TVO program to stream on Periscope in Canadian first

Starting Monday, Twitter Inc.’s live-streaming app will host a nightly showing of a Canadian media program for the first time.

The Agenda with Steve Paikin, a current affairs program produced by the publicly funded educational TV station TVO, will stream on Twitter’s Periscope, according to a Monday press release. It said the show would air Monday through Friday at 8 p.m. EST.

As online video, data transmissions grow, need for CDNs expanding

Last month, Amazon.com Inc. announced that its data centre business was expanding into Canada, a move that illustrates what some say is the need for more data points as an increasing amount of digital content is consumed and emerging technologies like 4K and virtual reality grow.

BroadbandTV expands to eight more countries

Vancouver-based multi-platform network (MPN) BroadbandTV Corp. has launched in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, South Korea, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Egypt, the company announced Friday.

It said in a press release it currently “actively operates in seven languages and 23 countries.”

ISP tax a good idea, former CRTC chair says

A former chairman of the CRTC is backing the concept of levying a new tax on Internet Service Providers (ISPs) as the heritage minister mulls ways to rejig the country’s cultural institutions.

Amazon little threat to Netflix, Crave for now: analyst

A tepid launch of Amazon.com Inc.’s Prime video streaming service in Canada doesn’t seem likely to pose a challenge to existing players in the Canadian streaming market — for the time being, at least, given Amazon’s global clout could make it a formidable challenger in the future.

Bell drops Zazeen suit

BCE Inc. has dropped its second lawsuit alleging copyright infringement against a small Internet protocol TV (IPTV) provider, following changes the company made to its service.

Avoid ISP tax, tweak CanCon rules, companies say in Heritage review

There isn’t much disagreement between some of the country’s biggest media and telecom service providers over whether foreign entities, such as over-the-top providers like Netflix Inc., should be making a contribution to the country’s cultural sector.

Bell to test AT&T software platform for wireless traffic management

BCE Inc. has signed on to test a platform developed by AT&T Inc. that would allow it to carry more, and better manage, traffic on its network.

The software — called ECOMP or Enhanced Control, Orchestration, Management and Policy — was built to power AT&T's new network, Bell said in a Thursday release. Bell joins France-based Orange SA as the first telecom companies to test the platform.

Few boomers have cut the cord: MTM

The anglophone generation that is in, or nearing, retirement is consuming more traditional TV than their younger counterparts, as less than a tenth of boomers has cut the cord, according to the latest MTM report released Wednesday.

About 86 per cent of the demographic — defined as those between 50 and 70 —pay for a TV service like cable, satellite or IPTV, according to the report from Media Technology Monitor, a project of CBC/Radio-Canada. Younger Canadians are twice as likely as boomers to have cut the cord, MTM said.

Amazon Prime streaming service officially available in Canada

Amazon.com Inc.’s Amazon Prime Video has entered the Canadian market, as part of a worldwide launch for the streaming service, the company announced in a press release Wednesday.

The service, which is bundled with its Amazon Prime priority shipping service, costs $79 a year, according to Amazon’s website.

Most Canadians satisfied with Internet service: CIRA

Canadians are “generally satisfied” with the speed of their home Internet service, according to a new report from the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA).

“More than 80 per cent of those surveyed said they’re satisfied, although just 34 per cent claim to be very satisfied,” the annual CIRA Internet Factbook report, released Tuesday, said.

Bell targets second small IPTV provider over copyright claim

Zazeen Inc. is facing legal action from BCE Inc. over its Internet protocol TV (IPTV) service, with the incumbent calling the small provider’s service copyright infringement.

In a statement of claim filed with the Federal Court last month, Bell said Zazeen is currently operating “an unlicensed Internet delivered service… that is exempt from licensing by the CRTC.”

Canadians favour funding for international CanCon success: PIAC poll

Canadians are broadly in support of making domestic film and TV productions successful internationally and being provided the funding to do so, but don’t share a consensus on where that money should go, according to a public opinion survey conducted by the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC).

Netflix downloads bad sign for telecoms: Desjardins

Canada part of int’l talks on taxing foreign digital services

OTTAWA — Canada is involved in international discussions about how to address the issue of foreign digital vendors not being subject to domestic sales tax, a parliamentary committee learned Thursday, as it prodded at a long-standing question of whether American companies such as Netflix Inc. are benefiting to the disadvantage of Canadian media companies.

Netflix now allows customers to download shows

Netflix Inc. viewers will now be able to download content from its over-the-top (OTT) service to watch off-line.

The company said in a press release Wednesday that the new free feature is included in all plans and available on phones and tablets running on both Apple Inc.’s and Alphabet Inc.’s Android operating systems.

“Many of your favorite streaming series and movies are already available for download, with more on the way,” Netflix said in the release.

Bell Media ‘comfortable’ with Crave, president tells CRTC

GATINEAU, Que. — BCE Inc. has to take both offensive and defensive positions when facing off against international competitors, the company told the CRTC Tuesday, as it took its turn being grilled about its TV licence renewal application.

Mandatory carriage for OMNI only option, Rogers tells CRTC panel

GATINEAU, Que. — Rogers Communications Inc. said it understands the irony of asking for mandatory carriage for its proposed new regional OMNI service, but that it’s the only way forward.

News, video games, VR should be eligible for CanCon funding: Rogers

Rogers Communications Inc. is proposing a tax credit-based federal program to support Canadian content of all types and on all platforms.

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.

‘Virtually impossible’ to quantify damage from set-top boxes: telecoms

BCE Inc., Rogers Communications Inc. and Quebecor Inc.’s Videotron are asking a federal court judge to dismiss an appeal of an injunction banning sales of “pre-loaded” set-top boxes.

CMPA asks for CanCon contributions from OTT, ISPs

The Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) is asking the federal government to “modernize” and require both over-the-top (OTT) services and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to contribute to the CanCon system.

Netflix tells gov’t it plays positive role in Canadian productions

Canada is one of Netflix Inc.’s top three locations for original productions, and while the company doesn’t play a part in the official Canadian content system, the dollars invested in productions classified as CanCon serve to “multiply the impact of public support,” according to a submission from the company to Canadian Heritage’s sweeping cultural review.

Anglophones spend two thirds of time on Netflix on TV content: MTM

Anglophone viewers of Netflix Inc.’s over-the-top (OTT) service now spend 67 per cent of their time on the platform watching TV shows and 33 per cent watching movies and other content, MTM, a project of CBC/Radio-Canada, reported Wednesday.

In comparison, three years ago, viewers’ time on Netflix was evenly split between TV and movies. 

Judge sides with Bell in dispute over VMedia OTT service

VMedia Inc. is permanently prohibited from broadcasting BCE Inc.’s CTV channels on its over-the-top skinny basic service, an Ontario Superior Court judge ruled Tuesday.

CMPA appoints Erin Finlay as chief legal officer

The Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) has appointed Erin Finlay as its new chief legal officer to provide legal advice and strategic direction.

Her areas of expertise include entertainment litigation, policy development, privacy, copyright, intellectual property and risk management, a Tuesday press release said.

Netflix now on SaskTel set-top box

Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corp. said Thursday that subscribers of its infiNET maxTV set-top box will now have access to Netflix Inc.’s over-the-top service (OTT). 

Half a billion subscribers will be on 5G by 2022: Ericsson

An Ericsson AB report is projecting that more than 550 million subscribers will be on 5G networks by 2022.  

The latest Ericsson Mobility Report, released Tuesday, said that two years after it becomes available in 2020, 5G will cover 10 per cent of the world’s population.

Google not ‘grabbing’ media revenue, VP tells MPs

OTTAWA — Creating the oft-asked-for level playing field by making foreign digital services subject to Canadian sales tax would hurt smaller companies trying to break into the country’s market, a House of Commons committee heard Tuesday from a representative of Alphabet Inc.’s Google Canada.

Media companies looking to MCNs to reach younger audiences

Multi-channel networks (MCNs) have carved out a space in the online video ecosystem in recent years, leading traditional broadcasters to move into MCNs as a relatively low-risk way to reach younger demographics — though there is some question about the ability to monetize such investments.

Gen X leads tablet adoption: MTM

Canadian anglophones between the ages of 35 and 49 are, more than other generations, drawn to tablets and TV-enhancing technologies, according to a Media Technology Monitor (MTM) report released Tuesday. 

In its second report in a series on technology adoption by generation, MTM, a project of CBC/Radio-Canada, found that nearly two-thirds of “Generation X” own tablets.

Corus launches History OTT service

Corus Entertainment Inc. has launched History Vault, a subscription over-the-top (OTT) service featuring programming from its History channel.

The service, which costs $5.49 a month, “features hundreds of hours of content within the [History] library, including series, documentaries, and specials,” Corus said in a Thursday press release.

Any CanCon ISP tax should consider ‘economic consequences’: CNOC lawyer

TORONTO — The heritage ministry and the CRTC should engage in a more balanced discussion on what to do about taxes in support of cultural content, as both seem to be moving in different directions, the crowd on the final day of the Canadian ISP Summit in Toronto heard Wednesday.

Create new government agency for CanCon: report

The creation of a new federal agency to handle government funding for Canadian content could help the heritage minister’s goal of boosting exports of domestic cultural products, according to a report sponsored by Rogers Communications Inc.

Telus launches 4K Netflix set-top viewing

Telus Corp. announced Monday that is making Netflix Inc.’s app available on its Optik 4K set-top box, allowing subscribers to stream Netflix in 4K resolution.

“4K is the ultimate way to immerse yourself in your favourite TV shows and introducing hundreds of hours of top-tier 4K Netflix programming is a huge step forward in the evolution of Optik TV,” Blair Miller, Telus’ vice-president of content, said in Monday’s press release.

Videotron goes on defence as differential pricing hearing wraps

GATINEAU, Que. — Those who innovate shouldn’t be penalized because their competitors can’t keep up, the CRTC heard Friday from representatives of the telecom company partially responsible for this week’s public hearing on differential pricing practices.

Telus Q3 continues industry-wide trend of strong wireless

Telus Corp. reported strong wireless revenues and subscriber additions Friday, as data helped propel overall revenues up to $3.23 billion.   

For the three months ended September 30, the company’s overall revenues were slightly higher, with a 2.6 per cent increase, than the $3.15 billion it earned in the same quarter last year. Net income, however, was down slightly by 2.7 per cent to $355 million against the comparable period last year.

Telecom services bolster Quebecor’s Q3

Quebecor Inc.’s telecommunications services boosted its third quarter, as it posted an $8.3-million loss, the company said in its quarterly financial report Thursday.

Trudeau responds to CIPF concern

Even though the CRTC is an arms-length organization, there is “a lot this government can do directly to support artists and creators across this country,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday, in response to a question about the CRTC’s recent changes to the certified independent production fund (CIPF) framework.

Netflix should pay taxes: CUPE

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is suggesting Netflix Inc. be taxed, as it calls on the government to take action.

Netflix is benefiting from Canadian tax exemptions and a lack of regulation, while the CRTC stands idle as the American media giant does business “without contributing to the funding of Canadian programming or being required to offer a minimum amount of made-in-Canada content,” the union said in an Oct. 20 press release.

AT&T, Time Warner deal shows VI trending in opposite directions: analyst

A potential merger between AT&T Inc. and Time Warner Cable Inc. highlights a move by United States-based companies toward vertical integration, just as developments in Canada suggest the opposite is happening north of the border, according to an analyst.

“While the U.S. is becoming more vertically integrated, Canada is moving in the other direction,” Jeff Fan, an analyst at Scotiabank, said in a note Monday.

Bell moves Showtime to OTT platform

BCE Inc.’s over-the-top (OTT) service CraveTV will be the new launching pad for Showtime programming in Canada, the company announced Monday.

In a press release, Crave said new and returning shows will debut on the OTT platform the same time as they air on television in the U.S., beginning with The Affair on Nov. 20, so that “subscribers can look forward to new SHOWTIME programming on the service every single week.”

Millennials spend 30 hours a week online: MTM

Anglophone millennials spend more than 30 hours a week on the Internet, and about four-fifths of that generation watch TV online, according the latest report from Media Technology Monitor, a project of CBC/Radio-Canada.

The report, released Thursday, surveyed media technology adoption among the millennial generation, or those between 18 and 34 years old. It found that more than a quarter opted to watch TV content exclusively online and not pay for a TV service.

Horror-focused OTT service launches in Canada

Shudder, an over-the-top (OTT) service focusing on the horror genre, has launched in Canada, a year after it became available in the United States.

According to a press release, the AMC Networks Inc.-owned Shudder is “the only streaming service in Canada dedicated to serving both casual and hardcore fans of high-quality horror and suspenseful entertainment.”

CIPF criticism ‘misleading,’ Blais tells committee

OTTAWA — CRTC chairman Jean-Pierre Blais defended the rationale and timing of the regulator’s controversial decision to change the eligibility requirements to access certified independent production funds (CIPFs) in face of pointed questions from members of Parliament Thursday morning.

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.

Broadband TV partners with Univision

Canadian multi-platform network (MPN) BroadbandTV Corp. (BBTV) has signed a deal to manage the Hispanic content of Univision Communications Inc.

The Vancouver-based media company will provide the management services for Univision’s fan-uploaded content as well as managing its 16 YouTube channels, according to a Tuesday press release.

Analysts optimistic about Natale at Rogers after Laurence’s surprise exit

In an unexpected move, Rogers Communications Inc. has announced Guy Laurence is no longer CEO of the company and will be replaced by former Telus Corp. CEO Joe Natale, a choice analysts responded to positively Monday.

VMedia pulls CTV from OTT service as ‘sign of good faith’

VMedia Inc. said in a court document it has removed BCE Inc.’s CTV channels from its over-the-top (OTT) skinny basic service pending the resolution of a legal dispute between the two companies, as a “sign of good faith.”

Wholesale rate decision could lead to focus on flanker brands, analysts say

In the days after the CRTC issued a decision that lowered wholesale wireline Internet rates proposed by large Internet Service Providers (ISPs), financial analysts said the large telecoms could respond to increased pressure through flanker brands, and some pointed to the possibility of decreased infrastructure investment.

Improve Internet access to help news media, committee hears

OTTAWA — Raising the level of broadband Internet service for Canadians would go far in levelling the playing field for both media producers and consumers, a House of Commons committee heard Thursday, as it continued its study of the media and local communities.

Bell asks for injunction against VMedia OTT service

BCE Inc. is asking the Ontario Superior Court to grant an interim and permanent injunction to stop VMedia Inc. from delivering Bell's CTV channels on its over-the-top (OTT) service.

TV discoverability hinges on word of mouth, ads: MTM

Canadians rely mostly on word-of-mouth and paid advertising to find TV new shows, according to a new Media Technology Monitor report.

In its latest release published Tuesday, the CBC/Radio-Canada research project said it found that 38 per cent of Canadians said finding new TV content was easy, with 27 per cent primarily looking to recommendations from friends and 17 per cent getting their info from radio and TV commercials.

VMedia fighting to keep CTV, CTV2 on OTT service

VMedia Inc. is asking an Ontario court to step in and declare that its recently launched over-the-top (OTT) streaming television service is not infringing copyright, as claimed by BCE Inc., which wants the provider to remove its CTV and CTV Two networks from its service.

In an application filed Monday with the Ontario Superior Court, the Toronto-based independent provider argued that its live-TV streaming service for customers with Roku Inc. devices is permitted under the Copyright Act.

CraveTV profitability still uncertain after Shomi exit: Desjardins

While CraveTV should have an easier time competing in the over-the-top (OTT) space now that Shomi will cease operation, Netflix Inc.’s offering still leaves doubt about the profitability of BCE Inc.’s service, says a Desjardins analyst.

Rogers offering some Shomi customers free Netflix

In the wake of the announced shuttering of its streaming service, Shomi, Rogers Communications Inc. is offering some customers six months of free access to Netflix Inc.’s over-the-top (OTT) service.

Rogers spokesman Andrew Garas said in an email the company is “reaching out to eligible customers who are on a contract letting them know we’re offering six months of Netflix on us, plus more premium experiences to come in 2017 for the remainder of their contract.”

Shomi had 900,000 subs, company says

As Shomi shuts down, experts point to strong competition in OTT

Shomi, the joint Rogers Communications Inc. and Shaw Communications Inc. over-the-top (OTT) video service, will shut down on Nov. 30, the service announced Monday afternoon, in a move some industry experts said wasn’t completely out of the blue.

Canadian content finding home internationally via OTT: report

Canadian content producers who find audiences internationally are benefitting from over-the-top (OTT) services, according to a report examining the impact of OTT platforms on global video production.

The report, published Tuesday by the Boston Consulting Group, noted that “English content travels comparatively easily across borders,” leaving Canadian and U.K. producers in a good position to “further monetize their libraries by selling content abroad in first- and second-run windows.”

Low skinny basic take-up result of content-hungry consumers: Cope

Adoption of skinny-basic television has been low because consumers demand more content, BCE Inc. president and CEO George Cope told an investors’ conference on Tuesday.

“Subscriptions for [skinny basic] have probably met our expectations. It’s been fairly low, but that’s because of the desire of the consumer for [enormous amounts] of content now, so it’s really what’s in it,” Cope told Goldman analyst Jiorden Sanchez at the investment bank’s annual Communacopia Conference.

CBC ‘can’t stand still,’ Lacroix says on shift to digital

MONTREAL — As technological change accelerates, CBC/Radio-Canada has to keep pace, according to CEO Hubert Lacroix, who said Thursday “we can’t think of the public broadcaster as one driven by legacy assets.”

“We can’t stand still,” Lacroix said in an interview at the Public Broadcasters International conference, which is being hosted by CBC in Montreal this week. The focus for this year’s two-day event is how public broadcasters can reach the digital generation.

Demand for faster upload speeds growing: analysts

The need for upload speed is growing among Canadian consumers and businesses, though it’s too early to tell whether there’s real demand for symmetrical Internet plans that some companies have begun offering, according to analysts.

During the annual BMO Capital Markets’ media and telecom investor’s conference, Telus Corp. said that it has separated itself from the pack by offering symmetrical Internet, or plans where upload speeds are identical to download speeds.

Rogers’ Laurence says CanCon should be international brand

Rogers Communications Inc. CEO Guy Laurence said the government’s ongoing review of Canadian content in a digital age should lead to more focus on promoting and selling content internationally, among other changes.

Industry, public disagree on biggest threats to CanCon: Heritage

Members of the public and cultural stakeholders don’t see eye to eye when it comes to identifying the biggest challenges facing the country’s cultural sector, according to info released Tuesday as Canadian Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly launched the public consultation phase of a review of Canada’s cultural institutions.

Wireline data caps have no legitimate purpose, Netflix tells FCC

Netflix Inc. argued that data caps are an “unnecessary constraint on advanced telecommunications capability” in a filing with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Eastlink launches TV Everywhere app

Bragg Communications Inc.’s Eastlink unveiled its new TV Everywhere offering Thursday, Eastlink Stream, offering a one-stop-shop for television subscribers to access content from multiple networks and over-the-top (OTT) services through one application.

Developed with Cisco Systems Inc.’s Infinite Video platform, the free app is now available for Eastlink’s TV customers in all of its service areas. 

Telecoms need to be ‘proactive’ with video development: report

Telecom service providers should look towards improving video quality across their networks if they want to increase customer loyalty, according to a new joint report from Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. and Ovum, a technology research and advisory company.

Bell releases ultra high-def PVR

BCE Inc. customers can now take advantage of the “world’s first fully wireless [Internet protocol TV] service,” the company said Monday.

In a press release, Bell said a wireless 4K Whole Home PVR was now available for Fibe TV customers, offering “up to 150 hours of 4K recording capacity and Bluetooth remote that enables out-of-sight positioning of the PVR.”

Cable providers readying for full pick-and-pay with theme packs

Some companies are adding more selection to their cable TV packages by going the theme-pack route in preparation for the mandatory full pick-and-pay rules coming into effect this winter. 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 …

Shomi boasts 143M video streams

Rogers Communications Inc.’s and Shaw Communications Inc.’s Shomi has had more than 143 million video plays since Aug.

CBC, Netflix team up to take Anne around the world

Netflix Inc. and CBC/Radio-Canada are partnering with Northwood Entertainment for a new TV series based on the classic Canadian novel Anne of Green Gables.

The show will be broadcast in Canada on the CBC in 2017 and stream globally on Netflix’s over-the-top service, said a Monday press release.

Production on the eight hour-long episodes is scheduled to begin in September in Ontario, the release said.

10% confused over definition of OTT: MTM

Confusion over what qualifies as watching TV online has led Media Technology Monitor to revise some previously reported data about over-the-top (OTT) services.

In a Thursday report, the CBC/Radio-Canada research project said about 10 per cent of English-speaking Canadians, especially those over the age of 50, “still stated they don’t watch online TV during our survey, even after being prompted that OTT services are a form of online television.”

Sports fans less likely to cut the cord: report

English-speaking sports fans are more likely to have TV subscriptions, according to new research from Media Technology Monitor (MTM).

Millennials driving OTA growth in Canada: report

The over-the-air (OTA) market has been slowly growing over the past three years, according to data collected by Media Technology Monitor, a trend industry observers said doesn’t come as a surprise.

SVOD revenues to double by 2021: Juniper

Subscription video-on-demand service (SVOD) revenues will double by 2021, as broadcasters and TV network providers look to enter the market amid a trend in cord cutting and shaving, according to a new report.

Juniper Research Ltd. found that revenues from such services, including those operated by Netflix Inc. and Amazon.com Inc., will more than double in five years to $34.6 billion US, from $14.6 billion US this year.

More set-top box providers added to legal action

Eleven more set-top box retailers will have to make their case to the Federal Court after being named as defendants in a legal fight against set-top boxes that can be used to circumvent paid TV subscriptions.

On June 20, lawyers for BCE Inc., Rogers Communications Inc. and Quebecor Inc.’s Videotron filed an amended statement of claim, adding the companies to the five originally named in the legal action, which started in May.

Orange is the New Black premiere had 6.7M viewers: Nielsen

Nielsen Co. says the season premiere of Netflix Inc.’s Orange is the New Black drew 6.7 million viewers in the United States in its first two days.

Netflix doesn’t release its audience numbers, but at a client presentation last week Nielsen disclosed ratings data about specific programs, according the Wall Street Journal.

Canada ‘falling behind’ countries with Netflix tax: think tank

The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives says Canada should follow the example of the European Union and countries like New Zealand and Australia in requiring over-the-top (OTT) services to pay taxes in Canada.

If Netflix Inc. were to pay a 13-per-cent HST tax, that would amount to “some $62.4 to $90.48 million per year in value-added taxes,” the centre’s June 21 report said.

Facebook, AT&T defend differential pricing in CRTC review

Facebook Inc. and AT&T Inc. have waded into the CRTC’s review of differential pricing practices, arguing that the commission should allow carriers to offer zero-rated services and sponsored data.

AT&T closes Quickplay deal

AT&T Inc. has finalized a deal to purchase a Canadian video-streaming platform, the company announced Tuesday.

BBC to open Toronto bureau, Canadian version of website

The BBC will launch a new Toronto bureau and a Canadian edition of BBC.com, the British public service broadcaster announced Thursday.

The dedicated site will launch later this year, according to a notice on the BBC website. In the meantime, the broadcaster will be looking to hire a video journalist, an online journalist and a social media producer for its Toronto office, said the press release.

Telecom, media ‘safe haven’ after Brexit: Barclays

Minimal exposure to the United Kingdom and Europe will leave the Canadian telecom and media industries relatively unscathed following the U.K.’s vote to exit the European Union last week, according to Barclays Capital.

Analyst Phillip Huang said in a research note on Tuesday that given “no/minimal exposure to [U.K]/Europe, we see them as relative safe havens in an environment of heightened macro uncertainty.”

CanCon review panel announcement draws mixed reaction

Heritage Canada’s announcement of an expert advisory panel for its review of Canadian content in a digital age, which includes representatives from a number of broadcasters, was met with both praise and criticism Tuesday.

Mobile ads, music streaming to be a force in 2020: PwC

Mobile advertising revenue and music streaming activity will see dramatic increases over the next four years, as technological innovation takes hold over traditional methods of media consumption, according to a new report from PWC.

Netflix hold on network traffic shrinks, but remains dominant: report

Netflix Inc.’s over-the-top (OTT) service continued to lead peak period network traffic, but the percentage of traffic has declined since late 2015, according to a new Global Internet Phenomena report by Sandvine Inc.

Bell mobile-TV appeal dismissed

The Federal Court of Appeal has upheld the CRTC’s ban on BCE Inc.’s zero-rated mobile-TV plans, a year and a half after the commission ruled the company couldn’t exempt the service from data caps.

What does the growth of video-game streaming mean for TV?

Millions of people tuned into live broadcasts of the electronic entertainment expo (E3) this week on Alphabet Inc.’s YouTube and Amazon.com Inc.’s Twitch.tv. It’s an event whose viewership has soared on the heels of a phenomenon that has been building for years, spawning a lucrative business that’s attracting competitors, inducing acquisitions and could be affecting traditional television.   

Club Illico announces 4K production

Another Canadian company is joining the ultra-high-definition field, with Quebecor Inc. announcing its media division was producing its first 4K show.

Videotron’s over-the-top (OTT) service Club Illico said in a Tuesday press release that new police series Victor Lessard, based on books by author Martin Michaud, would premiere in the winter of 2017 in 4K.