter Puxley, a former CBC Radio Parliamentary bureau chief, is returning to the Hill as a senior political aide
for NDP leader Jack Layton's office. He begins May 4.
R
ADIO: Two flips to FM for Newcap have been approved in Alberta. CHLW St. Paul will move to 97.7 with
16,000 watts and maintain AM’s Country format while CKVH High Prairie goes to 93.5 at 25,000 for its
Classic Hits format... The CRTC has issued a deadline of May 21 to submit interventions or comments on
Jim Pattison Broadcast Group’s application to increase power for its CIBW-FM Drayton Valley from
7,400 watts to 50,000... CBC Radio One host Jian Ghomeshi, host of “Q” – and the same announcer who got
stuck with but brilliantly handled actor/musician Billy Bob Thornton’s twisted knickers – will MC the Dora Mavor
Moore Awards this summer. The awards honour talent in Toronto's performing arts industry... A new, weekly twohour radio show with host Ben Mulroney – called E Talk 20 – that counts down Canada's chart-toppers launched
on CHUM stations last weekend. It’s anchored at CHUM-FM Toronto... Owen Sound-based Bayshore
Broadcasting has partnered with eight area hospitals for an on-going educational and promotional campaign
designed to stimulate planned giving. Called Bayshore’s Healthy Tomorrows, the campaign is aimed at building
awareness of the importance of planned giving to the well-being of medical facilities. There will be two campaigns
a year, each with open line programs to inform listeners of planned giving options and radio commercials
encouraging them to include a bequest to their local hospital foundation in their wills.
L
OOKING: Jrfm/The Peak Vancouver is seeking Account Executives. See the ad on Page 1 for details. Other
jobs we’ve heard about include Newcap Moncton - Sales Manager; CTV Brandon - News Anchor and a
News Reporter; Global News Toronto - Reporter; CBC Montreal – Director, Advertising and Branding and
a Project Manager for Internet and Digital Services; CBC Yellowknife – Regional Manager of Production
and Resources for Radio and Television; CITI FM Winnipeg – Program Director; Corus Radio
Woodstock/London – Mid-day Host; and, CFQR-FM/CINW-AM Montreal –– Directeur des promotions.
Coming in May . . .
An important article by
well-respected broadcast veteran
and former
Calgary Flames GM
Ron Bremner
You won’t want to miss
“Doing the Right Thing”!
April 30, 2009
Broadcast Dialogue
18 Turtle Path
Lagoon City ON L0K 1B0
(705) 484-0752
E-Mail, click HERE
Broadcast Dialogue Website
Volume 16, No. 47
Page One of Four
TV
/FILM: So much has been going on in the National Capital Region this
week related to over-the-air (OTA) television that to cover it all would
go way beyond the mandate of this executive briefing. Instead, here are
the highlights:
S
Canwest Global says big-market TV could face the same fate as some
small-market stations unless the CRTC recognizes the problems of
declining ad sales on conventional TV, the growing popularity of specialty
services and the Internet, and that the Commission allows conventional TV
access to another source of revenue. CEO Leonard Asper reiterated the
company’s request for a carriage fee from cable and satellite operators.
S
Asper said federal rules are to blame for the problems plaguing the TV sector – not the economic crisis or
the staggering debt his company faces.
S
Asper told CRTC Chair Konrad von Finckenstein that a small amount of financing won’t make any
difference; that conventional TV’s financial health is under too much stress. Ditto, more or less, from CTV.
Although CTVglobemedia CEO Ivan Fecan did say that CTV’s A Windsor might be kept operating if
concessions were significant enough.
S
During Canwest’s appearance, von Finckenstein said: "Regardless of what the outcome of these hearings
is, you're telling me I should really get used to Canwest without the E! chain?" "Yes," replied Canwest's
president of broadcasting Peter Viner.
S
Just before Canwest's presentation, Rogers Communications Sr. VP of regulatory affairs, Ken Englehart,
downplayed the concerns of conventional broadcasters, claiming that it’s a collective PR campaign geared
toward crisis generation and building support for financial relief.
S
Asper said the regulatory system is tilted toward the BDUs. While BDUs have won concessions, he said,
broadcasters’ obligations have become more onerous. CTV has already said it will close A Windsor, A
Wingham and CKX-TV Brandon while Canwest says its five E! stations are for sale.
S
The financial crisis has forced conventional TV broadcasters to write down the value of their assets by
billions of dollars.
S
“The structure of the market has been fundamentally altered as a result of years of over-licensing and
authorizing too many foreign signals into Canada,” Asper said.”Our only source of revenue is advertising
and the market is now saturated.”
S
Rogers Communications, as a condition of contributing 1% of its cable revenue to a newly created $60million local programming fund, said it wants the CRTC to set conditions, e.g. that no small-market stations
be shut down. CTV wants that contribution tripled to 3%.
S
Rogers said it has no choice but to pass on to consumers the cost of the local TV fund. Any proposed
increase to Rogers' contribution, the company warned, will drive more customers to drop cable for greymarket satellite systems.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Page 2
S
Ivan Fecan said the CRTC has contributed to the situation now faced by conventional television. He says
a series of Commission decisions over the last five years have favoured cable and satellite carriers to the
extent that they “... have had the effect of compromising the underpinnings of conventional television.”
Distributors,” he said, “are enjoying record profits while conventional broadcasters are losing money.”
S
Both CTV and Canwest have had layoffs, cutbacks, the threat of station closures and, says Fecan, more
trouble is on the horizon if the system isn’t changed to allow broadcasters revenue other than advertising.
S
Fecan also criticized the CRTC’s latest proposal regarding networks spending as much creating domestic
programming as on buying American shows. Essentially, he told the Commission, that that’s a game of
chicken with the studios. “What are you trying to achieve? Fecan asked Chairman von Finckenstein. “I'm
at a loss to consider why . . . you would play this kind of risk with our business.''
S
Fecan also wants the CRTC to force satellite distributors to carry local stations. As an example, he cited
the Timmins in Northern Ontario where 44% of the area’s population watches TV via satellite . . . and CTV
Timmins isn’t carried. “If there is room for dozens of porn channels,” he said, “there should be room for
Timmins.”
S
George Addy, a former head of the Canadian Competition Bureau, says he doesn’t know how the CRTC
is going to deal with the nets’ requests. The senior partner at Davies Ward Phillips and Vineberg LLP
was quoted as saying that "the business model for TV hasn't changed in 50 or 60 years. Meanwhile,
everything else in the economy has changed."
S
Montreal-based TQS is requesting the creation of what it calls “a more equitable environment for all
television broadcasters and a new distribution revenue sharing plan that would promote healthy competition
based on creativity and talent rather than on a distorted regulatory structure.” TQS operates five stations
in Quebec and company president Maxime Rémillard says continuing “... to cut conventional television
broadcasters out of a share of distribution rights, is the equivalent of stating that their television content is
of secondary importance and little value or worse yet, that we are doing them a favour. Studies
demonstrate that conventional television broadcasters’ programming is in demand and will continue to draw
50% of the total audience.”
S
The Commission says the networks would collect $352 million if they were allowed to charge cable and
satellite carriers 50-cents a month per subscriber for their signals. CRTC estimates show $56-million in
new revenue would go to CTV, $72-million to Canwest and $57-million for Rogers Communications. They
would be the three largest benefactors of about a dozen conventional broadcasters.
S
The CRTC is looking for ways to temporarily help broadcasters while searching for long-term fixes. Prime
Minister Stephen Harper's cabinet is also considering ways to help prop up local television.
S
Fecan said that since going digital is a public policy issue to ensure all Canadians are able to receive digital
signals – even the 9% or fewer who still get signals off-air – the government should incur some of the costs.
The cost to convert all of its transmitters to digital is too high, he said: “We’re quite prepared to operate
without” the homes featuring rabbit ears. An investment of several hundred million dollars to reach 9% of
the marketplace can’t be justified. “We are in a world where analog dollars are being converted to digital
dimes,” he said.
S
In comments to the House of Commons heritage committee yesterday (Wednesday), Heritage Minister
James Moore said digital technology will help broadcasters become more efficient and profitable in the
long run. But he did not signal any areas where the federal government might further assist the industry.
Meanwhile, Canadian broadcasting distribution companies’ revenues in 2008 exceeded $10 billion, a higher gross
than ever reported. The CRTC released the statistical and financial summaries which show cable’s total revenues
rose from $7.1 billion in 2007 to $8.24 billion in 2008 (up 16.1%). Profits before interest and taxes (PBIT) went from
$1.5 billion to $2.1 billion. While expenditures were up 7.8%, the PBIT margin improved from 21.2% in 2007 to
25.3% in 2008. Total revenues for direct-to-home (DTH) satellite distribution and multipoint distribution system
(MDS) companies increased by 10.8% between 2007 and 2008, from $1.85 billion to $2.05 billion. After posting
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Page 3
a PBIT of $17.1 million in 2007, this figure climbed to $81.4 million in 2008. The PBIT margin improved over the
same period, rising from 0.9% to 4%. Broadcasting distribution companies contributed $323 million to Canadian
programming in 2008, up 7.9% in one year. Of that, $166.3 million went to the Canadian Television Fund, $41.2
million to independent funds and $115.6 million to local expression, such as community cable channels. Affiliation
payments in 2008 saw cable companies pay out $1.56 billion. Included in that figure were payments to pay and
specialty services. DTH and MDS companies contributed $740.8 million to their affiliates... Canwest Media has
ordered two more new Canadian original series: Lawyers, Guns and Money and Shattered. Both are set to join
the Showcase line-up next fall... A divided U.S. Supreme Court voted 5-4 to uphold the FCC’s policy allowing it
to fine stations for “fleeting expletives”. At the same time, however, it sent the case back to a New York federal
appeals court to consider whether or not the policy violates the U.S. First Amendment.
R
ADIO: Golden West Broadcasting’s new 99.5 Drum FM (CHOO) Drumheller went to air this past
Tuesday morning, focusing on local news, information and events – plus rock, pop and AC songs from the
last 25 years blended with the multi-format hits of today. Ron Zuke is Station Manager... Vaughan Mayor
Linda Jackson is suing The Edge (CFNY) Toronto and its Dean Blundell morning show for $1.1 million
after a string of on-air comments, including calling her a "pig" and "an angry large woman." The statement of claim,
filed March 10, says the show featured "defamatory innuendos" suggesting Jackson was a "fraudster" and
dishonest because she failed to account for her expenses. (The city of Vaughan abuts Toronto’s northern
border.)... Acadia Broadcasting, owner of CKBW Bridgewater, has won approval for a sister FM station to run
at 100.7 with power of 10,000 watts. Format is to be New Country... Merritt Broadcasting, owner of N L
Broadcasting in Kamloops and Merritt, has won the Commission’s approval for a flip of CJNL Merritt to FM and
programming AC. The CRTC also allowed N L’s application to allow CHNL Kamloops to take over the CJNL’s AM
Merritt transmitter using the same technical parameters – 1230 kHz (Class C) with a day- and night-time transmitter
power of 1,000 watts. Because CJNL has been airing CHNL programming, the addition of the AM transmitter would
ensure the continuity of CHNL’s programming in Merritt... CKDH Amherst, owned by Maritime Broadcasting,
has won approval for a flip to FM – 107.1 with power of 18,700 watts. An AC format will be retained... 99.3 The
FOX (CFOX-FM) Vancouver’s hockey team raised more than $65,000 this season – all for BC Children's
Hospital. In the last nine years, the team has raised $195,000.00 in support of BC’s Kids... Tony Bennett, at a
Tuesday evening gathering in Washington that included U.S. legislators, said it's a crime performers don't get paid
by radio stations when their music is broadcast. The party, put on by the musicFIRST coalition, heard Bennett say,
“The radios don't want to give up one penny.” The National Association of Broadcasters opposes the proposal,
saying it threatens thousands of radio jobs.
S
R
UPPLYLINES: New York City-based Canadian Television Sales (CTS) has created a new division –
Reliable Internet Planning and Execution (RIPE) – which will work with U.S. agencies that want to place
media on Canadian websites. The company represents Astral Media, Canwest, CBC and The Score.
EVOLVING DOOR: Account Exec Deborah Stillie has been promoted to Retail Sales Manager at Astral
Media Radio Vancouver. She takes over the position tomorrow, May 1... Dave Hunter, the morning show
host at 89X Windsor, has added program director to his duties. Hunter, who’s been with the CHUM
Windsor cluster for 10 years and with CHUM Radio for more than 16 in different on-air positions, succeeds Vince
Cannova... Garry Raible retires today (Thursday) after 36 years in broadcasting and 13 years as morning sports
anchor at News 1130 (CKWX) Vancouver. Succeeding him is Geoff Rohoman who was a news reader and fill-in
sports anchor... Michel Saint-Cyr, President of the CBC’s Real Estate Division, resigned just as CBC is trying to
sell assets to finance the majority of a $171 million shortfall... Former Ontario Progressive Conservative leader
John Tory began a one-hour weekly talk show this past Sunday night on CFRB Toronto. Tory is also a former
Rogers Media CEO, CFL commissioner and a corporate lawyer... Diane Humber has been appointed Managing
Director at CBC Calgary. It’s a move from Regional Director for Newfoundland and Labrador... Rachel Nixon will
become director of Digital Media for CBC News effective June 1. Nixon spent nine years with BBCNews.com and
is now the global news director of Vancouver-based NowPublic.com, the world's largest participatory news
network.
S
IGN-OFFS: Les Walton, 52, of a stroke in a Hamilton hospital. Walton had worked at CKTB St. Catharines
as a Newscaster the last 24 years... Art Gould, 95, in Saint John. The former broadcaster, politician and,
earlier, a meteorological officer with the Royal Canadian Air Force, helped establish a daily, televised
weather broadcast on CHSJ-TV Saint John in 1957. Gould had been the mayor, deputy mayor and councillor for
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Page 4
the city of Saint John... Ted Reynolds, 83, in Vancouver. Reynolds' career spanned more than 50 years, 35 of
them with CBC Television. It included radio and TV play-by-play for 23 sports during 10 Olympic Games. He also
did freelance broadcasting and retired from the business two years ago at the age of 81.
G
ENERAL: The National Post will be going without its Monday print editions for nine weeks beginning June
29. It’s a move that will lower newsprint costs at the Canwest Global-owned newspaper property. The
company says it will still run full digital Monday editions this summer... Rogers Communications reported
a 10% decline in net earnings to $309 million or 49 cents a share for the quarter ended March 31. Results
met expectations but were down from net income of $344 million or 54 cents per share. Quarterly operating
revenue rose 5% to $2.75 billion from $2.61 billion. The global economic downturn has been leaving its marks on
various divisions in the company, including zapping ad revenues from the company’s media division which reported
a 73% drop in its operating profit to $6 million... A judge in Halifax has ruled that an inquiry into the in-custody
death of a Nova Scotia man who suffered deep psychological problems can be aired live on the Internet – a first
for the province. Judge Anne Derrick agreed that the webcast would make the case more open to the public.
Details of the webcast will be provided during the next court date July 6... Saskatchewan minister of justice Don
Morgan has decided not to pursue a complaint about a CBC News interview with convicted murderer Curt
Dagenais. Morgan – before the airing – had asked that the interview with the murderer of two RCMP officers not
be broadcast. Morgan’s actions have raised concerns with Mitch Diamantopoulos, the head of the school of
journalism at the University of Regina. He said that the minister’s action was one “that demonstrates a disturbing
disregard for press freedoms"... Two of Fanshawe College’s (London) broadcasting success stories were
honoured last weekend at the college’s Broadcast Awards Night. Cheryl Hickey (class of 1996), the host of Global
Television’s Entertainment Tonight Canada, and Al Campagnola (class of 1979), the product manager for
Rogers Radio’s Ontario North stations and the programmer of the company’s Country stations (and based in
Sudbury), are the ninth and 10th members of the college’s Broadcasting Wall of Fame.
L
OOKING: CTV Toronto – Control Room Director; CTV Brandon – Producer; CBC Toronto – Social Media
UI Developer, a Media Player Flash Developer and a Maintenance Developer; CBC Ottawa – Senior
Manager Risk Management and Administration, CBC Pension Fund; CBC Montreal - Senior Director
Finance/Administration and a Maintenance Technician; Astral Media Radio Hamilton – Account Executive;
and, CAM-FM Camrose – Middays/Promotions.
IF YOU JUST CAN’T WAIT TO READ
THE MAY EDITION OF
BROADCAST DIALOGUE,
GO TO OUR WEBSITE MAY 1 AND
ENJOY THE DIGITAL EDITION.
www.broadcastdialogue.com.
YOUR LETTER CARRIER
SHOULDN’T BE TOO MUCH LONGER!
May 7, 2009
Volume 16, No. 48
T
Page One of Three
V/FILM: CTV has accepted Jim Shaw’s offer on behalf of Shaw
Communications to purchase CKX-TV Brandon, A Windsor (CHWI) and
A Wingham (CKNX), each for $1. Shaw already owns an independent station
– CJBN-TV Kenora that programs both Global and CTV shows, including
CTV’s late night national newscast. The offer was made after CTV CEO Ivan Fecan
told the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage that his company couldn’t find
buyers, not even for a dollar. Critics suggest that Shaw is making a strategic
political manoeuvre designed to embarrass CTV in front of the CRTC. Shaw is
known for its lean operations and says its’ Kenora station turns a profit of $200,000 a year. But CTV says Shaw
makes the revenue from the free programming provided by both CTV and Canwest under a deal that swaps them
for local news footage... Meantime, Fecan told the CRTC that it may be time to reinstitute cable bill regulation. He
argues that the way it is right now, cablecos are holding consumers hostage. If the TV networks win the right to
charge for their signals, he said, those 50-cent per subscriber fees don't need to be passed on. Cable companies,
he argued, already collect billions of dollars... Canwest Global, in its one-year renewal request, wants relief from
how much Cancon drama to run and standardized local programming requirements throughout its chain. Global
stations face a patchwork of weekly requirements, from as little as nine hours a week to up to 36 hours a week.
Broadcast Dialogue
18 Turtle Path
Lagoon City ON L0K 1B0
(705) 484-0752
E-Mail, click HERE
Broadcast Dialogue Website
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Page 2
Canwest wants a uniform situation, with five hours a week in markets of less than one million, increasing to 10
hours in larger markets... The CRTC has approved the purchase of Category 2 specialty The Christian Channel
by World Impact Ministries of St. Catharines from S-VOX, which operates Vision TV and One: the Body, Mind
& Spirit channel.
R
ADIO: Nielsen Entertainment has acquired BDS Radio Canada from Pat Bohn and Associates. BDS,
the radio airplay monitoring service, was formed 10 years ago by Bohn and today, say both Nielsen and
Bohn, “it is recognized as the standard for airplay and sales success.” As a result, Stephanie Friedman
has been appointed GM of Nielsen BDS Radio Canada. She had held the GM’s job under Bohn’s
stewardship from 1998 until Nov/08... The listeners to 50 radio stations in 28 cities across Canada came to the aid
of 20 children’s hospitals and health care facilities during a one-day event called the Astral Media National Day
of Caring for Kids Radiothon. The stations raised a combined total of $7,175,952 - the largest amount ever from
a one-day Canadian radiothon event. Radio hosts broadcast live from partner health facilities throughout the day
on April 30. In many of the 28 cities, Astral stations worked closely with Children's Miracle Network - the
international non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of kids by raising funds for
children's hospitals. John Hartman, the Chief International Officer for Children’s Miracle Network, said “Canadians
are known for their generosity, but I am absolutely astounded by their willingness to give during a time of economic
uncertainty. It clearly shows that Canadians see value in helping others, in this case young children who are in
need of the best medical treatment available”... The CRTC has granted Rogers Broadcasting approval to
purchase John Wright’s K-Rock & KIX Country Kingston. Rogers has had a minority interest in these stations
since 2000.
G
ENERAL: Quebec's TVA Group reports first-quarter net income of $6.5 million, up 18% from $5.5 million
a year ago. TVA, a subsidiary of Quebecor Media, said its operating revenue was $109.8 million in the
January-March period, an increase of 3% from $106.5 million a year earlier. Net income per share rose to
27 cents from 20 cents... Over 550 IT employees at Rogers Communications have been told that their jobs
will be outsourced (internal IT services and future data centres). The Rogers board of directors gave its approval
to the outsourcing plan last week... The National Broadcast Reading Services, The Accessible Channel and
three individuals are being sued by ex-President Bob Trimbee for wrongful termination, for compensation included
in his consulting agreement, damages for loss of base salary, a retiring allowance, deferred income, interim,
interlocutory injunctions requiring NBRS to pay into court the retiring allowance and deferred income funds pending
a judicial determination of his action. Trimbee, who joined NBRS almost 20 years ago, led the struggling and debtridden non-profit broadcast operation to its recent successes... Canwest Global’s subsidiary, Canwest Media,
has received another two-week extension – to May 19 – from senior lenders and an ad hoc committee of senior
note-holders. Canwest continues to suffer from strong economic headwinds, but is cutting costs and shopping
some of its non-core assets. Measures also underway and implemented are expected to reduce annual operating
expenses by up to $100-million... Alberta wants to upgrade its Emergency Public Warning System (EPWS) from
TV and radio to text messaging, satellite and social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. EPWS has
been in place for 15 years, sending out severe weather and child abductions alerts. Municipal Affairs Minister Ray
Danyluk says the current system isn't lacking but that the province believes it needs to broaden the delivery
scope... Broadcast winners at the 28th Atlantic Journalism Awards in Moncton on the weekend included:
Spot News - Radio - Gold Rod Etheridge - CBC St. John's
Spot News - Television - Gold Glenn Payette - CBC TV St. John's
Enterprise Reporting - Radio - Gold Chris O'Neill-Yates - CBC St. John's
Enterprise Reporting - Television Chris O'Neill-Yates - CBC TV St. John's
Continuing Coverage - Radio CBC Fredericton
Continuing Coverage - Television - Gold Paul Withers - CBC TV Halifax
Feature Writing - Radio - Gold Pauline Dakin - CBC Halifax
Feature Writing - Television - Gold Pascal Poinlane, Paul Emile d'Entremont, Yves
Levesque, Keith Bradley - Radio-Canada Halifax
Video Journalist - Television - Gold Dan MacIntosh - CTV Atlantic, New Glasgow
Photojournalism Spot News - Television - Gold Steve Lawrence - CBC TV Halifax
Feature Photojournalism - Television - Gold Chris Kayaniotes - CBC TV Halifax
The Jim MacNeill New Journalist Award - Gold Zach Goudie - CBC TV St. John's.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Page 3
R
EVOLVING DOOR: According to sources within the NAB board, President David Rehr resigned from the
American broadcast trade association yesterday (Wednesday) and will apparently leave next month. There’s
no word yet on who his interim or permanant successor will be... Don Newman, CBC Newsworld's veteran
host of Politics, says it’s time to retire. The 68-year-old says he’s had a fulfilling run with the all-news
channel which he helped launch in 1989. He will leave at the end of “politics season” in June. Last October he
received the Gordon Sinclair Award for Broadcast Journalism... Jennifer McGuire has been appointed
General Manager, Editor in Chief of CBC News. She had been in that position on an interim basis since
November. The former executive director of CBC Radio is now responsible for CBC Newsworld, all local and
network news and current affairs programming on CBC Television, CBC Radio and CBCNews.ca... S-VOX COO
Peter Miller has left the Toronto-based company to pursue other opportunities. It was Miller who led the integration
of the former Rogers OMNI OTA stations in Vancouver and Winnipeg (now known as Joytv). Chief Content Officer
Mark Prasuhn will succeed Miller as COO while maintaining his existing duties. Also at S-VOX, CFO Jane
MacNaughton adds operational and strategic planning responsibilities. And, Terry E. Markus, General Counsel
and Board Secretary for S-VOX, will be promoted to the new role of Executive VP/General Counsel... Peace Arch
Entertainment CEO Gerry Noble has resigned, less than a year after taking the job. Noble is remembered as
President/CEO of Canwest Global’s Canadian TV operations, CEO of TV3 New Zealand, CEO of CanWest
Radio, director of Network Ten in Australia, director of TV3 in Ireland and CEO of Fireworks Entertainment...
Glenn Ruskin, the former Market Sales Manager at Rogers Radio Ottawa, has resigned in favour of becoming
VP, Sales at Rawlco Alberta. He’ll be based in Calgary and will take sales responsibility for two stations in
Edmonton – CHMC and a new launch – and for The New 97.7 (CIGY) Calgary. Ruskin begins Aug. 1... Chad
Martin, Operations Manager of Astral Media Radio Calgary takes on additional responsibilities as PD at CJAY
92. Interim PD Ben Jeffery is no longer with the station. Ceara K (Kavanagh) has been hired away from KOOL-FM
Victoria where she had been PD to be PD at VIBE 98-5. Russ Empey is the new MD at CJAY 92... CHUM-AM
Toronto PD Brad Jones is no longer with the CTV-owned station. He had programmed CHUM’s Oldies format
until the station was transitioned to being a re-broadcaster of Southern Ontario news specialty channel, CP24...
Mike Thurnell, a faculty member at Conestoga College’s School of Media and Design is taking over as
Coordinator of campus station CJIQ FM. The move frees Paul Scott to spend more time in his role as Coordinator
of the Radio Broadcast Program... Greg Cooper, Director of Marketing & Promotions, is no longer with JOE -FM
(CKNG) Edmonton.
L
OOKING: Newcap Radio in Moncton seeks a General Sales Manager. Complete details are on Page 1
inside the display ad. Other jobs we’ve heard about include: KOOL-FM Victoria – Program Director; 92.5
JOE FM Edmonton – Promotions Manager; Astral Media Radio Montreal – Senior Technician; Corus
Radio Guelph – News Announcer/Co-Host, Writer/Reporter; The Weather Network Oakville – Operations
Manager; CTV Brandon – Noon Anchor; and, CBC Montreal – Maintenance Technician A.
E
DITOR’S NOTE: If you have a peek at the masthead on Page One you’ll see that this edition is Volume 16,
No. 48. The volume number is years and the No. is the number of editions this year. Translation: 16 full
years of the Broadcast Dialogue weekly. Next week, the beginning of our 17th year. For those who have
been along for the ride the whole time, a special thanks. You’ve watched our brand evolve from what
seemed at the time an odd idea to what Broadcast Dialogue has become. We’ve travelled a long road from fax –
the only way to electronically distribute the original BD.
May 14, 2009
Volume 17, No. 1
Page One of Three
R
ADIO: Google's experiment, which wasn’t planned that way, into selling
radio spots has turned out to be a dud. Revolutionizing an old-fashioned
people business sees the score at 1-0 against the challenger, onlineadvertising brain power. The power brag that "Google is going to conquer
radio" (uttered in 2006) didn’t work out. Instead, Google is shutting the whole deal
down at month’s end. Bottom line for the failure, says the Wall Street Journal, was
that: “Radio stations refused to turn over airtime to a computer algorithm that set
prices far lower than their own rates.” Big advertisers also steered clear... Evanov
Radio has received CRTC approval by letter of authority to acquire control of Rainbow Media, which owns and
operates PROUD-FM Toronto. The two-year old operation is the first commercial station – anywhere – with
programming directed to the gay market... Corus Entertainment is offering direct iTunes accessibility on 11 of
its radio station websites. The Corus stations and websites that have customized iTunes Store access are: 99.3
The FOX (cfox.com)/Classic Rock 101 (rock101.com) Vancouver; Country 105 (country105.com)/Q107
(q107fm.ca) Calgary; JOE FM (joefm.ca)/CISN Country (cisnfm.com) Edmonton; Power 97 (power97.com)
Winnipeg; Y108 (y108.ca)/The New Country 95.3 (country953.com) Hamilton; and, The Edge (edge.ca)/Q107
(q107.com) Toronto... Astral Media Radio Kelowna has created four motorcycle safety PSAs for this, Motorcycle
Safety Month. All four are posted and may be heard by clicking: HERE. Group PD Mark Burley says any other
BC broadcasters are welcome to
download and use them... The Town of
Newmarket has partnered with 680News
Toronto as the town’s official radio
partner as part of its emergency
communications plan. Newmarket will be
directing residents to 680News in
emergency situations... The Saskatoon
Media Group – CJWW, Magic 98.3 and
92-9 The Bull – and, of course, the
listeners to all three stations – raised
$295,000 in a three-day blitz to assist
children of Saskatchewan through the
Children's Health and Hospital
Foundation. The funds will go toward the
purchase a new pediatric ambulance
along with other pediatric equipment.
Broadcast Dialogue
18 Turtle Path
Lagoon City ON L0K 1B0
(705) 484-0752
E-Mail, click HERE
Broadcast Dialogue Website
R
EVOLVING DOOR: Menno
Friesen, the VP Sales and
Marketing at Golden West
Broadcasting, and based in Altona, MB
– after 28 years of service – has indicated
that this will be his final year with the
company. He’s given notice for next May.
During this period he’ll guide the
transition of his duties to Richard
Kroeker and Deborah Gauger... Scott
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Page 2
Moore, who’s held the job on an interim basis since February, has become GM, Media Sales and Marketing at
CBC-TV as well as holding onto his job as Exec Director of Sports. He succeeds David Scapilati... Brian Bolt
will be retiring from his broadcasting Professor’s role at Mohawk College in Hamilton next month... Mark Baese,
ex of Evanov Group Radio, is the new Creative Director at Astral Media Radio Kelowna... Ron de Roo is the
new Supervising Producer, News and Information for Rogers TV at York and Durham Regions. The appointment
is effective May 25. Most recently, de Roo was the Producer of the CTV (CFTO) Toronto weekend news... Denis
Dubois became GM of TVA Group’s specialty channels May 7, a promotion from his duties at the Jeunesse
brand... Adam Smachylo has been promoted to Creative Director at Toronto-based Evanov Radio Group. The
move comes after four years served as a Writer.
S
IGN-OFFS: Bill Hutton, 83, in Halifax after a short illness. Hutton was the founder and first president of the
Radio and Television News Directors Association of Canada. In 2008, RTNDA introduced the Bill Hutton
Award of Excellence. He was a News Director at CFRB Toronto and at CKWX Vancouver, an Editor at
Broadcast News, the Bureau Chief of Selkirk News in Ottawa, CEO of London Broadcasting and
Independent Radio News in London, England, and GM of CFNY Brampton. Hutton retired from broadcasting
in 1989... “Happy Pappy" Al Jordan, 82, in Vancouver. In the early 1950s, Jordan, described as “one of the most
popular commercial voices in the Vancouver radio market”, had been a Newsman at CKWX Vancouver and made
stops in Penticton and Hamilton before returning to the West Coast as a CFUN Vancouver Good Guy when the
station moved to Top 40 in 1960. He did production work at CJOR Vancouver during the 1970s and was also the
Production Director and Host of Theme for Teens on ‘OR in the early 1950s. Dan Russell’s announcement of
Jordan’s passing aired on CKNW Vancouver earlier this week. Listen by clicking HERE.
TV
/FILM: The CTV public relations campaign to have BDUs pay OTA stations in the same manner as they
do specialty channels is in full swing. CTV has been using the popular Bourque.org website the past
few days to make its position known, and – next Saturday, May 23 – there will be open house at CTV
stations “... to bring attention to the structural problems plaguing the over the air television industry”
and to “get support for a change to our business model”. A website has been set up where a petition can be
signed. Meanwhile, WarrensList reports that a cross-Canada effort to enhance the CTV message will – some time
in the next few days – involve supper hour newscasts being “blacked out”. It reports that colour bars will be shown
to demonstrate what it would be like without local television... Shaw Communications says it will be the first out
of the gate in offering 3D content. The TV service will see Shaw partner with Corus Entertainment for distribution
of 3D on Shaw Video on Demand and Corus' Movie Central this summer or fall... The Upfronts – or, more
properly, the Los Angeles Screenings - take place May 21-25, and Canadian broadcasters are expected to hit the
ground running by doing their buying and then by getting home before the weekend’s over. But it won’t be that easy
in that they’ve got to find programming that fits both schedules and budgets. Global Media says it’s shopping only
for the network, not for the up-for-sale E! stations. Possible wild cards are Rogers’ five Citytv stations and Shaw,
which may own three more TV stations by next fall (the one already owned is CJBN-TV Kenora)... The CRTC has
given the public until June 8 to say what it thinks about Al-Jazeera English being broadcast here. Managing
director Tony Burman wants the channel available in Canada by this fall... Telus will sell Bell's satellite TV service
to customers in B.C. and Alberta under the Telus brand, with the two companies sharing the proceeds. The
agreement between them will help fill a gap in Telus's product line while it builds out its own TV service over
Internet lines (IPTV)... JumpTV, the Internet-based program provider, reports a first-quarter net loss of US$5.8
million as revenue more than tripled from a year ago to $6.6 million. The company streams sports, international
and variety programming. The deficit compares with the year-ago loss of $1.5 million on revenue of $1.9 million...
G
ENERAL: Steve Armitage of CBC Sports will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Civil Law May 22 from
his Alma Mater, Saint Mary's University in Halifax. In its news release, St. Mary’s says, in part: “For more
than 40 years, his work has served as the standard for excellence in Canadian broadcasting, and
audiences across this country have grown accustomed to his booming voice describing the play by play”...
At the annual convention of the British Columbia Association of Broadcasters, held at Sun Peaks (near
Kamloops) last weekend, award winners were:
Radio
* Best Creative (Small/Medium Market) Vista Radio
* Best Creative (Large Market) Classic Rock 101 Vancouver
* Community Service (Small/Medium Market) Silk FM Kelowna
* Community Services (Large Market) Corus Radio Vancouver
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Page 3
* Excellence in News Reporting (Small/Medium Market) * Excellence in News Reporting (Large Market) * Best Station IDs (Small/Medium Market) * Best Station IDs (Large Market) Television
* Best Creative (Small/Medium Market) * Best Creative (Large Market) * Community Service (Small/Medium Market) * Community Service (Large Market) * Excellence in News Reporting (Small/Medium Market) * Excellence in News Reporting (Large Market) * Station IDs (Small/Medium Market) * Station IDs (Large Market) Joint Radio and TV
* Friend of the Industry * Broadcaster of the Year * Broadcast Performer of the Year * Broadcaster Performer of Tomorrow -
Sun FM (CICF) Vernon
News1130 (CKWX) Vancouver
Vista Radio
CKZZ Vancouver
CFJC TV Kamloops
Global BC
CKPG TV Prince George
CTV British Columbia
'A' Victoria
CTV British Columbia
CFJC TV Kamloops
CTV British Columbia
Richard Sienko, Target Broadcast Sales
Doug Collins, Jim Pattison Broadcast, Kamloops
Bro Jake Edwards, Classic Rock 101 Vancouver
Kevin Lim, Sun FM Kelowna
The CBC has to find $50 million in its budget to either cut or have redirected because, as CBC President Hubert
Lacroix told employees, the Corporation won’t be spared from a government-mandated spending review for next
year's budget. He said a CBC steering committee would give the government the results of its internal review over
the next few weeks. The public broadcaster is already facing a $171-million shortfall this year, cutting 800 full-time
jobs and reducing programming. This $50 million is on top of that.
L
OOKING: CTV Newsnet Toronto – Senior Producer; CBC Toronto – Senior Manager National Sales, a
Graphic Design Supervisor and a Promotions Manager; CBC Ottawa – Promo Producer-Director,
Communication at French Regional Television; CBC Montreal – Executive Director Commercial Services
(Sales & Marketing) and a Producer; Mohawk College’s School of Arts, Science and Communications,
Hamilton - Professor for the Broadcasting Radio program; Astral Télé Réseaux Montreal - Coordonnateur(trice),
communications; Analyste financier principal; Astral Media Radio Montreal - Conseiller(ère), créativité média;
Astral Media Radio Drummondville - Animateur(trice) après-midi – ENERGIE 92.1 Drummondville; and, Astral
Media Radio Chicoutimi - Technicien(ne) Énergie 94,5/RockDétente 96,9.
S
N
UPPLYLINES: Two newly-constructed CBC/Radio-Canada stations at Sherbrooke and Trois Rivières have
purchased Ross Video’s OverDrive Automated Production Control System and Vision Video Production
Switcher.
EW SUBSCRIBERS THIS WEEK INCLUDE: Heather Lusignan, National Broadcast Reading Service,
Toronto, Stephanie Friedman, Nielsen BDS Radio, Vancouver and Jason Mann, The Juice Kelowna.
Welcome!
****
May 21, 2009
Volume 17, No. 2
Page One of Three
TV
/FILM: The CRTC has issued an advance notice that it will issue shortterm (one-year) licences to OTA TV broadcasters CTV, Canwest,
SUN-TV and Citytv (Rogers-owned) effective Sept. 1. The
Commission says it’s giving notice of its decision now so as to “...
provide a measure of guidance...” as the stations get set for the upcoming
broadcast year. The CRTC will grant a two-year renewal for the TVA stations and
its discretionary services so as to match up the review dates for TQS and RadioCanada. Not in the cards for English TV broadcasters is a requirement for a one-toone ratio between Canadian and non-Canadian programming expenditures... The CRTC has tabled an alternative
to TV networks charging cable and satellite carriers 50-cents per subscriber for their OTA signals. Chair Konrad
von Finckenstein suggests the networks negotiate with the carriers for compensation rather than putting the
CRTC in the position of a) going along with what the
nets want and, b) the Commission then having to
approve a monthly fee. Instead, he suggests, the
CRTC would look at changing federal regulations to
allow the networks to enter arbitration if they can’t
reach a deal with the BDUs... The Canadian
Television Fund (CTF) has renewed the Digital
Media Program, increasing it from $2 million to $10
million dollars for 2009-2010... Members of the just
elected Women in Film & Television-Toronto
(WIFT-T) 2009 Board of Directors are: Wanda
Bradley, NBC Universal Television Distribution;
Leesa Levinson, Lights, Camera, Access!; Gaye
MacDonald, Consultant; Gabriella Martinelli, Capri
Films; Susan Ross, Corus Entertainment; Kara
Russell, Hall Webber LLP; Jane Tattersall,
Tattersall Sound and Picture; Akhaji Zakiya,
Nordicity Group; and Madeline Ziniak, OMNI
Television. New directors elected this year are:
Mary Bredin, Guru Studio; Bonnie Brownlee,
CTVglobemedia; Prentiss Fraser, E1 Television
International; Maureen Judge, Makin’ Movies;
Muriel Solomon, Canwest Broadcasting; and,
Diane Williamson, marblemedia. After serving
their maximum terms, board departures are: Marcia
Martin, Margaret O’Brien and Cynthia Reyes...
The Alliance for Children and Television (ACT)
celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, 35 years of
recognizing the importance of quality television for
Canadian kids... The proposal to extend Frenchlanguage coverage of the 2010 Winter Olympics is
Watch for the June Edition of
in trouble over a CTV/CBC argument about ad
Broadcast Dialogue, featuring CP24 and
revenues. CBC wants some if it is forced to carry
NAB2009 . . . Plus Photos of Canadians at
Francophone coverage for areas outside Quebec,
Broadcast Dialogue
18 Turtle Path
Lagoon City ON L0K 1B0
(705) 484-0752
E-Mail, click HERE
Broadcast Dialogue Website
NAB in Las Vegas. Coming Soon.
May 21, 2009
Page 2
and CTV doesn’t want to share. CBC President Hubert Lacroix said CBC/Radio-Canada shouldn’t incur any cost
in providing a service CTV bought so that it can deliver a profit to shareholders while CBC is laying off employees.
There are roughly 12,000 Francophones in the rest of Canada. CTV President of revenue, business planning and
sports, Rick Brace, says a deal he proposed would see the Corporation compensated for any lost revenue but
Lacroix is holding firm for a share of ad revenue. French-language coverage in Quebec will be provided by RDS,
RIS Info Sports, TQS and APTN... At Tuesday afternoon’s ABC upfront presentation in New York, comedian
Jimmy Kimmel delivered a blistering monologue that took direct shots at ABC and potential advertisers. Here are
just a few of his comments: “Everything you’re going to hear this week is nonsense” and “Let’s get real here. Let’s
get Dr. Phil-real here. These new fall shows? We’re going to cancel about 90% of them. Maybe more” and “This
show ‘Shark Tank’’ has the word tank right in the title”. To ABC advertisers, he said, “Every year we lie to you and
every year you come back for more. You don’t need an upfront. You need therapy. We completely lie to you, and
then you pass those lies onto your clients.”
R
EVOLVING DOOR: Former CBC-TV Marketplace Host Jim Nunn has announced his upcoming departure
from the public broadcaster. Nunn is among those who took an early retirement package. He’s now the host
of the CBC supper hour news in Nova Scotia but says his last broadcast will be on provincial election night
June 9... Mike Finnerty is leaving the CBC Radio One Montreal morning show, Daybreak, moving back
to England to become the multi-media news editor at The Guardian. He’ll oversee the news coverage on the
London-based newspaper's website. Finnerty leaves at the end of June... Pat Holiday, VP Strategic Development
at Astral Media Radio in Toronto, will retire at the end of this year’s fiscal. Holiday leaves August 31 after years
as a GM of CFRB Toronto, PD at The MIX Toronto and as an on-air host, including a period as one of the
infamous jocks at The Big 8 (CKLW) Windsor/Detroit... At the Evanov Radio Group in Toronto, Brian Master
and Randy Brill are now PD and MD respectively at the Jewel Network. Master is probably best remembered for
his CHFI Toronto PM drive Host gig which he held for over a decade. Brill has an extensive music background
in associations, print and radio. Most recently, he was with Rogers Communications... Audrey Whelan has been
promoted to ND at 660News Calgary effective June 1. Whelan, began her career at VOCM St. John’s and worked
her way up to Ass’t. ND. She moved to 660News in 2008 as an Editor/Anchor before moving to afternoon drive
C-Anchor... Leslie Kaz has moved to 1023 BOB-FM London from 97.7 HTZ-FM St. Catharines, joining Ken
Eastwood in the morning for the Ken & Kaz show. Her background includes news, promotions and comedy... Also
in London, former 680News (CFTR) Toronto news Anchor Lisa Brandt moves to the DJ side next week when
she joins 1031 (CFHK) London as the mid-day Host. Brandt left the Toronto station last fall.
R
ADIO: In a note to staff this week, CBC President Hubert Lacroix wrote: “After months of strict spending
controls and cost-cutting measures, it looks like our year-end results will be slightly better (by a few million
dollars) than anticipated. We are still going through our year-end audit with our auditors so I don’’t have final
numbers for you but I can confirm that we delivered on our promise to balance our 2008-2009 budget. We
have thus created a bit of flexibility.” The savings mean that the CBC Radio operations in Thompson and La
Ronge will be saved... It’s not something the CRTC is likely to do here, since neither it nor the American regulatory
body have any jurisdiction over, respectively, BBM or Arbitron. Still, Arbitron is going along with an FCC inquiry
into whether or not Arbitron's Portable People Meter (PPM) system accurately measures minority audiences. The
move had been sought by the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB) and the Spanish
Radio Association (SRA)... The CRTC has approved My Broadcasting’s application for an FM’er at Brighton,
ON. At 100.9 MHz with average power of 650 watts, the format will be AC/Gold... Rogers Media has launched the
first Canadian all news radio Blackberry™ application offering 680News Toronto news headlines, weather
forecasts and traffic updates. On-demand business and traffic audio reports are also featured. The Blackberry
application is a free download... 98.5 The OCEAN Victoria held its seventh annual Radiothon May 7- 8, raising
$166,014 for BC Children's Hospital. Since the OCEAN began the radiothon in 2003, the cumulative total is now
$1.2 million.
S
G
IGN-OFF: Gordon George Garrison, 84, unexpectedly in Florida. He began working at CKDO Oshawa in
1948 and, ten years later, formed a company (Lakeland Broadcasting) that bought the station. He sold it
in 1978.
ENERAL: Canwest Global has secured a $175 million financing lifeline. Yesterday (Wednesday), the
company said it found buyers for $100 million of 12% senior secured notes and CIT Business Credit
Canada has agreed to provide a $75 million asset-based loan. Existing senior lenders have agreed to defer
May 21, 2009
Page 3
payments of about C$10 million until June 2 so the new notes and loan can be arranged. Canwest says it now has
until June 15 to reach a deal with existing noteholders on a recapitalization transaction... Meanwhile, Canwest
Global has sold its indirect interests in four Turkish radio stations in a deal expected to close June 2... The
Canadian Film Institute’s AV Trust 2009 Masterworks Gala Ceremony in Ottawa honoured broadcasters CBCTV, Michael Maclear, the late John Drainie and Brian Thomas. The event celebrated 12 of the most significant
achievements in Canada’s audio-visual heritage. This year’s Masterworks are: (Television): Flight Into Danger,
the CBC’s TV drama about a potential disaster aboard an airplane; Producer Michael Maclear’s Vietnam: The
Ten Thousand Day War, a 26-part documentary; and, La Boîte à surprises, one of the longest-running children’s
TV programs in Canadian broadcasting history. For Radio, John Drainie, one of Canada’s most well-known
personalities and actors, best known for his role as Jake Trumper in the CBC’s Jake and the Kid series; Brian
Thomas, former ND at CHUM-AM/FM Toronto and responsible for the first and only in-depth radio interview ever
granted by Steven Truscott, on behalf of The Steven Truscott Story, the controversial interview with the man
convicted and sentenced to life in his early teens for the murder of Lynne Harper some 50 years ago; and, the
socially conscious Quebecois radio program Souverains anonyms, devoted to broadcasting the words, poetry, and
music of the inmates of Quebec’s Bordeaux detention centre... The Nieman Foundation for Journalism at
Harvard has selected two Canadians to join the 72nd class of Nieman Fellows: Medical Reporter Helen Branswell
of The Canadian Press and CTV Newsnet Director of News and Programming, Jana Juginovic. Branswell plans
to study disease eradication efforts and the demands they place on developing countries while Juginovic will study
the impact of 24-hour news on public policy... RTNDA Canada regional meetings begin this weekend. The first
is May 23 in Moncton, then May 30 at Edmonton, June 6 in Vancouver and June 26-27 in Toronto. Register online
at www.rtndacanada.com... A new The Canadian Press Harris-Decima poll suggests that Canadians are
shifting away from radio and newspaper print editions and instead gathering more of their news from the
mainstream media websites. The survey asked more than 1,000 respondents: For each of the following mediums,
are you using them to gather news information more, less or about the same than you were five years ago?:
Newspapers:
More, 18%; less, 30%; same, 50%.
Radio:
More, 18%; less, 26%; same: 53%.
Television:
More, 27%; less, 20%; same, 52%.
Websites of traditional news organizations:
More, 36%; less, 11%; same: 43%.
Websites of non-traditional news organizations:
More, 17%; less, 16%; same: 47%.
The telephone survey of slightly more than 1,000 Canadians was conducted May 7-10 and is considered accurate
within 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Despite media platform shifts, Canadians appear to still have a
huge appetite for news. Fifty-six per cent of respondents said they consumed news several times a day and 89%
said they get it at least once a day... In a related item, CBS News veteran Morley Safer says he trusts citizen
journalism as much as he would trust citizen surgery. He warns that the business problems of newspapers threaten
all of journalism, and the public's right to know. Safer said good journalism needs structure and responsibility and
that the blogosphere is no alternative. It is crammed, he says, with the ravings and manipulations of every nut with
a keyboard.
L
OOKING: Astral Media Radio Edmonton (The Bear) – Drive Show Host; Astral Media Radio Vernon –
Account Executive; Astral Media Radio Brandon – Account Executive; Astral Media Radio Montreal Senior Radio Technician; CBC Kelowna - Announcer Operator and a Reporter/Editor; CTV Toronto – Video
Editor; Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in Victoria - Broadcast Technologist/Broadcast
Operations Tech; CBC Montreal - Senior Network Analyst; and, CBC Ottawa - Corporate Controller, Finance and
Administration.
May 28, 2009
Volume 17, No. 3
Page One of Three
S
IGN-OFFS: Charles Dalfen, 66, suddenly, of a heart
attack in Toronto Tuesday afternoon. The former CRTC
Chair (between 2002-2006) oversaw content and market
rules facing numerous challenges from new media
advances such as the Internet and the rise of controversial
ethnic specialty TV programming. Up to his passing, Dalfen was
with Torys LLP. He recently spoke on BNN about CTV and
Global Television’s fight to earn revenues from BDUs for
carriage of their OTA signals. See it by clicking HERE... Randy Steele, 47, of throat cancer in
Hamilton. The CHCH-TV Hamilton reporter, who joined the station in 1996, showed his love for
his hometown through his regular feature, Steele Town.
Charles Dalfen
Broadcast Dialogue
18 Turtle Path
Lagoon City ON L0K 1B0
(705) 484-0752
E-Mail, click HERE
Broadcast Dialogue Website
T
V/FILM: The Canadian Broadcast Standards Council says – in two separate decisions – that the airing
by CTV and by CTV Newsnet (on Mike Duffy Live) of Stéphane Dion’s false start interview violated
broadcast codes. The interview, conducted by CTV Anchor Steve Murphy at CJCH-TV Halifax, saw Dion
request three re-starts and Murphy grant them. The CBSC concluded that both broadcasts violated the RTNDA
Canada Code of (Journalistic) Ethics and the Canadian Association of Broadcasters’ Code of Ethics. CBSC
concluded an RTNDA breach because
CTV had committed to not air the false
starts and its decision to override that
commitment was discourteous and
inconsiderate in that restarts and retakes
are common occurrences. CBSC also
concluded that the rebroadcast of false
starts on the Duffy program was unfair
and contrary to Clause 6 of the CAB
Code. The complete decision may be
found at www.cbsc.ca... CTV’s news
coverage of its Save Local TV campaign
violates the Broadcasting Act, according
to the country’s largest cable providers.
Rogers, Bell, Telus, Cogeco, EastLink
and the Canadian Cable Systems
Alliance lodged a complaint with the
CRTC last Friday, one day before the
cross-Canada CTV open houses,
accusing the broadcaster of "one-sided
and unbalanced coverage" of its
advocacy campaign. But CTV says its
campaign to save local television – both
CTV and ‘A’ stations – is in compliance
with the Broadcasting Act and the CAB's
Code of Ethics. Cable and satellite
companies, says CTVglobemedia Exec
VP, Corporate Affairs Paul Sparkes have
May 28, 2009
Page 2
attempted to paint a picture for the CRTC of CTV suppressing freedom of speech and misleading the public...
Meanwhile, on Vancouver Island, last week's B.C. election night ‘A’ (CIVI-TV) Victoria programming was devoid
of wall-to-wall election coverage unlike in past years. Instead, regular programming prevailed. This flies in the face,
wrote one editorialist, of CTV’s position that “Local news is the foundation of the Canadian broadcasting system.
If we cut local roots, we lose something invaluable as a nation. At CTV and ‘A’, we want to see local television
continue to strengthen our communities.” ‘A’ Victoria reporters filed to CTV British Columbia in Vancouver...
CRTC Chair Konrad von Finckenstein says the private TV networks will have to make meaningful commitments
to local news and programs if they want financial relief. In a repeat visit to the Heritage Committee this week, he
said there are several avenues to help networks bring in more revenue besides fee for carriage. A local
programming fund and protecting Canadian signals from American competition might help but, he said, such aid
would be contingent on the networks refocusing on local TV and Cancon... von Finckenstein also told the
committee that he misspoke two months ago when he said that the Commission wasn't allowing broadcasters to
charge BDUs a fee for carrying their signals because the broadcasters weren't going to direct the money they
received to local programming. He says he chose the wrong words in his March testimony. Instead of using
"resounding silence" from broadcasters on their commitment, he said he meant to say they were vague about their
plans to direct the money to local programming... Industry observers are saying that the OTA TV industry’s
precarious financial position has become a tipping point and that private broadcasters shouldn't be forced to jump
through further financial and regulatory hoops. DBRS Managing Director Paul Holman suggests that the CRTC
should reduce the requirements for Canadian programming from private broadcasters, and instead use CBC as
a key platform for domestically-produced TV shows. Another analyst says the Commission will have to loosen the
restrictions on both CTV and Global: “If they (the CRTC) want to have an industry to finance Canadian content,
then they've got to grant them some concessions”... TV antennas are making a tentative comeback although no
one’s quite sure how many people are scrapping their BDU in favour of the old technology. The irony is that the
rage for antennas is fueled by the switch from analog to digital and high-def. OTA digital TV proponents say the
signals are better than on cable and satellite. And, according to antenna promoter Jon LeBlanc, the magic word
is “free”... CTV Newsnet has been re-branded as CTV News Channel. The change this past Tuesday includes
a new graphics package... Global Calgary and Global Edmonton will launch in high definition next month, making
Global the first in Edmonton to transmit in HD... Nielsen Media Research says an average of 4.4 million people
were watching NBC during prime time last week – the second worst showing ever. A lower number was recorded
for NBC in August ‘07. But never has any of the mainline U.S. networks had such a small audience in a week when
the ratings sweeps were on.
R
ADIO: Five Amigos Broadcasting has been granted an FM licence in Wallaceburg, Ontario, to be at 99.1
with power of 570 watts and programming AC. Five Amigos is owned by Greg Hetherington (25% of the
voting shares), Gary Patterson (25% of the voting shares), Gregory Aarssen (17% of the voting shares),
Mike Kilby (16.5% of the voting shares) and Max Fantuz (16.5% of the voting shares). Hetherington by winning
also lost. He was let go from his morning show duties at CKSY-FM Chatham for competitive reasons. He’d been
with the station for over 21 years. Patterson is a former sportscaster while Aarssen, Kilby and Fantuz are from
outside the broadcast business... BBM Analytics and Coleman Insights have partnered on a series of seminars
designed to help stations prepare for the planned introduction of PPM-based audience measurement. The
seminars are scheduled for June 15 in Vancouver, June 16 in Calgary, June 17 in Edmonton and June 18 in
Toronto. The free seminars will be geared to GMs, PDs, marketing and promotions people but are limited to two
representatives per station... There is now an online social network for radio advertising sales professionals to
solve problems, share ideas and to improve sales. www.RadioSalesCafe.com is the brainchild of Pullman, WAbased Grace Broadcast Sales and it offers 24/7 interaction with other radio advertising salespeople in North
America and around the world.
R
EVOLVING DOOR: Gary Rathwell, after 33 years with CHAT-TV Medicine Hat, has called it quits. Semiretirement, he says, will involve the pursuit of other interests. Rathwell’s last position with the Jim Pattison
Broadcast organization was as Program Manager... Adam Salvisburg succeeds Johnny Zwolak as
Commercial Producer at CFAX/CHBE-FM Victoria. He moves from his SUN FM (CJSU-FM) Duncan job where
he was Production Manager/Imaging Director... And, from last week, an OOPS: Lisa Brandt joined CKDK FM
Woodstock at the Corus London location as midday Host, not CFHK London.
G
ENERAL: Elements of Société Radio-Canada (SRC)’s nearly annual broadcast of the variety show Bye
Bye on New Year’s Eve 2008 violated codes, regulations and conditions of licence, says the Canadian
May 28, 2009
Page 3
Broadcast Standards Council. While SRC is not a CBSC member, the CRTC nonetheless asked it to examine
the program as a result of the Commission having received 210 complaints. CBSC’s conclusions, said the CRTC,
would form the basis of its own decision. Bye Bye took shots at Blacks, other identifiable groups, the Roy hockey
family, Nathalie Simard, politicians and various public personalities. The complete decision may be found at
www.cbsc.ca... CBC's English-language service has begun issuing up to 180 redundancy notices. Exec VP
Richard Stursberg told employees on Friday that 180 is the maximum number of layoffs expected. Earlier, the
Corporation had projected about 393 job cuts to make up a shortfall of $85 million in the English-language
services. But a number of employees across the country applied for voluntary retirement which, said Stursberg,
led to a reduction in the number of layoffs CBC had to make... A new Pollara study commissioned by Friends
of Canadian Broadcasting suggests that Canadians believe CBC is being starved of funds by a government with
a vendetta against it. Sixty-three per cent agree that "Prime Minister Harper and the Conservative government are
hostile to the CBC and would like to diminish public broadcasting in Canada"... Roger Abbot and Don Ferguson
will be among seven honorary doctorates (Doctor of Laws) at Montreal’s Concordia University during spring
convocation ceremonies June 7-9. Both are co-founders of Royal Canadian Air Farce and of Abbot Ferguson
Productions... RTNDA Canada’s Atlantic Regional convention, held in Moncton last Saturday night, saw awards
presented to:
TELEVISION
Adrienne Clarkson Award – Diversity – CBC Cape Breton
Best Use of Sound Award – CBC Cape Breton
Charlie Edwards Award – Spot News – CBC Radio Fredericton
Dan McArthur Award – In-depth/Investigative – CBC Radio St. John’s
Dave Rogers Award – Short Feature – News 88.9 Saint John (Med Mrkt)
Dave Rogers Award – Long Feature – CJLS Yarmouth (Small Market)
– Radio-Canada Acadie (Medium Market)
Gord Sinclair Award – Live Special Events – CBC Radio Moncton
Peter Gzowski Award – News Information Program – CBC Radio Halifax
RADIO
Ron Laidlaw Award – Cont. Cvrg – CBC Radio Newfoundland & Labrador
Byron MacGregor Award – Best Newscast – KHJ Fredericton (Small Market) Sam Ross Award – Editorial/Commentary – CBC Radio Maritimes
VOCM St. John’s (Medium Market)
Bert Cannings Award – Best Newscast – CBC Newfoundland & Labrador
Charlie Edwards Award – Spot News – CBC TV Nova Scotia
Dan McArthur Award –In-depth/Investigative – CBC TV St. John’s
Dave Rogers Award – Short Feature – CBC News: Nova Scotia
Dave Rogers Award – Long Feature – Radio-Canada Moncton
Ron Laidlaw Award – Continuing Coverage – CBC News New Brunswick
L
OOKING: Astral Television Networks, Toronto - Director, Original Programming; Astral Media Mix
Toronto – Group Manager; CTV Toronto – Web Designer; CBC Toronto – Senior Manager, National Sales;
a Brand Development Specialist; and, a Senior Remote Area Transmitter Technologist; CBC Calgary –
Regional Manager of Production and Resources for Radio and Television; CHFI Toronto – Afternoon
Announcer; and, CJOK-FM/CKYX-FM Fort McMurray – Promotions Director.
BROADCAST DIALOGUE
Keeping you up-to-date with a timely
executive read in the weekly
Broadcast Dialogue Electronic Briefing...
And, delivering the broadcast industry
features, columnists, photos and
people activities that you want to know
in the Broadcast Dialogue Magazine.
The June edition hits the mail
early next week.
Watch for it!
June 4, 2009
Volume 17, No. 4
Page One of Three
R
EVOLVING DOOR: Rob Farina, ex VP of Programming at CHUM Radio
succeeds Pat Holiday at Astral Media Radio in Toronto as Exec. VP,
Content. He begins Aug. 28. Holiday will retire at the end of August... Brian
Stewart, 67, the veteran CBC foreign correspondent and news anchor, is retiring.
Stewart has accepted an incentive retirement deal that, according to him, “came
along at the right time.” He says
he’ll pursue broadcasting interests
on an independent basis.
Stewart’s last day with CBC is July 31... Also at CBC, Director of
Communications Marc Paris – known to many in private
Astral Media brings together people with a passion to
broadcasting – has seen his four-and-a-half-year position
perform, as one team, with integrity and imagination.
eliminated. He will return to his consultancy firm, Paris Media
Management. Paris’ last day at the Corporation is June 17...
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
CHFI-FM Toronto afternoon Host Bob Magee will move from
that gig June 12 as he transitions to working for himself as on-air
97.3 EZ ROCK TORONTO
talent and as a freelance voice artist. Plus, he’ll continue to host
the mid-day show at 104.9 (CKCL-FM) Vancouver, the Rogers
RESPONSIBILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS
* Work with the station management team to develop
Oldies station. He records it at the Rogers Radio Cluster building
and execute annual programming, promotions and
in Toronto... Murray Brookshaw, Ops Mgr at XL 103 fm (CFXLadvertising plans for the station
FM) Calgary and PD at FUEL 90.3 (CFUL-FM) Calgary, is no
* Direct and manage station promotions and
longer with Newcap Calgary station cluster... Eric Heidendahl
advertising
has joined the Broadcast Engineering Technology faculty at
* Direct and manage the station’s online and social
network activities
Belleville’s Loyalist College. Most recently, he was Director of
* Develop and manage qualified and motivated work
Business Development Canada at AZCAR Technologies and,
teams, focusing on reaching objectives
before that, VP, Technical Services at Canwest/Global Eastern
* Have a good working knowledge of the market and
Canada... Ferne Downey has been elected National President
seeking community involvement
* Manage press relations
of Canada's actors' union – The Alliance of Canadian Cinema,
* Contribute to the development of the station with
Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) She succeeds Richard
Astral Media Radio
Hardacre. Downey has worked for 28 years in theatre, radio, TV
and film, as well as a producer. Her two-year term takes effect
SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
immediately.
* Post-secondary education in broadcasting, or
Broadcast Dialogue
18 Turtle Path
Lagoon City ON L0K 1B0
(705) 484-0752
E-Mail, click HERE
Broadcast Dialogue Website
R
ADIO: Bayshore Broadcasting has won CRTC approval
for a new FM licence in Orillia that will operate at 89.1 with
power of 2,100 watts. The format on Sunshine 89.1 will be
Soft AC. The Commission also approved an application by
Instant Information Services for a licence to operate a lowpower, tourist information FM’er in Orillia. The hearing for new
radio at Orillia involved eight applications. In the decision, the
CRTC said it was “mindful” of the economic situation and, as a
result, has taken into consideration the amount of time between
licensing and launch. The station ID was chosen because of
Orillia's Stephen Leacock and his book, Sunshine Sketches of
a Little Town... At the same Orillia hearing back in January,
applications were heard for a new FM station in Bracebridge. One
related experience
* Experience elaborating programming and
promotions strategies
* Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills
* Dynamic, creative and innovative
* Well developed leadership skills and business
acumen
* Ability to manage and motivate a team
* Good verbal and written communication skills
* Ability to work under pressure and with tight
deadlines
* Detail oriented team player
* Previous experience managing a team
Any candidate who wants to apply for this
opportunity should visit the Astral Media website at
www.astralmedia.com
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Page 2
from Instant Information Services was approved for a low-power, tourist information FM’er and CFBK-FM
Huntsville, owned by Haliburton, won approval for a power increase from 5,000 watts to 43,400... L.A. Radio
Group won approval for the use of 101.3 for its new FM station at Red Deer. It’ll have power of 26,000 watts
instead of 100.7 and power of 27,000 watts. Meantime, Astral Media Radio Sales will rep L.A. Radio Group’s
Sunny 94 (CJUV-FM) Lacombe and CKIK-FM Red Deer, expected to launch this summer... The Nielsen
Company says it has no choice but to immediately shut down its U.S. broadcast trade publication, Radio &
Records. Blaming “the current state of affairs,” Nielsen says it will cease all services, products and events related
to the 36 year-old publication. Radio & Records final edition is set for tomorrow (June 5). Electronic products ended
Wednesday and the website will soon be shut down. R&R was founded in 1973 by Bob Wilson. In 1979, it was
sold to Harte Hanks and then, in 1987, Westwood One bought it. R&R was acquired by Perry Capital in 1994
and, in 2004, VNU,the owner of ACNielsen, Billboard, the Hollywood Reporter and other business-to-business
publications, acquired Radio & Records... According to a Rasmussen Pulse survey, commissioned by the U.S.
radio industry’s Radio Heard Here initiative, 76% of respondents say they enjoy discovering new songs on radio,
74% say they enjoy discovering new artists on the radio, and 98% say they like that they can hear radio wherever
they go. Additional survey highlights include: 97% like the fact that radio is free; 88% are aware that radio is
available on new technology devices; 86% say that radio is doing a good job embracing technology; and 97% say
they are glad to have radio as an option for their entertainment, news, weather, traffic and information needs...
Newcap’s LIVE 88.5 FM/HOT 89.9 FM Ottawa are airing ads through June 21 promoting Flint, Michigan, at no
charge. The campaign, valued at $60,000, followed negotiations with the Flint Area Convention and Visitors
Bureau and is a direct response to an earlier campaign on the Ottawa stations called, This Ain't Flint. While no
offense was intended, GM Scott Broderick said Newcap Ottawa put an apology statement on its thisaintflint.ca
website... SHORE 104.1 Vancouver launched at the Industry Canada -approved time of 1:04 p.m. Monday. First
reports from around the Lower Mainland area was that the signal was “loud and clear”... The CKGM Montreal 50th
anniversary organizing committee is looking for anyone who worked at the station any time between 1959 and
2009. If you worked at 980 CKGM or 980 CHTX or 990 CKIS or Oldies 990 or 990 CKGM or what’s now THE
TEAM 990, you’re invited to the celebration to be held
Nov. 21. For details, click
http://www.marcdenis.com/ckgm-reunion.asp... The National Association of Broadcasters now counts 214
supporters for the Local Radio Freedom Act, a measure that would head off attempts to impose a performance
royalty on broadcast outlets. Meanwhile, the CEO of Sony Music Entertainment, Clive Davis, told USA Today
that radio airplay is the key to selling music. The Local Radio Freedom Act opposes any new performance fee, tax,
royalty, or other charge. Davis, asked if the Internet was the new venue of choice on which to break new music,
responded in the negative: “Radio is still the leading force of determining what songs and artists break through.”
T
V/FILM: Nadir Mohamed, who stepped into his CEO role at Rogers Communications following the death
of founder Ted Rogers, says CTV and Canwest Media – which have spent billions on acquisitions in recent
years – don’t deserve to be granted extra revenues from charging cable and satellite companies fees for
carriage. Mohamed says a tax on cable bills is the last things Canadians want and that Rogers, along with
the other BDUs, are asking the CRTC to deny the broadcasters’ request. CTV has told the Commission that if
funding is denied, it will be forced to close some OTA stations... Trina McQueen will receive the Lifetime
Achievement Award at the BANFF World Television Festival on Monday, June 8... The Canadian Association
of Film Distributors and Exporters (CAFDE) has urged the CRTC to uphold a condition of Citytv Toronto's
licence renewal to require it to keep on programming at least 100 hours of Canadian films in prime time each year.
Early in May, Rogers – owner of Citytv – asked to be relieved of that licence obligation. Citytv is the only
conventional station with the condition... Fox, NBC, ABC and Warner Bros. have put 20 series – including Grey's
Anatomy, House and Desperate Housewives – on the iTunes Canada store. And there are more to come.
Individual episodes cost $2.49 for standard-def and $3.49 for high-def...
S
IGN-OFFS: Lorne Starko, 57, in an Edmonton hospital after complications from a heart attack. The
Reporter/Newscaster at Newcap’s KG Country/Zed 99 Red Deer moved to the Alberta city in 1981 to work
at CKRD, now CHCA-TV/Big 105 FM, as its Sports Director. Later, he moved into news... Fung Fai Lam
of cancer in Markham. He was a retired VP of Sony Canada, a VP of the Society of Motion Picture Television
Engineers (SMPTE), served six Lieutenant Governors of Ontario as Aide-de-Camp and was an Honourary Colonel
of the Canadian Armed Forces with the 25th Field Ambulance. Fung was one of the founding staff of Sony
Canada (industrial products) when it was a subsidiary of Sony U.S. Later it merged with General Distributors,
the consumer distributor of Sony products.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Page 3
G
ENERAL: Canwest Global declined to
make $10 million in debt payments due
last Friday, and acknowledged that the
failure to make the payment by the May
29 deadline put its Canwest Limited
Partnership subsidiary in default of
agreements. While Canwest, in a statement,
said the default would permit the lenders to
demand immediate payment of those debts,
the company was in talks with the lenders on
a broader agreement to solve its debt
problems... A Canadian Press Mobile
application, in English and French, has
launched for iPhone and iPod with stories and photos from its network of content providers. And users will soon
see the addition of news video, as well as local news and photos... Pelmorex Media, the parent of The Weather
Network/MétéoMédia, has extended its All Channel Alert emergency alerting services with public safety messages
on Twitter. Pelmorex will reformat public safety alerts from Environment Canada and participating provincial
authorities as public safety updates... Richard Stursberg, CBC’s Executive VP of English Services, and Carole
MacNeil, who just performed her final edition of TV’s CBC News: Sunday, are getting married later this month. CBC
cancelled the show last week but MacNeil and co-Host Evan Solomon will be kept on. New assignments are
expected to be announced this summer... Despite a print report to the contrary, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty
says the federal government won’t be selling the CBC. “Heritage Canada,” he said, (which oversees the CBC) “is
not one of the departments that are being reviewed this year”... At the RTNDA Canada annual convention of the
Prairie Region in Edmonton this past weekend, winners were:
TELEVISION
Bert Cannings Award - Best Newscast – CHAT TV Medicine Hat (Small Market)
– CTV Saskatoon (Medium Market)
– Global News Calgary (Large Market)
Adrienne Clarkson Award For Diversity
– Global Edmonton
Best Videography
– Global Regina
Charlie Edwards Award - Spot News
– CTV Yorkton
Dan McArthur Award - In-depth/Invstgtve
– CBC Edmonton
Dave Rogers Award - Short Feature
– CHAT TV Medicine Hat (Small Market)
– CBC Saskatchewan (Medium Market)
– CTV Calgary (Large Market)
Dave Rogers Award - Long Feature
– CHAT TV Medicine Hat (Small Market)
– CTV Regina (Medium Market)
– Global News Calgary (Large Market)
Gord Sinclair Award - Special Events
– CTV Calgary
Ron Laidlaw Award - Continuing Coverage
– CTV Winnipeg
RADIO
Byron MacGregor Award - Best Newscast –
Zed 99 Red Deer (Small Market)
– CJME Regina (Medium Market)
– CBC Calgary (Large Market)
Adrienne Clarkson Award For Diversity
– CBC Radio Edmonton
Charlie Edwards Award - Spot News
– CJME Regina
Dan McArthur Award - In-depth/Investigative
– CBC Radio Edmonton
Dave Rogers Award - Shrt Feat – Big 105/106.7 The Drive Red Deer (Small Mkt)
-- CBC Radio Edmonton (Large Market)
Dave Rogers Award - Long Feature – CBC Radio Saskatchewan (Medium Mkt)
– CBC Calgary (Large Market)
Gord Sinclair Award - Live Special Events
– CBC Radio Edmonton
Peter Gzowski Award - News Infrmt’n Prgrm
– CJME Regina
Best Use of New Media Award
– iNews880 Edmonton
Best Use of Sound
– CBC Calgary
Sam Ross Award - Editorial/Commentary
– CHED Edmonton
This item harkens back to a CRTC decision May 15, but I use it today because, well, it’s kind of funny. Videotron
had asked the Commission to exempt a requirement for closed captioning on on-demand porn and for pre-school
children’s programming. The request was based on the expense involved. But the regulatory body denied it, saying
that children should have access to captioning so they can learn to read. As for the porn angle, there was no
official comment (apparently nobody cares what people are saying in them). But to the point, the Commission said
Videotron hadn’t made a strong enough case regarding financial hardship.
L
OOKING: 97.3 EZ Rock Toronto – Program Director (see the ad on Page 1); Newcap Radio Calgary ––
Program Director; Astral Media Terrace – Videographer/Radio Reporter; Astral Media Radio Nelson ––
Newscaster/Reporter; Astral Media Radio Kelowna – Advertising Sales Coordinator; Classic Rock 101
(CFMI FM) Vancouver – Evening Show Host; CJOB Winnipeg – News Announcer; Corus Radio
Peterborough - Morning Show Host; CTV Toronto – Broadcast Technician; CTV Vancouver – Director of
Engineering; Canwest Broadcasting Toronto – Brand Associate-Global Television and a Financial Analyst; CBC
Montreal - Director, Culture and Variety Programming, French Television; CBC Ottawa - Industry Analyst,
Research and Strategic Analysis; CBC Montreal - Host (English Television); and, CBC Toronto - Industry Analyst,
Media and Entertainment.
June 11, 2009
Volume 17, No. 5
Page One of Three
R
ADIO: It’s lights out for Jack FM Toronto and hello to Kiss92.5-FM,
“Toronto’s only Hit music station”. Gone is the morning show of Jeff Brown,
also the Jack FM PD, and his co-host, Carly Klassen. The new sound for
the Rogers station began last Friday with a promise to play 10,000 songs in a row
with no commercial interruption. On-air talent will be announced shortly... Virgin
Radio 999 Toronto reacted quickly to the launch of Kiss by using a new sell-line:
“Toronto’s New #1 Hit Music Station”... Astral Media Radio Toronto has moved
to green electricity for its three stations and their respective websites – Virgin
Radio 999, 97.3 EZ Rock and CFRB. They and Astral Media Outdoor have moved entirely to Bullfrog Power;
renewable electricity generated from wind farms... From our “Gee, that’s a shame department” comes word of a
complaint before the FCC in Washington over the gall of some radio stations to decide which music they air. The
complaint says musicians who support royalties from stations are “being threatened and intimidated” in retaliation
for their stance. In the filing, the musicFIRST Coalition says the label of a top-selling artist (believed to be Bono)
– who supports musicians’ royalties from radio airplay – was notified that a certain broadcast group’s stations
would no longer play his single. Another part of the complaint says that by excluding certain musicians, stations
are “unlawfully putting their own financial interests above their obligation to serve the public.”
Broadcast Dialogue
18 Turtle Path
Lagoon City ON L0K 1B0
(705) 484-0752
E-Mail, click HERE
Broadcast Dialogue Website
G
ENERAL: The CRTC will not change its approach for broadcasting content distributed over the Internet and
through mobile devices. It will also continue to exempt new media broadcasting services from regulation
but will, it says, monitor evolving trends. Commission Chair Konrad von Finckenstein said: “Any
intervention on our part would only get in the way of innovation.” The Commission said new media
broadcasting still hasn’t produced a solid business model that would support government rules. But while
regulations aren’t in the picture now, the CRTC will ask the Federal Court of Appeals to rule on whether new
media broadcasts fall under the Broadcasting Act. However, any further action on the new media issue won’t
happen for at least five years, possibly longer... On Tuesday night in Toronto, the Canadian Journalism
Foundation honoured Joe Schlesinger, the former CBC Foreign Correspondent, with its Lifetime Achievement
Award. Schlesinger, now 81, continues to do documentary work. Other broadcasters honoured were: MaryCatherine McIntosh of CBC Radio Calgary who won the Greg Clark Award; Kevin Robertson, a Producer with
CBC Radio, received the CBC/Radio-Canada Fellowship; Jana Juginovic, Director of news and programming,
CTV News Channel and Exec Producer, CTV News Specials, was awarded the Martin Wise Goodman Canadian
Nieman Fellowship that includes a year of study at Harvard; and Morley Safer of CBS’ 60 Minutes was welcomed
to his native Toronto for a special Canadian Journalism Foundation tribute for his body of work that spans six
decades...
June 11, 2009
Page 2
At the 75th Western Association of Broadcasters annual convention in Kananaskis on the weekend, Global
Regina’s Mitch Bozak succeeded CTV Winnipeg’s Bill Hanson as President of the association. Award winners
were: Gold Medal TV – CTV Calgary * Gold Medal Radio – Magic 99 FM Edmonton * Broadcaster of the Year
– Marty Forbes * Honourary Life Member – Stan Schmidt... Canada 3.0, a two-day event early this week in
Stratford, saw more than 1,500 participants look at five key topics: Digital infrastructure; mobility and media; digital
media research and commercialization; talent attraction and retention; and enterprise information management.
The eventual goal of the recently-formed Canadian Digital Media Network, host of Canada 3.0, is to make this
country a leader in digital media so that all Canadians can connect to content and be able to access it on an equal
level. Among more than 70 speakers were CRTC Chairman Konrad von Finckenstein, Gary Maavara,
VP/General Counsel, Corus Entertainment, TVO CEO Lisa de Wilde and Research in Motion co-CEO Mike
Lazaridis. To be successful in the digital economy, the forum concluded, new business models are needed that
encourage national collaboration and cooperation... BBM Media Analytics’ Media Technology Monitor has
released its top 10 results on consumer trends in media technology: They are:
#1 – Radio Still Rules. The simplicity and convenience of conventional radio is not lost on consumers. Even
people who use new audio technologies listen to more conventional radio than any other audio source.
#2 – PVRs: Just over one in 10 households have one but users spend about half of their TV viewing time watching
PVR’d programs.
#3 – iPhones lift mobile video. Penetration levels are still small but most who have them watch video on it and
many use it to watch TV.
#4 – Digital Deadline 2011: When analog off-air TV disappears in Canada, TV households will have to either
receive TV signals off-air or by a subscription service. Off-air TV viewers are split evenly between which option
they’’ll choose, which means that the already small group that relies on TV off-air could be cut in half.
5. The HDTV Receiver is an Afterthought. Only half of people with an HDTV screen also have an HDTV receiver,
which is necessary to receive HDTV channels. That ratio has improved, but intention to buy an HDTV receiver is
flat.
6. Canadians Love their HDTV Screens. Nearly one in five have them and many even have two.
7. Podcasting is more than radio. Podcasting of conventional radio programs is losing ground to other types of
content from newspapers, magazines and TV stations.
8. iPod. iPod/MP3 players grew substantially again this year and most owners have Apple iPods.
9. Internet TV is catch-up TV. People use the Internet to get TV for the same reason they have PVRs or watch
TV programs on VOD: to catch up on missed episodes and for convenience. Computer screens aren’t great for
extended viewing which is why news clips, sports highlights and comedy are the most common types of TV content
accessed.
10. Internet Video: High Reach, Low Usage. Lots of Canadians are watching Internet video but the time spent
watching is small. The findings are taken from the annual Media Technology Monitor (MTM), a survey conducted
since 1997... RTNDA Canada’s British Columbia regional award recipients at Vancouver this past weekend are:
TELEVISION
Bert Cannings Award - Bst Nwscst
– CFJC Kamloops (Small Market)
– 'A' British Columbia (Mdm Mrkt)
– CTV British Columbia (Lrge Mrkt)
Charlie Edwards Award - Spot News
– CHBC News
Dan McArthur Award - In-dpth/Invstgtve – CBC News Vancouver
Dave Rogers Award - Short Feature
– CFJC Kamloops (Small Market)
– 'A' British Columbia (Mdm Mrket)
– CTV British Columbia (Large Mkt)
Dave Rogers Award - Long Feature
– CFJC Kamloops (Small Market)
– CTV British Columbia (Large Mkt)
Gord Sinclair Award - Special Events
– CTV British Columbia
Ron Laidlaw Award - Continuing Cvrg – CBC News Vancouver
Best Videography Award
– CBC News Vancouver
Adrienne Clarkson Award For Diversity – CTV British Columbia
RADIO
Byron MacGregor Award - Bst Nwscast – CKBZ Kamloops (Mdm Mkt)
– CBC Radio News (Large Market)
Charlie Edwards Award - Spot News
– CBC Radio News
Dan McArthur Award - In-dpth/Invstgtve – CBC Radio News
Dave Rogers Award - Short Feature
– CKNW News (Large Market)
Dave Rogers Award - Long Feature
– CBC North Radio Yellowknife
(Small Market)
– CKNW News (Large Market)
Gord Sinclair - Live Special Events
– CBC Radio Vancouver
Ron Laidlaw Award - Contnng Cvrage – CBC Radio News Vancouver
Sam Ross Award - Editrial/Commentary – CKNW News
Peter Gzowski Award - News Info Pgm – CBC North Radio Yellowknife
Adrienne Clarkson Award For Diversity – CBC North Radio Yellowknife
June 11, 2009
Page 3
R
EVOLVING DOOR: New GSM at Astral Media Edmonton is Susan Reade, ex RSM at Rogers
Edmonton. She succeeds Paul Mothersell who is no longer with the stations... Tom Murphy is the new
Chief Nova Scotia Correspondent for CBC News and Anchor of the provincial CBC supper-hour newscast.
He began Tuesday. Murphy left his network correspondent gig with The National to assume his new job... Jeff
Brown and Carly Klassen, the morning show hosts at JACK FM Toronto, are no longer with the station. Read
about the format change at JACK in RADIO... Jim Haskins has been promoted to Sales Team Manager for
Alberta, managing the teams at CBC Calgary from his base in Edmonton. Michelle Everett, who was Calgary
Sales Manager, is no longer with the CBC... The new PD at 107.3 KOOL-FM (CHBE-FM) Victoria is Robin
Haggar. He had been PD at 107.7 The River (CFRV-FM) Lethbridge the last five years. Haggar begins in Victoria
July 2... Ted Brunt has been appointed VP, Interactive Production at Toronto-based marblemedia. Before making
this move, Brunt had been Senior Director, Digital Entertainment Content at CBC and developed cbc.ca's
entertainment portal strategy, combining TV, radio and online programming into a single offering... PD/Morning
Host Ken Rigel has given three months notice at Classic Country AM 1060 (CKMX) Calgary... Stirling Faux,
most recently with CHQR Calgary doing morning news, is back in hometown Vancouver doing weekend middays
at AM 650 (CISL)... Jill Spelliscy has been appointed managing director for CBC Saskatchewan.
S
IGN-OFFS: Arnie Nelson, 74, of a brain tumour in Vancouver. Early on in his broadcast career Nelson was
on-air at such stops as CKNW New Westminster and CJOR Vancouver. From 1965 through 1976, he was
the manager for the west coast operations of All-Canada Radio and TV... Al Jordan, 80, once described
as Vancouver's "Perfect Pitch" voice of radio from the 1950s through to the ‘80s. His monikers included: Big Al the
Kiddies Pal; Happy Pappy; and one of The Good Guys. He worked at CJOR Vancouver, CKWX Vancouver and,
most memorably, CFUN Vancouver throughout the '60s. After his retirement, CKNW continued, for years,
broadcasting his powerful Vancouver Canucks intro... Mildred MacDonald, 81, of cancer in Ottawa. MacDonald
worked for 50 years as a broadcaster in both radio and TV, spending most of her career with CBC.
TV
/FILM: CBC Newsworld's supper-hour political news program Politics will not be cancelled, despite
rumours to the contrary when show host Don Newman announced his retirement. A revamped version
will appear in the fall... Two figures with controversial pasts have been named to the board of the
revamped Canada Media Fund. Guy Fournier resigned his post as chair of the CBC three years ago
after writing a column in a French-language gossip magazine that touched on bestiality and making remarks about
bowel movements on a radio show. Ron Osborne, the Sun Life Financial chair, was fired as CEO of Ontario
Power Generation in 2003 after a provincial nuclear project went billions over budget and fell years behind
schedule. Osborne is also a former CEO of now defunct Maclean-Hunter, active in broadcasting. The new chair
is Desjardins Venture Capital president Louis Roquet. Other broadcast-backgound people named to the board
are: former Movie Network executive Alison Clayton and TV producer Eileen Sarkar...
L
OOKING: Rogers Radio Lethbridge - Program Director/Announcer; The River Lethbridge – MD; CBC
Montreal – Program Manager English Radio; Newcap Radio Red Deer – Creative Writer; EZ Rock
Edmonton – MD/Mid Day Announcer; Info 690 Montreal – Program Director; Canal Vie Montreal Directeur (trice), Communications Canal Vie; CTV Toronto – Video Producer, Digital Media; CBC Victoria
– Associate Producer; CKMX Calgary - PD/Morning Show Host; CBC Toronto – Acquisitions and Development
Officer and a Manager, Business Rights and Content Management; and CBC Montreal - Director, Culture and
Variety Programming, French TV.
June 18, 2009
Volume 17, No. 6
R
Page One of Three
ADIO: For the fiscal year ended Aug. 31/08, Canadian private radio saw total
profits before interest and taxes (PBIT) at $335 million compared to $299
million in 2007. Total revenues increased by an annual average of 6.5% over
the previous five years. Further, says the CRTC, AM and FM stations
generated $1.58 billion in revenues, representing an increase of just over 5%, or
$78 million above 2007 figures. Expenses were up by 3.6 % to $1.24 billion in 2008.
The 474 FM stations accounted for over $1.25 billion in total revenues while the AM
stations generated $329 million. That number was down $.6 million as was the
number of AM stations in 2008: 172 in 2007 to 154 in 2008... The Tantramar Community Radio Society of
Amherst, NS, has won CRTC approval for a Type B community FM’er. A similar application had previously been
denied. The format will include Pop, Rock and Dance, Country, Easy listening and acoustic music with 50%
Cancon... Newcap stations CFLN Goose Bay and its transmitter, CFLW Wabush, have won CRTC approval for
flips to FM. CFLN will move to 97.9 with power of 1,000 watts and CFLW will operate at 94.7, also with 1,000
watts... CBE-AM Windsor has also won approval for a flip to FM as well as operation of an FM transmitter in
Leamington. The new FM’er in Windsor will operate at 97.5 with power of 3,200 watts while the Leamington
transmitter will be at 91.9... Another radio decision this week included technical changes at Blackburn Radio’s
CKNX-FM/CIBU-FM Wingham and Durham Radio’s CIWV-FM Hamilton/Burlington. CKNX-FM gets a power
boost to 100,000 watts from 65,800 by
replacing its directional antenna with one
that’s omni-directional. CIBU-FM
Wingham gets a jump to 75,000 watts
from 70,100. And, CIWV-FM moves from
19,500 watts to 40,000. It will also change
the class of licence from B to C1... CJMF
Quebec City’s contest in which drivers
could win a Bluetooth hands-free cell
phone device if they were spotted while
using their cell phones didn’t violate any
CAB or RTNDA Canada codes despite
cell phone use by drivers being illegal in
Quebec. A complainant thought CJMF
was promoting an illegal act but the
station said the promotion was an attempt
to encourage drivers to do the right thing.
The Quebec panel of the Canadian
Broadcast Standards Council said it
doubted that people would begin driving
while holding their cell phones to win a
prize of inconsiderable value. The
complete decision my be found by
clicking www.cbsc.ca... An appropriate
song opening the FM era for 100.5 KRUZ
FM (CKRU) Peterborough this past
Monday morning was Hello, Good-bye by
the Beatles. The station, founded in 1942
as CHEX at 1430, was most recently at
Broadcast Dialogue
18 Turtle Path
Lagoon City ON L0K 1B0
(705) 484-0752
E-Mail, click HERE
Broadcast Dialogue Website
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Page 2
980 AM. It plays a mix of greatest hits from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s... The latest Arbitron numbers show that 235
million Americans 12+ hear a radio broadcast in an average week; 89% of those are 12-17 and listen weekly. Over
85% of the 18-to-34 demographic listen weekly... The CHUM sign lives! The Toronto landmark – at 1331 Yonge
Street – went up this week (after refurbishment) at CHUM’s new location – the corner of Richmond and Duncan.
No, the station itself hasn’t moved from Yonge Street yet but is expected to be in the new facility within the next
few months.
TV
/FILM: ZoomerMedia Ltd has a deal to purchase VisionTV: Canada's Faith Network and its digital
specialty channel, ONE: The Body Mind and Spirit Channel, along with CHNU-TV Fraser Valley and
CIIT-TV Winnipeg, both known as JoyTV in their respective cities. Purchase price is $25 million.
ZoomerMedia is led by Moses Znaimer who also controls Classical 96.3 FM Toronto, 103.1 FM
Cobourg/Port Hope and AM740 Toronto... CBC Newsworld is poised to embrace a CNN-style format – a 24hour news wheel that will feature different faces that will replace the current program-centric schedule. Details will
be rolled out in the coming weeks and implementation is expected this fall... The CRTC has approved carriage of
The Weather Network and MétéoMédia's emergency alerting system to broadcasters across the country thus
ensuring, said the Commission, that Canadians receive timely warnings of imminent peril. Pelmorex, the owner
of the English and French weather channels, has been designated as “the national emergency alert aggregator
and distributor"... Current TV, the user-generated news network founded by Al Gore, has won approval to operate
in Canada as a Category 2 specialty service. It’s a youth-oriented, 24-hour channel featuring short programming
on a range of topics... GlassBOX Television will launch its cross-platform AUX music channel as a new digital
specialty on Rogers Cable this fall. AUX launched last November as a Web destination... The percentage of
Americans getting DTV has been pegged at 97.8, leaving just 2.2% of U.S. residents without access to TV
programming.
G
ENERAL: A court challenge of federal drug advertising rules by Canwest Global has been delayed until
the fall. “Intervenors and government all consented to it,” said Canwest spokesman John Douglas.
“Everybody just agreed that it was probably better to wait until after the summer to argue it.” Direct-toconsumer drug advertising is illegal in most countries around the world, including Canada. A notable
exception, however, is the U.S. and Health Canada has no requirement that cable or satellite operators block the
American ads... June 30 is the new extension deadline for Canwest Media Inc. (“CMI”) and an ad hoc committee
of 8% noteholders to reach agreement in principle on a recapitalization transaction. The previous deadline had
been June 15... Americans say that the Internet is their most popular source of information and their preferred
choice for news ahead of TV, radio and newspapers. A new poll, conducted by the Zogby Interactive survey,
showed that more than half of people polled said they would choose the Internet if they could just pick one source.
That was followed by TV at 21% and a tie at 10% for newspapers and radio. The web, said Americans, was the
most reliable source of news at 40% of adults, compared to 17% for TV, 16% for newspapers and 13% for radio...
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), in looking at the global entertainment and media industries, says it sees a $1.6
trillion business by 2013 but, at the same time, warns not to expect any turnaround from the present situation until
2011. Further, says PwC, traditional media may not be included... Technology Trends in Business and Society by
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Page 3
David Jacobsen of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is available in pdf form by clicking HERE and requesting it.
This paper is an exclusive offer to Broadcast Dialogue Electronic News Briefing subscribers.
R
EVOLVING DOOR: Raymond J. Carnovale, VP and Chief Technology Officer at CBC and based in
Toronto, has announced his retirement. Carnovale will leave at year-end after he completes several projects
now on the go... Lots of changes at Newcap’s Fuel 90.3 Calgary. Kris Mazurak is the new PD. His 17
years in radio includes programming, on-air and, most recently, sales. The morning show of Ross Macleod
and Fraizer Thow is no more. Also gone are the midday and PM Drive Hosts, Mel Risdon and Jerhett Schafer...
Debbie MacLeod, VP Sales and Marketing at Novanet Communications in Ajax, will retire June 30 after 16 years
in broadcast equipment sales. Succeeding MacLeod on an interim basis is company President Joe Uyede... Cape
Breton Radio – CJCB/Max/The Cape Sydney, owned by Maritime Broadcasting System -- has laid off two of
its three newsroom employees. Gone are Gary Andrea and George Mortimer. A drop in revenues and
competition from the Internet were blamed for the cuts. Andrea said there were more than a dozen news staffers
when he began at CJCB 29 years ago...Bob Kendrick and Tess van Straaten have joined CHEK TV Victoria,
he doing weekend early news and reporting three days a week, and she doing the late edition on weekends, some
reporting and relief work. Kendrick had been with ABC in Tampa before moving to KUSA Denver. van Straaten
was born and educated in Victoria, then worked for stations in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, B.C. and in Australia...
The changes follow weekend anchor Skye Ryan going on maternity leave and the departure earlier this month
of 11 pm Anchor Julie Nolin. Previous sports part-timer moves up, becoming the weekend Sports
Anchor/Videographer. Haysom took over from Jeff King who moved to weekday sports... Russell James,
Assistant PD/MD at The Bounce (CHBN-FM) Edmonton has resigned.
S
IGN-OFFS: Donald J. MacDonald, 80, in Enderby, B.C., near his Salmon Valley home. MacDonald had
been with CAP Communications in Kitchener for much of his career. CAP owned CKCO-TV Kitchener and
CFCA-FM/CKKW Kitchener. After he retired as GM of the radio division, MacDonald and his wife moved
to B.C. where they bought a small farm... Allan King, 79, in Toronto after a short illness. The veteran
Canadian documentary maker, a pioneer of the cinema verite movement, began his filmmaking career in the mid1950s at CBC. By 1958, he had become an independent filmmaker.
L
OOKING: KISS 92.5 Toronto – Assistant PD/MD; The Bounce (CHBN-FM) Edmonton – Assistant PD/MD;
Team 1260 Edmonton – Morning Show Personality; 107.5 DAVE-FM Kitchener- Waterloo- Cambridge
– Morning Show Co-Host; Newcap Radio Sudbury – Morning Show Hosts, Afternoon Host, Evening Host,
Weekend/Swing Host (part-time), Creative Writer and a News Reporter/Reader; B104/The Drive Cranbrook
- Production Manager; Zed 99/KG Country Red Deer - Promotions Coordinator; Astral Media Radio Toronto
– IT Technician; MY 96 Medicine Hat - Drive/Weekend Announcer; CTV Toronto - Production Manager; CTV
Winnipeg – News Editor part-time and a part-time Maintenance Technician; and CBC Toronto – an Account
Manager, Digital Sales and a Senior Web Designer.
S
UPPLYLINES: LARCAN has partnered with Vislink News & Entertainment to provide digital transmission
and microwave solution for low-power TV stations.
June 25, 2009
Volume 17, No. 7
Page One of Three
TV
/FILM: Fee-for-carriage is dead on Parliament Hill. Two reports by the
House of Commons heritage committee closed the door on the
requests. But the majority report avoided the topic, leaving it to the
CRTC to decide – the same folks the broadcasters were trying to get
around because the Commission had twice rejected fee-for-carriage. Further, the
Conservatives have declared their “fervent and rigorous opposition” to fee-forcarriage in a dissenting opinion, whether negotiated by the players or CRTCimposed. CTV, which mounted an unprecedented campaign to support the concept,
expressed its “deep disappointment” that the Tory members of the committee “chose to protect the record profits
of cable companies over the interests of consumers and their local television stations. We look forward to the
public proceeding in the fall at the CRTC, to establish a fair market value for the redistribution of our local
programming.” The key committee recommendation is a proposal to beef up a local programming improvement
fund, which now takes 1% cent of gross revenues from the BDUs, to 2.5% with 1% dedicated to the CBC. Another
recommendation was the discontinuance of collecting Part II fees, which could amount to $120 million annually.
And, the Conservatives on the committee said the networks should be able to carry pharmaceutical ads like their
American counterparts, a potential yearly gain of $300 million... The Toronto Star, in its editorial yesterday
(Wednesday), took the position that the Conservative government appears to be leery of the whole issue. Further,
it said: “James Moore, the usually outspoken heritage minister, declined to comment on the committee's report.
This suggests the government intends to leave fee-for-carriage and related matters to the CRTC. In turn, the CRTC
is leaning on the networks and the cable companies to negotiate a settlement. The end result could be a backroom
deal that does little or nothing for local programming”... Super Channel has filed for court protection from its
creditors. Allarco Entertainment, backed by Edmonton's Allard family, said the pay-movie service will continue
operating despite the restructuring. Stiff competition from the Movie Network in Eastern Canada and Movie
Central in the West hurt Super Channel's early growth... A TVB survey, conducted by Angus Reid Strategies,
shows that television is still the best medium for reaching 18-34s. The survey also found that 18-49s and 25-54s
believe TV advertising is more influential, effective and persuasive than other mediums... Asian Television has
Broadcast Dialogue
18 Turtle Path
Lagoon City ON L0K 1B0
(705) 484-0752
E-Mail, click HERE
Broadcast Dialogue Website
TV and Radio Sales Careers
Stations we work with are taking advantage of retreating
competitors to grow their sales and their sales forces. We
have several openings from entry level to senior account
executive and sales management positions across
Canada.
If you are looking for a progressive career move, or know
anyone who is looking for upward mobility or entry level
opportunities please forward your resume in complete
confidence to angela@wensmedia.com.
No phone calls please.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Page 2
won CRTC approval for 10 new specialty channels. It says the new additions will fill the demand for movies, music,
news, sports and entertainment in South Asian communities across Canada... Network International got CRTC
approval 10 ten more digital licences to serve what’s described as a growing The 2009 Promax|BDA’s annual
international gathering saw 89 awards overall going to Canadian broadcasters, well down from last year’s 185. And
last year was well down from the year before: 392. In 2006, Canadians brought home 255 awards overall.
Canadian winners of this year’s Promax|BDA awards are:
Company
Astral Media
Canwest Broadcasting
CBC/Radio-Canada
Corus Entertainment
CTV Creative Agency
TFO
TVO
S-VOX
TOTAL
Gold
4
3
2
3
Silver Bronze
5
7
6
12
3
6
2
2
11
18
2
1
1
1
Total
16
21
11
4
32
2
2
1
89
The annoyance over loud commercials has turned political in the U.S. where some members of the Congress want
the volume turned down. A bill would require the FCC to "preclude commercials from being broadcast at louder
volumes than the program material they accompany." David Donovan, president of the Association for Maximum
Service Television, told a House Energy and Commerce Telecommunications Subcommittee hearing that
the major networks are each implementing policies that attempt to control the loud spots. Further, he said the bill
could slow TV stations' voluntary efforts because any FCC proceeding would generate debate and uncertainty.
A final review of an industry standard is expected next month... Time Warner and Comcast will join forces to bring
cable TV shows to paying customers on the Internet. Beginning next month, the American companies will stream
online video trials in the U.S. that will give 5,000 Comcast customers online access to Time Warner's TNT and TBS
cable networks. Other networks are expected to participate in the trial later on.
R
ADIO: National radio sales fell in the third quarter by 13.9%, says Canadian Broadcast Sales (CBS).
Ontario was hardest hit, absorbing 41% of the total revenue shortfall but still capturing 33% of total radio
dollars. B.C. was second with a 26% drop in revenue and a 17.45% share of dollars. Alberta maintained its
21% share of revenue despite a 15.5% loss over last year. Requests for the 25-54 demo strengthened
further in the quarter to 66.3 %, and, when combined with derivative demos, now accounts for over 80% of total
radio spending... Last Saturday, Newcap Radio deep-sixed Fuel 90.3 Calgary and re-launched the station as “All
The Hits” 90.3 AMP Radio”. AMP Radio sells the format as one that plays “ALL THE HITS”... The U.S. Senate has
passed the Webcaster Settlement Act of 2009 which, if signed by President Obama, will suspend further the
implementation of the royalty rates set by the U.S. Copyright Royalty Board. That would give time for the
webcasters to continue to negotiate with rights holders. Many webcasters said rates set by the Copyright Royalty
Board were too high to continue their streaming music businesses... PepsiCo's AMP Energy drink became the
first product brand to have an event streamed live on Facebook. The AMP Energy Rock Off!, a rock band contest
designed to attract consumers 18 to 25 with the beverage, was held last Saturday night in Toronto during the
Northeast Music & Film Festival. PepsiCo is using Facebook as the central platform for its marketing campaign
and combining that with on-site engagement. OMD Canada is the media agency for the campaign... A U.S. blogger
says the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) appeal to the FCC over a student station not
playing certain music hardly makes any sense. On the one hand, he argues, RIAA says that playing music on the
radio and not paying performance rights is piracy while, on the other, not playing it is a federal offence.
musicFIRST, the lobbying group put together by the RIAA to push for a performance rights tax on U.S. radio
stations, asked the FCC to investigate radio stations that were apparently boycotting musicians who supported
the tax. It claims that’s an abuse of the airwaves. The blogger asks: “Shouldn't musicFIRST and the RIAA be
thrilled that radio stations aren't playing their music? Or do they recognize the free promotional benefits radio
provides for artists? They can't have it both ways, can they? First they're upset that the music is being "pirated"
and now they're upset that it's not being "pirated"?”... Terry DiMonte is no longer doing his Noon-hour Q92
Montreal show from the Corus studios in Calgary. It’s by mutual agreement, says the former Montrealer, having
more to do with his being paid too much money for just six minutes of airtime. DiMonte remains in mornings at
Q107 Calgary... A group of Windsor, ON, francophones has filed a legal injunction to try to stop the CBC from
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Page 3
discontinuing its French-language local radio news and programming. CBC says the shortfall in funding is pushing
it to stop locally produced French content for the 35,000 francophone residents in the area.... The Wave/The Wolf
Nanaimo worked with the Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank to assist in providing needed relief.
Through their efforts, the one-day campaign saw the community respond with $6,700 in cash and food donations...
The Dock 104.1 Midland is presenting Burton Cummings, Randy Bachman and Lighthouse in a Radio for
Radiology benefit concert next Aug. 17 at Casino Rama in Orillia. Proceeds will go towards the new Simcoe
Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre... CFRB Toronto has begun a garbage contest. If you’re one of six winners,
you get your trash – and that of your friends and neighbours – picked up every week for the duration.
R
EVOLVING DOOR: After 33 years in radio, CJOB Winnipeg morning show Host Larry Updike is calling
it quits. He’ll leave the Corus station at the end of August. Beginning in September, he joins Siloam
Mission which helps Winnipeg's poor and homeless. Updike says, "It is time to give back"... fm104.9
(CKCL-FM) Vancouver PD David Larsen, CKLG-FM (Jack FM) Vancouver PD Andy Ross and Rogers
Radio Vancouver Market Sales Manager Jamie Letwin are no longer with Rogers Vancouver... At Rogers-owned
FAN 590 Toronto, cutbacks caused job losses. The only on-air staff member to go was late-night host Norm
Rumack, who was at the station when it launched its all-sports format in 1992, four Sales Reps and another
unidentified person... John Shannon, the former head of Hockey Night In Canada, is leaving his job as Executive
in Charge of TV Programming and Production for the NHL. Shannon joined the NHL in March of 2006 after
overseeing the launch of Leafs TV... Ted Bradford is MD/Afternoon Drive Host at Classic Hits 95.5 (CJOJ-FM)
Belleville. He moved back to Canada from Galaxy Communications in Syracuse... The Wolf Peterborough
sees TJ Connors take over mornings July 2. Connors moves from nearby Bob FM Lindsay. He’s the son of
Scruff Connors... Alison Barton has been hired by Harvard Broadcasting as its Promotion Manager at 104.9
the WOLF (CFWF) Regina. Barton moves from Mid-West Family Broadcasting in La Crosse, WI... Ken Boyd
is no longer the Afternoon Host at 89.5 The Hawk Chilliwack, having moved on to an opportunity outside of
broadcasting. His successor, beginning July 1, is Karl Douglas, ex of CFMI Vancouver, CFOX Vancouver and
Jack FM Victoria.
S
IGN-OFFS: Romeo LeBanc, 81, of Alzheimer’s disease at his home in Grande-Digue, N.B. LeBlanc,
Canada's first Acadian governor-general, switched from teaching to journalism in 1960 when he was hired
by Radio-Canada, and worked for the francophone network in bureaus in Ottawa, Britain and the U.S.. In
1967, centennial year, he used his journalistic skills to get a communications position as press secretary to
prime minister Lester B. Pearson, a position he continued to hold after Pierre Trudeau became prime minister
in 1968... Morley Jaeger, 72, in Prince Albert. His vocal cords, said a local scribe, “painted compelling pictures
of the Prince Albert Raiders' rise to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s” on CKBI Prince Albert when he was the
play-by-play man. Jaeger went on to become a Prince Albert city councillor when his broadcasting days ended...
Douglas William Keough, 82, in Vancouver. Keough worked as the first Sales Rep for the fledgling CBC TV
Vancouver, later moving to Lethbridge and Victoria for similar start-ups... Ed McMahon, 86, in Los Angeles after
a series of health problems. McMahon, Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show sidekick and announcer for 30 years,
became famous for his “H-e-e-e-e-e-ere's Johnny!'' intro. McMahon had been a Marine aviator during both WW2
and the Korean war.
L
OOKING: Global Saskatoon - a Sales Rep and a Production Editor; Lloyd FM Lloydminster - News
Anchor/Morning Co-Host; Astral Television Networks Toronto - Director, Original Programming; CTV
Toronto – Intermediate Systems Administrator and a Brand Partnership Coordinator; Country 94/The Wave
Saint John - Program Director; Rogers Radio Timmins - Ass’t Program Director.; The Bounce Edmonton Promotions & Branding Coordinator; CJOB/POWER 97/99.1 GROOVE FM Winnipeg – IT/Broadcast Engineer;
Big Country 93.1 FM Grande Prairie - News/Sports/Reporter; CBC Trois-Rivières – Host (Regional Services);
CBC Toronto – Human Resources Director and a Senior BI Business Analyst; and CBC Quebec City –
Maintenance Technician.