Trish Williams joins CBC

Trish Williams is moving from Temple Street Productions to CBC/Radio-Canada, where she will be CBC’s new executive director of scripted content. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a free trial or subscribe …

Former CBC president Lacroix joins law firm

Former CBC/Radio-Canada president Hubert Lacroix has joined the business law firm Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP as strategic counsel in its Montreal office, according to a press release from Blakes Monday. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital …

CBC president likens Netflix to colonialism

OTTAWA — CBC/Radio-Canada’s president Catherine Tait compared Netflix Inc.’s worldwide presence to the damage done by European colonialism, comments she made at a high-profile industry event Thursday where representatives from every sector of Canadian broadcasting outflanked the global streaming giant with calls for it to be regulated. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in …

Daniel Boudreau moves from TVA to CBC

Daniel Boudreau, previously vice-president of TVA productions, operations and technology, is leaving the Quebecor Inc. broadcasting division to become executive vice-president of media technology and infrastructure services at CBC/Radio-Canada. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news …

Platforms could pull out of Canadian market if regulated: Google

Alphabet Inc.’s Google already contributes to the Canadian creative system by providing the infrastructure for users to upload and share their content and enabling them to earn revenue from it, the company is telling the federal review of Canada’s communications legislation. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN …

CBC calls for site-blocking provisions for ‘manipulated content’

CBC/Radio-Canada wants the federal government to grant the CRTC the ability to issue orders requiring ISPs to block websites sharing “manipulated content, including news,” as well as pirated content. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news …

CBC’s head of sports Greg Stremlaw to leave

CBC/Radio-Canada’s head of sports Greg Stremlaw is leaving the public broadcaster at the end of the month to become president and CEO of a professional sports franchise, according to an internal note sent to employees. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian …

Michel Bissonnette to be interim CBC vice-president

Michel Bissonnette, the executive vice-president of Radio-Canada, has been named interim head of CBC, replacing Heather Conway in the role. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a free trial or subscribe to …

Most content pirates have TV subscriptions: MTM

More than half, or 59 per cent, of Canadians who pirate TV and movie content also have a TV subscription, according to a new report from Media Technology Monitor (MTM). This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media …

Broadcasters ‘perfectly positioned’ to leverage podcast boom

TORONTO — Broadcasters should think about renting out their own studios to fledgling podcasters as a way of getting involved in the massive growth of podcasts over the years. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news …

Heather Conway leaving CBC

CBC/Radio-Canada’s executive vice-president of English-language services, Heather Conway, is leaving the public broadcaster next month, the Crown corporation announced Monday. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a free trial or subscribe to …

CBC names new ombudsman

CBC/Radio-Canada has named Jack Nagler its new English services ombudsman. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a free trial or subscribe to The Wire Report now. FREE TRIAL Two weeks free access …

Steve Ladurantaye leaving CBC for Scottish broadcaster STV

Steve Ladurantaye is leaving CBC/Radio-Canada after two and a half years at CBC News for a top management post at the Scottish broadcaster STV Group PLC., CBC employees were told in an internal memo sent out Monday. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all …

Only 3% of anglophones subscribe to sports streaming: MTM

While services like Perform Group’s Dazn and Rogers Communications Inc.’s Sportsnet Now have been emerging in recent years, they “haven’t yet caught on in the Anglophone market,”  Media Technology Monitor said in a new report. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian …

Ad sales up 6%, but CBC still wants out of ‘softening’ ad market

CBC/Radio-Canada saw a nearly six per cent boost in its total ad revenue over the past year, bringing it up to $318 million across English and French markets which, in turn, drove up its total self-generated revenue, according to the Crown corporation’s annual report. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign …

Broadcast, telecom acts review panel kicks off consultation

OTTAWA — The expert panel in charge of reviewing Canada’s communications legislation launched its consultation process Tuesday, on the same day a former CRTC chairman urged a Senate committee to adopt an “internet-centric” approach and completely separate telecom and broadcasting laws and regulators. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in …

Feds paid $190,000 in late-fees to telecoms: documents

The federal government spent at least $190,600 on late-payment fees and interest charges to telecom companies since September 2016, according to documents tabled recently in Parliament. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a …

CBC appoints new OTT content director

CBC/Radio-Canada has appointed Gave Lindo to lead the public broadcaster’s over-the-top (OTT) content strategies as well as its original digital programming, according to a release on Thursday. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. …

Telecoms ask to intervene in SCC workplace safety case

Rogers Communications Inc. and BCE Inc. are among a number of organizations that have asked the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) to intervene in a case involving workplace safety obligations in areas outside of their control. At issue in Canada Post Corp. v. Canadian Union of Postal Workers is whether a company must provide safety …

Canadians using multiple devices, but adoption leveling off: MTM

According to the latest data from CBC/Radio-Canada’s Media Technology Monitoring (MTM) project, 35 per cent of English-speaking internet users in Canada continue to own four types of electronic device: computers, smartphones, tablets and internet-connected televisions. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, …

Nantel accuses Joly of holding cultural sector ‘hostage’

NDP Heritage critic Pierre Nantel took Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly to task for launching another consultation Tuesday instead of proposing legislative change, during Joly’s appearance at the House heritage committee Thursday morning. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and …

Luce Julien named executive director of Radio-Canada news

Luce Julien, a 23-year veteran of CBC/Radio-Canada, will become Radio-Canada’s executive director of news and current affairs, following Michel Cormier’s retirement in July. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a free trial …

Radio listening drops, very slightly: MTM

A new Media Technology Monitor (MTM) report says 87 per cent of anglophone Canadians reported listening to AM/FM radio content on various platforms in the past year, down one per cent from last year. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, …

NFB, Bell Media, V Media content coming to Tou.tv OTT service

Three French-language broadcasters will make their content available on the CBC/Radio-Canada-run Ici Tou.tv Extra over-the-top (OTT) platform, according to a release on Tuesday. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a free trial …

New CEO’s content background indicates shift at CBC: experts

OTTAWA — Catherine Tait’s appointment as head of CBC/Radio-Canada is signalling a shift at the public broadcaster, as she becomes the first woman to lead the CBC and the first to bring extensive content production experience to the role, according to experts. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here …

Radio-Canada asks broadcasters ‘to pool our strengths’ on OTT, content

CBC/Radio-Canada is in negotiations over opening up its French-language Tou.tv over-the-top (OTT) service “to other broadcasters, producers and creators,” said Michel Bissonnette, executive vice-president of French services, in an open letter. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital …

Olympic audiences slightly down from 2014, CBC stats show

CBC/Radio-Canada’s coverage of the 2018 PyeongChang Olympic Games drew 31 million Canadians “across all English and French television network partners and digital streaming simulcasts,” according to a Tuesday press release. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media …

Ian Morrison steps down from watchdog Friends

Ian Morrison, the co-founder of Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, is handing over the reins of the organization after 32 years leading the watchdog. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a free trial or …

31% of Canadians ‘extremely concerned’ about fake news: MTM

Nearly half of Canadians are concerned to some degree about the consequences of the phenomenon of fake news, with 31 per cent saying they are “extremely concerned,” according to a new report from Media Technology Monitor. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the …

Rogers, CBC ink 7-year deal for HNIC NHL broadcast

Rogers Communications Inc. and CBC/Radio-Canada signed a seven-year sub-licensing deal for the broadcasting rights of Hockey Night in Canada’s Saturday night hockey game and the Stanley Cup playoffs, Rogers said in a press release on Tuesday. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the …

Five new directors named to CBC board

Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly named five new members to the CBC/Radio-Canada board of directors for five-year terms, said a Tuesday press release. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a free trial or …

CBC digital expansion ahead of schedule

CBC/Radio-Canada has achieved its goal of doubling its digital reach more than two years early, the public broadcaster said in a press release Monday. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a free …

CBC launches $5 a month premium OTT service

In a memo to its employees on Monday, CBC/Radio-Canada announced it has improved its over-the-top (OTT) app, which will introduce live TV streaming and a new ad-free, subscription-based content streaming service at $5 a month.   This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian …

CSE ‘actively working’ with telecoms on SS7

The Communications Security Establishment (CSE) has been providing “advice and guidance” to telecoms on a security vulnerability found on mobile network infrastructure known as signalling system 7 (SS7), the organization said in light of recent media reports on the matter.  This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? …

Broadcast lobbying jumped ahead of Creative Canada release

Creative organizations stepped up and added to a surge in lobbying activity in the broadcast sector leading up to the release of the results in the Heritage Minister’s review of Canadian content in the digital age last month. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock …

Joly’s cultural policy continues drawing mixed reaction

Various groups praised the promised investment in production and promotion included in the federal government’s new cultural strategy, while opposition MPs criticized it in question period and financial analysts pointed out the new strategy won’t affect the declining traditional TV sector. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN …

Future reviews to determine much of DigiCanCon strategy: experts

OTTAWA — While the response to the long-awaited results of Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly’s Canadian content consultation included praise for some elements — such as a $500 million deal for Netflix Inc. to spend on content in Canada — many also pointed out that it’s a strategy that pushes off any substantive legislative and regulatory changes. This content …

Mélanie Joly to unveil DigiCanCon details Sept. 28

Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly will give a speech at the end of the month outlining her “vision for Canada’s cultural and creative industries in a digital world” following a year-and-a-half long consultation. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and …

Regulatory rejigs, cultural changes in store as Parliament resumes

Everything old is new again when it comes to telecom and media issues percolating in Ottawa this fall, from reviews and renegotiations of old legislation and trade agreements, to court battles litigating long-simmering personnel disputes and CRTC decisions. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock …

Gov’t posts CRTC vice-chair job

The federal government is searching for a replacement for Peter Menzies, following his early departure from his role as vice-chairman of telecom at the CRTC. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a free trial …

NFB awareness lagging behind Disney, CBC

Canadians’ awareness of the National Film Board (NFB) as an organization that produces documentary or animated films falls behind Walt Disney Co. and its Pixar studios as well as CBC/Radio-Canada, and those who do know about the NFB want it to be easier to access its content online, according to board-commissioned research. This content is available to wirereport.ca …

CBC advertising up, specialty channel subs down

In its latest quarterly report, CBC/Radio-Canada said that subscriptions to its specialty channels dropped compared to a year earlier. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a free trial or subscribe to The Wire Report …

CBC board postings extended

Prospective members of the CBC/Radio-Canada board of directors have more time to get their resumes in front of the government’s new advisory panel, as the deadline for various board positions have been extended. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital …

32% of anglophones use music streaming services: MTM

The popularity of music streaming platforms among anglophone Canadians has grown over the past year, with 32 per cent reporting using a music streaming service in the past month when surveyed in the spring of 2017. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the …

Cultural diversity improving on Canadian screens: report

The Canadian TV landscape gets poor marks when it comes to the representation and portrayal of Indigenous people and people with disabilities, but is generally better than it was in representing diverse populations, suggests a CRTC-commissioned study on cultural diversity in Canadian media. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in …

Advisory group named to drive CBC board appointments

OTTAWA — A nine-member panel has been charged with vetting potential appointees to the CBC/Radio-Canada board of directors, led by former TV journalist Tom Clark, Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly announced Tuesday. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital …

‘Level playing field’ for foreign digital news services: committee

OTTAWA — After a year of study and hearing from 131 witnesses, some of them multiple times, the House of Commons’ heritage committee delivered a report aiming to tackle a rapidly changing media environment that included a call for foreign digital companies like Facebook Inc. and Alphabet Inc.’s Google to pay the same taxes. This content is available …

CBC, CRTC still viewed as keepers of Canadian identity: study

Canadians rely heaviest on CBC/Radio-Canada and the CRTC to protect televised Canadian culture and identity, according to a new poll commissioned by the Friends of Canadian Broadcasting. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. …

Indigenous Screen Office coming to Canada

A new office to support indigenous creators will open its doors, Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly announced Monday at the Banff World Media Festival. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a free trial …

Few policy details from new CPC leader

Conservatives elected Saskatchewan MP Andrew Scheer as party and official Opposition leader over the weekend, but those interested in his stance on telecom and media issues won’t have much to chew on. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and …

CBC, Netflix jump in brand trust ranking

Both CBC/Radio-Canada and Netflix Inc. saw dramatic improvements in how Canadians view their brands over the past year, according to the latest edition of the Gustavson Brand Trust Index. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news …

CPC members less supportive of CBC funding: surveys

The Canadian public and the Conservative Party of Canada members have differing views when it comes to what the country should do about funding for CBC/Radio-Canada, according to surveys commissioned by Friends of Canadian Broadcasting. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, …

CBC must collaborate with OTT competition: Lacroix

CBC/Radio-Canada’s president and CEO Hubert Lacroix said the Crown corporation’s competition comes primarily from over-the-top (OTT) services and that it must collaborate with them to bring CBC productions to an international audience. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and …

Radio will fend of challengers with local content: Simpson

Radio will continue to thrive in a competitive environment because it remains a trusted source of local content, CRTC commissioner Stephen Simpson said in a speech to British Columbia broadcasters Thursday. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media …

Smartphone penetration at 80% among anglophones: MTM

The number of anglophone Canadians who have smartphones climbed up to 80 per cent in the fall of 2016 from 77 per cent a year earlier, according to a new report from Media Technology Monitor (MTM).

CBC privatization bill dies in House

A private member’s bill to privatize CBC/Radio-Canada met a decisive defeat Wednesday night, after members of Parliament voted 260-6 to send it to the legislation graveyard.

Int’l broadcasters team up for export portal

CBC/Radio-Canada is leading a collaboration between public broadcasters and other media distributors to boost video exports via a new online platform, it said Tuesday.

The platform, called Panora.tv “aims to facilitate and promote the export of video content to emerging markets and digital services providers,” CBC said in a press release, citing participation from Australian, Portuguese, Swiss, Finnish and Spanish broadcasters, along with the National Film Board (NFB) and the distribution arm of the French public broadcaster.

Digital media finances on CRTC’s three-year plan

The CRTC will begin measuring the books of digital media operations in the country, with the aim of eventually publishing data on their finances, the regulator said in its new three-year plan.

Published on its website Thursday, the 2017-2020 plan includes a new item on its to-do list to “undertake research to deepen its understanding of the financial state of digital media in Canada, including a targeted survey of broadcasters’ digital media activities.”

Rogers-CBC extend HNIC deal to 2019

Rogers Communications Inc. has extended its deal with CBC/Radio-Canada to broadcast its flagship Hockey Night in Canada program for one more year, spokesman Andrew Garas confirmed to The Wire Report.

Debate resumes on CBC-privatization bill, vote deferred

OTTAWA — A Conservative backbencher’s bill to privatize CBC/Radio-Canada found a little more support from party colleagues in the House of Commons Monday, but it likely won’t be enough to push it to committee stage.

IMSI catchers in use around Parliament Hill: CBC

IMSI catchers are in operation around Ottawa’s Parliament Hill, according to an investigation by CBC/Radio-Canada’s news division.

Also known as stingrays, the devices mimic cell phone towers and collect information from mobile phones in a given area.

Canada’s VR industry is nascent, but set for growth

Though virtual reality is still in its early days, it holds promise for Canada’s media industry — including for broadcasters as a new way to draw eyes to live events, such as sports, according to Nordicity’s Kristian Roberts.

For example, it could be used to allow a viewer to watch the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup finals from some of the best seats in the house, he suggested.

CPC leadership contenders outline views on media, telecom issues

On May 27, members of the Conservative Party of Canada will select who will succeed former prime minister Stephen Harper as permanent leader of the party, relieving interim Opposition leader Rona Ambrose of her caretaker duties.

Hub for Canadian radio launches

More than 400 Canadian radio stations across the country are now available on a newly launched app featuring both public and private broadcasters.

The free Radioplayer app launched Wednesday “gives radio listeners access to nearly every style of music, news, talk, and entertainment content, in both official languages, on any connected device, at any time of day, from anywhere,” a press release said.

CBC ‘dimmer star’ in media landscape, conservative event hears

OTTAWA — When talking about CBC/Radio-Canada’s role in the media landscape, the public broadcaster is a “pygmy amongst giants,” and more focus should be aimed at large telecom companies, Dwayne Winseck argued Saturday during a debate about whether to “pull the plug” on the CBC.

CBC reports lower operating revenues, higher advertising in Q3

CBC/Radio-Canada reported self-generated revenues that were 0.8 per cent lower than last year, which was off-set by higher advertising in its third quarterly report for the year, released Thursday.

For the three months ended Dec. 31, the public broadcaster reported operating revenues of $138 million — revenues not including government funding — were down 0.8 per cent or $1.1 million compared to the same period last year. This was due to fewer subscribers to some specialty channels and lower content sales, CBC said.

CBC privatization bill receives chilly response in House

A private members’ bill to privatize CBC/Radio-Canada was met with vigorous opposition Friday as members of Parliament stood in the House of Commons to defend the country’s public broadcaster.

75% of anglophones subscribe to TV service: MTM

New data shows that the number of anglophone Canadians with TV subscriptions has continued to fall, reaching 75 per cent in the fall of 2016 — a 14-per-cent decline over the past five years.

That number is down two per cent from a year earlier, according to a report released Tuesday by Media Technology Monitor (MTM), a project of CBC/Radio-Canada.

The report also showed technologies like streaming, wearable devices and 4K are growing.

Reform tax laws, tweak CBC to bolster media landscape: PPF

Phasing out CBC/Radio-Canada’s sale of digital ads and tweaking tax laws to prevent companies from claiming exemptions for advertising on foreign digital platforms are among the recommendations put forward by the Public Policy Forum following a six-month study on the state of Canadian news media.

67% of anglophones stream music: MTM

More than two-thirds of anglophone Canadians use the Internet to listen to streaming audio, a number that rises to more than 90 per cent among students and those under 35, according to a new report from Media Technology Monitor (MTM).

Alphabet Inc.’s YouTube is the most popular way to listen to music, according to the report, with 55 per cent of anglophones reporting streaming music on YouTube, compared to 24 per cent who listen to online radio and personalized streaming services, and 25 who said they listened to podcasts.

CBC asks for 35% funding boost to go ad-free

CBC/Radio-Canada is asking the federal government for an increase in its funding so that it can eliminate advertising on its platforms.

In a submission made as part of a government review of Canadian content in a digital age, CBC asked for an increase of $12 per person in funding, to $46.

Rescind digital media exemption order: ACTRA

The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) is asking the government to rescind the digital media exemption order (DMEO) as part of its review of Canadian content in a digital age.

Obhrai would leave fate of CBC up to Canadians as CPC leader

Unlike his fellow candidates for leadership of the Conservative Party, Alberta MP Deepak Obhrai said he won’t wade into the debate about the future of CBC/Radio-Canada.

“Why are politicians getting to decide what will happen to the CBC?” Obhrai said in a Thursday press release. “The CBC is funded by Canadian taxpayers; therefore Canadians should decide the future of the corporation.”

Dismantle ‘bloated’ CBC, says CPC candidate Leitch

Conservative Party leadership candidate and Ontario MP Kellie Leitch said she has put CBC/Radio-Canada “on notice” and that if selected to lead her party and form government, she would dismantle the country’s public broadcaster.

Radio-Canada getting new Montreal headquarters

CBC/Radio-Canada is selling the building that houses its headquarters in Montreal and will move into a new building on the same site.

The public broadcaster said in a press release Wednesday that it has accepted a proposal that will see it sell the current building and construct a new broadcast centre.

Bernier would streamline CBC’s mandate, remove ads as CPC leader

OTTAWA — Conservative MP Maxime Bernier said Wednesday that if he is selected as the next leader of the federal Conservative Party and the next Canadian prime minister, he would move to make changes to CBC/Radio-Canada that would keep it from competing with the private sector.

Ending CBC’s $25M in digital ads won’t help other media: Lacroix

CBC/Radio-Canada CEO Hubert Lacroix has responded to recent statements by the heads of some Canadian newspapers about the public broadcaster competing in the digital advertising space, writing that “limiting what public broadcasting does will only mean fewer services for Canadians.”

CBC, Facebook digital ad sales hurting newspapers, committee hears

OTTAWA — The Canadian government should review its mandate for CBC/Radio-Canada in light of the national broadcaster and foreign digital competitors taking away ad dollars from local newspapers, individuals representing the latter told the House of Commons standing committee on Canadian Heritage Thursday. 

CBC looks to address diversity issue with film fund

CBC/Radio-Canada said Wednesday it is launching a $7.5 million, three-year fund to tackle the lack of diversity in film. 

The Breaking Barriers Film Fund is an attempt “to make a meaningful difference by supporting underrepresented creators directly and investing in their films,” said Heather Conway, CBC’s executive vice-president of English services, according to a CBC article. 

Michel Bissonnette named as Lalande’s replacement

CBC/Radio-Canada announced that Michel Bissonnette would be taking over as executive vice-president of French services at Radio-Canada.

CBC execs talk digital shift, competition at Heritage committee

OTTAWA — CBC/Radio-Canada has prioritized a shift to digital platforms to reach all Canadians, but ensuring they are able to access those platforms isn’t part of the public broadcaster’s mandate, CBC representatives told parliamentarians Tuesday.

CRTC not twiddling thumbs as industry changes: Blais

OTTAWA — On the same day that a new report was released arguing the CRTC’s role and authority should be reduced in response to technological change, CRTC chairman Jean-Pierre Blais defended the relevance of the commission in the digital age in front of a Parliamentary committee.

CPC backbencher tables CBC-privatization bill

A Conservative Party leadership candidate has tabled legislation with the aim of privatizing CBC/Radio-Canada.

On Thursday, Saskatchewan MP Brad Trost introduced a private member’s bill, C-308, “to provide for the incorporation” of the country’s public broadcaster.

The proposed legislation would create one million shares in the CBC that would be controlled by a designated minister and then be made available for public offering.

CBC ‘past the disruption stage’ of strategic plan: Lacroix

CBC/Radio-Canada CEO Hubert Lacroix said during the public broadcaster’s annual meeting in Moncton, N.B., that “27 months after launching our 2020 strategy, we are past the disruption stage.”

Shomi had 900,000 subs, company says

New CBC board appointment process coming: Joly

The federal government will unveil a new consultation process for appointing members to the CBC/Radio-Canada board of directors “in the next few weeks,” Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly said Wednesday.

According to a transcript of her response to a question by NDP MP Pierre Nantel in the House of Commons, the new process “is open and transparent in order to maintain the independence of the corporation’s board members,” Joly said.

Early, authentic engagement key for young audiences, public broadcasters hear

MONTREAL — The key to reaching young viewers is to have content made by them, not just for them, panellists at the Public Broadcasters International conference said Friday.

“The conversation must be young people to young people,” Thomas Sessner, chief digital officer of Germany’s BR, said in response to a question about interacting on social media and authenticity — a word that came up repeatedly at the two-day event focused on reaching millennial audiences.

TV still a go-to for newshounds: MTM

Television is still the dominant way English-speaking Canadians consume news, with 60 per cent tuning in to a news specialty channel, according to a new Media Technology Monitor (MTM) report.