Friends of Canadian Broadcasting - Media Monitor: 2006
CanWest reporter firing raises questions about the growing power of corporate advertisers and the state of Canadian journalism.
December 29, 2006 - Rabble.ca: Mavor's torch still burns by Rick Salutin
Columnist says Mavor Moore's life was dedicated to creating and strengthening Canadian cultural institutions.
December 28, 2006 - Indianapolis Star: What's good for Big Media is bad news for public by Kevin Howley
Editorial claims that in recent years the U.S. Federal Communication Commission has been working on behalf of media companies instead of citizens, leading to unprecedented concentration of media ownership.
December 28, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Why is the NFB such a tough sell? by Guy Dixon
The outgoing commissioner of the National Film Board of Canada thinks the federal government is close to choosing his successor.
December 28, 2006 - Edmonton Journal: Radio's space invasion not so out of this world by Shawn Ohler
Article describes how, one year after arrival of satellite radio, few listeners have deserted 'terrestrial' stations.
December 28, 2006 - Hollywood Reporter: Mum's the word on Canadian strike action by Etan Vlessing
Barring an eleventh-hour breakthrough, Canadian actors will be in a legal position to strike in much of the country Jan. 1, 2007.
December 27, 2006 - Hollywood Reporter: Putin endorses new kids' TV channel by Nick Holdsworth
Russia may be getting a new children's television channel after President Putin pledged to address growing concerns over a lack of targeted programming for younger viewers.
December 26, 2006 - Canadian Press: Arms-length telecom regulator in an arm-wrestle with Conservatives by Jennifer Ditchburn
Article says that unprecedented assertiveness shown by the Conservative government in pushing its vision for the telecom sector may make it difficult to fill the CRTC chair position.
December 26, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Year in Review by John Doyle
Columnist says that cancellations, conniptions and controversy overshadowed what was otherwise a good year on TV.
December 23, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Mavor, the man who knew too much by Liam Lacey
A pioneer of Canadian cultural nationalism, Mavor Moore, passed away this week.
December 23, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Searching for Bev Oda by Lawrence Martin
FRIENDS says that Bev Oda has done little of significance since becoming Heritage Minister because the Prime Minister's Office is calling the shots.
December 23, 2006 - Hollywood Reporter: BBC loses license fee battle by Mimi Turner
British government license fee settlement far lower than called for by the BBC.
December 22, 2006 - Canadian Television Fund: Response from Douglas Barrett, Chair of the Canadian Television Fund to Jim Shaw, CEO of Shaw Communications
Douglas Barrett says Shaw's decision to withhold contributions to the Canadian Television Fund will have an immediate and dramatic impact on the Fund's ability to carry on operations.
December 22, 2006 - Toronto Star: A long, busy life by Richard Ouzounian
Author, director, actor, producer, lyricist and composer Mavor Moore always believed a story told from a Canadian point of view automatically had something special going for it.
December 22, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Rivals line up for shot at Alliance by Andrew Willis and Eric Reguly
Article says that at least four rivals are expected to take a serious run for Alliance's specialty TV channels, but will face a struggle to determine the value of stake in the CSI franchise.
December 22, 2006 - Hollywood Reporter: Ofcom eyes broadband content channel by Mimi Turner
Proposed British "public service publisher" will generate online content to rival such outlets as MySpace and Google Video.
December 21, 2006 - Canadian Press: Success abroad, online viewing, CBC troubles dominated Canadian TV in '06 by Lee-Ann Goodman
Although only a handful of Canadian shows were routinely watched by large numbers of Canadian viewers, homegrown fare reached millions internationally through sales to foreign countries and lucrative syndication deals.
December 21, 2006 - Hollywood Reporter: Digital TV in 73% of U.K. homes by Mimi Turner
Research shows that almost three out of four U.K. homes have at least one digital television set.
December 21, 2006 - Hollywood Reporter: U.S. shows dominating German TV by Scott Roxborough
While two years ago there were no American-made dramas in primetime on Germany's top national networks, there are now more than 20.
December 21, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Fears as Alliance on the block by Gayle MacDonald
Independent Canadian television producers worry the number of opportunities to showcase their work will shrink with continuing media industry concentration.
December 21, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Grey Cup moves to TSN in new deal by William Houston
CBC is shut out of a new rights agreement that will make TSN the exclusive carrier of Canadian Football League content.
December 21, 2006 - Toronto Star: Alliance Atlantis courts buyers, stock price soars; Broadcasters already may be kicking tires by Rick Westhead
CanWest Global, Astral Media and Corus Entertainment touted as potential buyers of Alliance Atlantis.
December 20, 2006 - Shaw Communications: Withdrawal of financial support for Canadian Television Fund
Jim Shaw, Jr.'s letter to the Canadian Television Fund announcing the withdrawal of Shaw Communications' financial contribution.
December 20, 2006 - Hollywood Reporter: Hollywood films tops at Canada's box office by Etan Vlessing
Box office data released by Telefilm Canada shows that 2006 was a disappointing year for Canadian film.
December 20, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Torstar to cut 85 jobs by Roma Luciw
The newspaper and book publisher that owns The Toronto Star has announced it is cutting 85 jobs and taking an $11-million charge in a bid to cut costs.
December 20, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Alliance Atlantis signals it is for sale
The Toronto-based entertainment firm has recently sought expressions of interest from selected potential buyers.
December 20, 2006 - Australian Broadcasting Corporation: Outgoing ABC chairman backs political appointment system
The outgoing chairman of Australia's public broadcaster backs the political appointment system that gave him his job.
December 19, 2006 - CARTT: Interview with NDP Heritage Critic, MP Charlie Angus by Greg O'Brien
Cartt.ca interview in which MP Charlie Angus talks about the Heritage Committee, the CBC mandate review, carriage fees and copyright legislation.
December 19, 2006 - Victoria Times Colonist: CanCon finds followers in syndicated re-runs by Lee-Anne Goodman
In some U.S. markets, Canadian syndicated television shows such as Corner Gas and Da Vinci's Inquest are garnering larger audiences than popular American shows like CSI: Miami.
December 18, 2006 - Wired News: Goodbye TV, Hello Broadband by Robert Lemos
One family's experience relying solely on legally available Internet content to satisfy their video entertainment needs.
December 18, 2006 - New York Times: Old Model Versus a Speedster by Richard Siklos and Bill Carter
Article says NBC, News Corp, Viacom and other media companies are close to announcing a new Web site that will feature video content in a bid to rival YouTube.
December 18, 2006 - Playback Magazine: The year that was at CBC by Sean Davidson
A listing of highs and lows at Canada's public broadcaster.
December 18, 2006 - Ottawa Citizen: Freedom in the digital age
Editorial says the CRTC has acted appropriately by declining to regulate the Internet.
December 18, 2006 - Playback Magazine: Web not Cancon savior by Mark Dillon
Columnist says that, in the short term, the Internet is not going to change model of Canadian television networks making money off U.S. shows while putting a questionable commitment behind Canadian product.
December 18, 2006 - Playback Magazine: BGM and CHUM: The art of the deal by Marcus Robinson
An in-depth look at the proposed merger of CHUM and Bell Globemedia.
December 16, 2006 - Hollywood Reporter: Canadian radio to air more homegrown music by Etan Vlessing
The CRTC has raised the minimum level for Canadian jazz and blues airplay from 10% to 25% of the broadcast week, while the quota for Canadian concert music will double from 10% to 20%.
December 16, 2006 - Hollywood Reporter: Germans bow to EU on pubcaster funding by Leo Cendrowicz
The European Union Competition Commissioner has forced the German authorities to end illegal government aid to public broadcasters.
December 16, 2006 - Ottawa Citizen: Raptor's ex-owner proposes HDTV network by Vito Pilieci
FRIENDS says the CRTC must ensure a proposed high definition television network will follow Canadian content rules.
December 16, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Vancouver filmmaker accuses Telefilm of bias by Alexandra Gill
Filmmaker says Telefilm Canada is biased against Western filmmakers after losing a share of a $3.5-million production fund because of missing a deadline.
December 16, 2006 - Globe & Mail: CRTC, radio find same wavelength by Grant Robertson
A CRTC decision on private radio states that CanCon quotas will stay the same for mainstream stations, but the industry must contribute more money to developing Canadian artists.
December 15, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Broadcasters score victory over Ottawa by Grant Robertson
A federal judge has ruled that Ottawa has been unlawfully taxing television and radio broadcasters, along with cable and satellite distributors, for the past eight years through fees charged for their licences.
December 15, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Radio industry will have to pay more to support domestic talent by Grant Robertson
CRTC report says private radio stations won't have to increase the level of Canadian content they play, but the amount of money the industry pays to support domestic artists will increase.
December 15, 2006 - Ottawa Citizen: Search for CRTC chairman stalled as deadline nears by Deirdre McMurdy
Article says the process to replace Charles Dalfen as chairman of the CRTC has stalled because Prime Minister Harper wants the final say on the choice.
December 15, 2006 - National Post: New name for Bell Globemedia: CTVglobemedia by Peter Nowak
The media company is distancing itself from its former controlling shareholder Bell Canada Enterprises, despite successfully arguing a few months ago there had been no ownership change of the company.
December 15, 2006 - Canada NewsWire: Canada's first free high definition (HD) national television network proposed
HDTV Networks has submitted an application to the CRTC for a national over-the-air broadcast licence to deliver programming dedicated to the high-definition format.
December 15, 2006 - National Post: CRTC tells Ottawa to rewrite rules by Paul Vieira
A report, commissioned by Heritage Minister Bev Oda, says the government should look at rewriting parts of the Broadcasting Act, preferably by the end of the decade.
December 15, 2006 - Hollywood Reporter: CRTC: Broadcast still king in Canada by Etan Vlessing
CRTC report concludes digital video and audio content available online is having little impact on the Canadian broadcasting system thus far.
December 15, 2006 - CRTC: CRTC announces results of its commercial radio policy review: Increases funding for Canadian content development
The CRTC says it will establish a new approach to Canadian content development financed by the contributions of broadcasters, but will not increase Canadian content requirements.
December 14, 2006 - CRTC: CRTC releases report on the future environment facing the Canadian broadcasting system
CRTC report finds that any negative impact on the broadcasting system from shifting media consumption patterns has been minimal to date, but the regulator will continue to monitor developments to inform public policy decisions.
December 14, 2006 - National Post: Canada needs the CRTC by Peter Miller
Former broadcast executive says an expert administrative tribunal is the most effective and sensible means by which government policy objectives, such as cultural sovereignty, can be advanced.
December 14, 2006 - Globe & Mail: TSN, CTV may sack CBC on TV rights by William Houston
Columnist says that the CFL is close to reaching a TV deal with Bell Globemedia.
December 14, 2006 - Globe & Mail: How telecom reform topped Bernier's agenda by Simon Tuck
Government officials say Industry Minister Maxime Bernier's telecom agenda includes reforming the CRTC, playing a role in the selection of a new CRTC chair and possibly making changes to foreign ownership restrictions.
December 14, 2006 - Globe & Mail: WiFi radio stations to join battle for air supremacy by Mathew Ingram
Article says wireless Internet radio has the potential to disrupt both the satellite and terrestrial radio industries.
December 13, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Degrassi teen drama sold into U.S. syndication by Gayle MacDonald
CTV's teen drama Degrassi: The Next Generation has been sold into syndication in the United States, including in five of the top media markets.
December 13, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Finance committee urges Tories on cultural funding Val Ross
The House of Commons standing committee on finance recommends the federal government increase funding to the Canada Council for the Arts to $300-million over two years.
December 13, 2006 - National Post: The CRTC at a crossroads by Andrew Coyne
Considering changes in the telecommunications industry and recent government decisions, columnist concludes the CRTC is in its last days.
December 13, 2006 - Vancouver Sun: CanWest gift to establish centre for theatre, film
CanWest Global Communications' $3-million corporate gift will enable the University of Winnipeg to establish the CanWest Centre for Theatre & Film.
December 13, 2006 - Kamloops Daily News: CBC lobby seizes on idea of 'pilot city' by Mike Youds
Lobby group envisions Kamloops as a pilot city for the delivery of digital/high-definition TV.
December 12, 2006 - Kaiser Family Foundation: Media Multitasking Among American Youth: Prevalence, Predictors and Pairings
Report explores how pervasive media multitasking is among young people, potential cognitive and social development implications, and which teens are most likely to multitask.
December 12, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Big Media taps new set of digital gurus by Seth Sutel
Media companies are hiring new executives to help deliver content and engage audiences over the Internet, while still making a profit.
December 12, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Netherlands first country to switch to fully digital TV
The Netherlands has ended transmission of "free to air" analog television, becoming the first nation to switch completely to digital signals.
December 12, 2006 - Ottawa Citizen: Tories flex some muscle with CRTC, score a win for telecoms, consumers by Deirdre McMurdy
Columnist says that federal Industry Minister Maxime Bernier has seized the local telephone file from the CRTC, unilaterally opening markets across Canada to unfettered competition.
December 12, 2006 - Kamloops Daily News: CBC dropped plan to enhance radio, lobbyist says
Lobbyist speculates that a CBC Radio plan to invest $20 million in 20 centres across the county was dropped when it received little support from the Conservative government.
December 12, 2006 - National Post: Counterpoint; CBC is more than a TV and radio broadcaster by Tony Burman
CBC News editor-in-chief says the public broadcaster is now thinking of itself as a content provider with the objective to provide news and information to Canadians via their network or platform of choice.
December 9, 2006 - Washington Post: Google Aims To Revitalize Advertising On Radio by Sara Kehaulani Goo
Google tests a radio ad program that bypasses the station's ad department and allows advertisers to use online services to create their own radio campaign.
December 8, 2006 - Hollywood Reporter: BBC juggling primetime sked
The BBC has announced it is putting its flagship investigative current affairs show "Panorama" back in a primetime slot.
December 8, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Ottawa wants penalties for telecom market abuse by Simon Tuck
Industry Minister Maxime Bernier has announced amendments to the Competition Act that would issue fines of up to $15-million against telecom companies if they abuse a position of market power.
December 8, 2006 - Globe & Mail: CBC takes early lead in battle for NHL TV rights by William Houston
Columnist says the CBC could hang onto the NHL rights by signing a short-term deal with the league, perhaps three or four years in length.
December 8, 2006 - Globe & Mail: CanWest puts asset into play by Grant Robertson
Article says CanWest Global Communications could sell its Australian television assets by August, giving the company $1.5-billion to spend on acquisitions in Canada.
December 8, 2006 - National Post: Advertisers argue against more 'clutter' by Barbara Shecter
Advertisers tell the CRTC that relaxing limits on the amount of advertising during television shows would be detrimental to advertisers and viewers.
December 7, 2006 - Canadian Media Research Inc.: Over-the-air television small vs large communities analysis
Analysis shows there are many small communities with relatively high reliance on over-the-air television.
December 7, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Who knew Question Period could be hot? by John Doyle
Columnist says that recent comments made by CRTC Commissioner Richard French, who could be the next chair of the regulator, suggests he is a skeptic of Canadian-content regulation.
December 7, 2006 - Globe & Mail: 'Citizen journalists' tell news stories their way by Cassandra Szklarski
Article describes a new movement in journalism where ordinary people submit articles and tell editors what to publish.
December 7, 2006 - Toronto Star: Astral Media ups dividend 33%, plans to buy shares
Astral Media's president and CEO recommends a cautious approach to liberalizing foreign ownership rules for broadcasters.
December 7, 2006 - National Post: It flips. It flops. It's the CBC by Warren Kinsella
Columnist says CBC management is losing credibility because of flip-flops such as the decision to reinstate hour-long local newscasts.
December 7, 2006 - Toronto Star: Commercial-free tunes fuel a radio renaissance by Donna Jean MacKinnon
Article says that with 320,000 subscribers in just over a year of operation, Canada's two satellite radio networks seem to be hitting the right notes with music fans.
December 6, 2006 - Media at McGill: CRTC Hearings Wrap Up in Ottawa by Greg Taylor
A recount and commentary on the final day of the CRTC public hearings on over-the-air television policy, including the presentation made by FRIENDS.
December 6, 2006 - National Post: Alliance tests video web site by Barbara Shecter
Alliance Atlantis Communications is testing a user-generated video website it hopes could be a YouTube for Canadian audiences.
December 5, 2006 - Broadcast Engineering: CBC chief proposes hybrid approach for Canadian HD transition
CBC president Robert Rabinovitch has suggested to the CRTC a hybrid approach to delivery of digital television that relies on a mix of terrestrial broadcast and satellite, cable and IPTV delivery.
December 5, 2006 - National Post: Commercial radio shows strong growth by Barbara Shecter
Robust national radio revenue growth of 8.2% in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 contrasts with a cry to regulators earlier this year to ease rules if the industry is to survive and prosper.
December 5, 2006 - Toronto Star: The silent treatment
Article comments that there has been little news coverage from the CRTC over-the-air television hearings of opinions that differ from those of the large broadcasters.
December 4, 2006 - Broadcasting and Cable: Content Is King And So Is Ownership by Craig Kuhl
Article says the drive to prevent programs from being illegally copied is crucial in a digital age.
December 4, 2006 - Canada NewsWire: Cornerstone of broadcasting system gone missing
The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union tells the CRTC that local programming - the "foundation" of the broadcasting system - has all but disappeared from the airwaves.
December 2, 2006 - Ottawa Citizen: How the CRTC killed Canadian drama by Sonja Smits
Gemini Award winner says that by loosening the definition of priority programming in 1999, the CRTC ended the glory days of quality Canadian TV.
December 2, 2006 - Brantford Expositor: Union urges CRTC to use fees for new TV programming by John Ward
The Canadian Media Guild wants the CRTC to impose new fees on cable and satellite customers to help finance new domestic programming.
December 2, 2006 - Toronto Star: Minister brushes off warnings on media by Antonia Zerbisias
Heritage Minister Bev Oda downplays recommendations in a Senate committee's report on media concentration.
December 1, 2006 - CMRI: Comments on CBC TV Proposal to Shut Down Off-Air Transmitters
Canadian Media Research Inc. comments filed with the CRTC regarding the CBC's proposal to close down its over the air television transmitters.
December 1, 2006 - Globe & Mail: CBC announces renewed focus on local TV news by Guy Dixon
CBC senior managers have announced a return to local and regional news in the coming months, with Vancouver as the test city.
December 1, 2006 - Toronto Star: Romance tops CBC axing by Antonia Zerbisias
Columnist says rumours of CBC TV anchor/senior executive relationship have trumped buzz around new news plan.
November 30, 2006 - Ottawa Citizen: Slapping fee on conventional TV a 'trash idea,' Rogers tells CRTC by Paul Vieira
Ted Rogers, chief executive of Rogers Communications, tells the CRTC it is not its job to boost the profit margins of private-sector broadcasters.
November 30, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Shaw casts doubt on networks' poverty pleas by Grant Robertson
The chief executive officer of Shaw Communications says if some Canadian broadcasters can't make a profit under the current regulatory regime, he'd like to buy them so he can.
November 30, 2006 - CARTT: Arpin rips Shaw over ads by Greg O'Brien
CRTC's vice-chair expressed displeasure with Shaw Communications over ad campaign urging public comment on carriage fees.
November 30, 2006 - Toronto Star: CBC-TV kills Canada Now
FRIENDS questions that a plan to return to hour-long local newscasts will be implemented given the term of the current CBC president expires in a matter of months.
November 30, 2006 - CBC News: CBC to restore one-hour local news shows, cancel Canada Now
CBC TV plans to return to one-hour regional newscasts and establish "civic journalism," where citizens can upload video or images of news events.
November 29, 2006 - Edmonton Journal: Sirius and XM merger likely, analyst says by Don Jeffrey
Investment analyst says a merger between Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. is likely to occur within the next 18 months.
November 29, 2006 - Kamloops Daily News: Kamloops a test case for CBC, union argues by Mike Youds
The Canadian Media Guild is citing Kamloops as CBC's test case for possible withdrawal from rural over-the-air service across the country.
November 29, 2006 - Globe & Mail: TV ad revenue: Perception and reality by Keith McArthur
Article provides a guide to perceptions and realities in the Canadian television industry.
November 29, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Loosen the rules, Péladeau urges CRTC by Grant Robertson
Pierre Karl Péladeau, chief executive officer of Quebecor says the CRTC should deregulate key parts of the television business, lifting restrictions on everything from commercial time to how networks spend money.
November 29, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Networks split over best way to boost ads by Grant Robertson
CTV and Quebecor want the limit of 12 commercial minutes per hour lifted, while Corus and the CBC oppose the idea.
November 28, 2006 - Globe & Mail: The CRTC should just say no by Karen Wirsig
Op-ed makes the case that cultural needs of future generations won't be well served if the CRTC sides with television broadcasters who want fewer regulations.
November 28, 2006 - National Post: Status quo decried as threat to broadcasters by Paul Vieira
CanWest Global Communications tells the CRTC that private broadcasters should not be subject to new regulatory requirements - such as an increase to the amount of Canadian content aired in prime time.
November 28, 2006 - Globe & Mail: TV fees becoming hot topic by Grant Robertson
John Cassaday, CEO of Corus Entertainment tells the CRTC that fees for television networks would likely anger audiences.
November 28, 2006 - Globe & Mail: CanWest's quick fix for its TV bloopers by Eric Reguly
Columnist says Leonard Asper is looking for a quick fix to stock market troubles and dwindling TV profits by asking the CRTC for carriage fees.
November 28, 2006 - Hollywood Reporter: BBC's surprising 'mess': Grade quits, will head ITV by Mimi Turner
Article says Britain's ITV has hired BBC chairman Michael Grade as its executive chairman, a move that is causing turmoil at the public broadcaster.
November 27, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Will Iraqis find Corner Gas funny? by John Doyle
CTV has announced that Corner Gas has secured a distribution deal for syndication in the United States and internationally.
November 27, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Race to succeed CRTC boss has begun by Simon Tuck
Government and industry sources speculate that the race to succeed Charles Dalfen as the next CRTC chairman is a showdown between Fernand Bélisle, a former CRTC vice-chairman of broadcasting, and George Addy, a former Telus Corp. executive and head of the federal competition watchdog.
November 27, 2006 - Ottawa Citizen: 'He was ahead of his time,' son says by Tom Spears
Harry Halliwell, an advocate for domestic ownership of Canadian broadcasters, has passed away at the age of 86.
November 27, 2006 - Toronto Star: Cable bills up, CanCon down? by Jim Bawden
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission hearings on over-the-air television will discuss several contentious issues such as carriage fees for conventional broadcasters and funding for Canadian drama.
November 27, 2006 - National Post: Broadcasters push CRTC for viewer fees by Barbara Shecter
Global, CTV, CHUM, and the CBC want subscription fees paid by cable and satellite TV distributors and flexibility to get around a 12-minute-per-hour cap on advertising.
November 25, 2006 - Hollywood Reporter: Hearings to explore Canadian programming regulations by Etan Vlessing
The CRTC is set to consider forcing domestic cable and satellite TV distributors to pay a first-time fee to conventional broadcasters for carrying their local channels.
November 25, 2006 - Toronto Star: Full interview with Richard Stursberg
CBC's executive vice-president of English TV talks about budget shortfalls, locking out workers, 'The One', staff defections and more.
November 25, 2006 - Kamloops This Week: Kamloops City Council want to Save our CBC
Kamloops City Council has unanimously agreed to send a letter to Bev Oda, the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, urging her to help restore public TV to the city.
November 25, 2006 - Globe & Mail: CBC joins push for carriage fee by Michael Posner
Richard Stursberg, executive vice-president of English television, says CBC's ability to maintain its cultural responsibilities is being compromised by declining revenue from advertising and government.
November 25, 2006 - Globe & Mail: TV battle may change sports picture by William Houston
Article previews upcoming battles for National Hockey League and Canadian Football League television deals.
November 25, 2006 - Toronto Star: Analysis: Why Stursberg's days at the CBC may be numbered by Murray Whyte
Columnist speculates that if Richard Stursberg can't deliver on the audience numbers he has been pursuing, his time as Executive Vice-President of CBC Television may soon be up.
November 24, 2006 - Globe & Mail: CRTC gives telcos leeway to raise prices by Simon Tuck
The federal telecom regulator will no longer require large telephone companies to seek its approval to change prices - provided those prices remain within approved ranges.
November 24, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Give it up, kids by Eric Reguly
Columnist says that the Aspers could prosper most by letting outsiders run CanWest Global Communications.
November 24, 2006 - CBC News: HDTV a threat to Canadian culture, critics warn
Two University of Calgary professors say the cost required to switch to HDTV will be too much for smaller Canadian broadcasters leaving, almost exclusively, American programming using the technology.
November 24, 2006 - Niagara Falls Review: Ski appointed president at CHUM
Paul Ski, former executive vice-president of radio for CHUM, has been appointed to the new position of president.
November 24, 2006 - Canada NewsWire: CTV's Corner Gas Secures U.S. Distribution Deal With Superstation WGN
Canadian hit Corner Gas to be broadcast to 70 million U.S. homes and in countries across 5 continents including Australia, Iraq, Finland and more.
November 24, 2006 - National Post: Broadcasting row heats up by Barbara Shecter
According a survey commissioned by telecommunication companies, 20% of cable and satellite subscribers would cancel their service if they had to pay more for the channels they already get.
November 24, 2006 - National Post: A CBC contract with Canadians by Robert Rabinovitch
CBC/Radio-Canada president and CEO calls a for formally instituted government-led mandate review every 10 years spelling out what Canadians should expect from the public broadcaster.
November 23, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Satellite firms battle for your ears by Grant Robertson
Sirius Canada says it has attracted 200,000 paying customers since it launched a year ago while rival XM Canada states it has 91,200 subscribers.
November 23, 2006 - Toronto Star: Aspers mull CanWest options in filing by Tara Perkins
David, Leonard and Gail Asper have filed documents with U.S. securities regulators saying that they may wish to take CanWest Global private.
November 23, 2006 - Calgary Herald: Network uses web to get ratings: YouTube valuable tool for CBS by Vito Pilieci
CBS says that more than 29.2 million people have watched shows it has posted on Internet broadcaster YouTube -- and enough of them have gone on to watch regular programming to increase ratings by up to seven per cent.
November 23, 2006 - National Post: Networks' fee demand gets airtime by Barbara Shecter
Television broadcasters are expected to ask for carriage fees for their TV channels from cable and satellite operators at the upcoming CRTC hearings.
November 22, 2006 - CTV: CTV Inks Landmark Digital Deal with Warner Bros. International Television, Delivering First Wave of U.S. Network Dramas to Canadians on Broadband
CTV has announced it has acquired the Canadian broadband rights for American TV programs Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, The O.C. and Smith.
November 22, 2006 - CBC News: Heritage committee launches review of CBC
FRIENDS says Stephen Harper's agenda for CBC remains hidden and welcomes the House of Commons heritage committee decision to review the broadcaster's mandate.
November 22, 2006 - Globe & Mail: House committee moves to launch review of CBC by Guy Dixon
The House of Commons heritage committee has passed a motion to begin a review of the CBC - FRIENDS says Prime Minister Stephen Harper should be the first to testify.
November 22, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Bell ExpressVu launches Web interactive TV by Grant Robertson
Bell ExpressVu LP has launched two interactive channels that let viewers call up on-screen stats, headlines and other features while watching news or sports.
November 21, 2006 - CARTT: Interview with CanWest Global CEO Leonard Asper
Leonard Asper talks about the over-the-air TV review and the future of his company.
November 21, 2006 - Globe & Mail: RBC buys American M&A adviser by Tavi Grant
Royal Bank of Canada has announced it will purchase a merger-and-acquisition adviser to the cable, telecom and broadcast industries.
November 21, 2006 - Victoria Times Colonist: Yahoo partners 176 U.S. newspapers
Following Google's lead, Yahoo! has announced plans to share advertising with 176 daily U.S. newspapers.
November 21, 2006 - CMRI: Canadian television drama audience share trends
CMRI reports that the percentage of total audience captured by Canadian drama series fell to 1.8% in March/May 2006, just half the level in March/May 2005. During March/May 2006, the audience for foreign drama series was 27.4% of total viewing.
November 20, 2006 - Parliament of Canada: Minutes of Proceedings from the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage
Transcript of the Heritage Committee motion by NDP MP Charlie Angus to undertake a CBC mandate review.
November 20, 2006 - Variety: Falling auds a part of CBC original plan by Tamsen Tillson
CBC television executives say that it will take time to turn around the public broadcaster, and they're staying the course.
November 20, 2006 - CARTT: Heritage Minister talks with friends in Toronto by Avil Beckford
Bev Oda speaks publicly about media convergence, the digital age, Canadian content, the future role of the CRTC and the fate of the CBC.
November 20, 2006 - Sault Saint Marie Star: CanWest News Service goes to Ottawa
In a move to amalgamate its news service CanWest has told Winnipeg employees they will have to move to Ottawa or lose their jobs.
November 20, 2006 - New York Times: Ex-Canadian Prime Ministers Again Judging Reality TV Show, With a Bit Less Power by Ian Austen
Brian Mulroney, John Turner, Kim Campbell and Joe Clark have agreed to appear as judges on a new CBC "factual entertainment" program.
November 20, 2006 - truthout: The Decline of Journalism by Thomas D. Williams
Columnist suggests that the theory of the inevitable demise of the news business is being promoted by corporate executives at large newspaper chains who want to maximize profits by focusing on advertising at the expense of local, national and international news.
November 18, 2006 - Hollywood Reporter: Canada bill eyes TV violence by Etan Vlessing
U.S. dramas and films airing on Canadian television could be subject to new regulations after debates on a bill to curb kids TV violence.
November 17, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Put our TV bands to better use: Sell them by Neil Reynolds
Columnist says that selling public airwaves currently used for over-the-air television could cut cellphone costs and drive the wireless economy.
November 17, 2006 - Globe & Mail: B.C. regional director of CBC-TV exits by Guy Dixon
In another change in CBC Television's senior management, the regional director for CBC-TV in British Columbia, Rae Hull, is leaving.
November 17, 2006 - Australian Broadcasting Corporation: Future is digital, says ABC TV chief
The director of television for the Australian public broadcaster says that the volume and availability of Australian content is more important in the digital age than ever before.
November 17, 2006 - New York Times: For Wallflowers, a Time to Dance by Andrew Ross Sorkin and Peter Edmonston
Some of the largest U.S. broadcasters, including Clear Channel Communications, are being purchased by private equity firms, raising new regulatory concerns.
November 16, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Zim turns attention to Internet protocol television by Jack Kapica
Ottawa firm to focus on Internet protocol television, or IPTV, to be distributed among users via peer-to-peer networking.
November 16, 2006 - National Post: Ottawa pulls plug on VoIP regulation: cheaper service likely by Peter Nowak
The Conservative cabinet has partially overturned a CRTC decision on voice over Internet protocol regulation.
November 16, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Satellite radio looks to long haul by Grant Robertson
In the first full-year of satellite radio service in Canada, the industry has experienced deep startup losses.
November 15, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Al-Jazeera English hits the airwaves by Guy Dixon
Arabic TV broadcaster's new network is launched, but won't be on Canadian cable.
November 15, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Have producers found the formula? by Mark Medley
Article suggests that developing miniseries or the BBC model of limited-run series can be a way to attract viewership to Canadian productions.
November 15, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Ottawa to block CRTC on Internet phone regulation by Simon Tuck
The Harper government plans to take the highly unusual move to rewrite the CRTC's key ruling on Internet-based telephone services.
November 15, 2006 - National Post: Finally! Radio you can watch: Sirius offers video data by Nicolas Van Praet
Sirius Satellite Radio Canada plans to offer real-time video data, like stock market quotes, subscribers can view in their cars.
November 15, 2006 - Edmonton Journal: Dragon's Den a ratings winner for CBC
CBC-TV series 'Dragons' Den' has seen a ratings increase of 250% since the show premiered in October.
November 14, 2006 - The Spry Memorial Lecture 2006: Announcement for 2006 Spry Memorial Lecture
Cultural journalist, policy analyst and editor, Patricia Aufderheide speaks on themes related to public broadcasting within the academic community.
November 13, 2006 - Toronto Star: A cloud over broadcast policy by Michael Geist
Columnist says that Heritage Minister Bev Oda's past campaign support from broadcasters, cable companies, record companies and copyright lobby groups could raise questions about the fairness and impartiality of upcoming policy processes.
November 13, 2006 - Playback Magazine: CTV easily takes fall season by Marise Strauss
U.S. simulcasts allow CTV to easily retain its number one ranking for viewership.
November 13, 2006 - Playback Magazine: Producer, talent groups call for more primetime drama by Susan Tolusso
The Canadian Film & Television Production Association calls on the CRTC to reverse the trend towards foreign programming and to impose Cancon spending requirements for television broadcasters.
November 13, 2006 - The Hill Times: Minister Oda accused of conflict over a 2005 fundraiser by Abbas Rana and Simon Doyle
A fundraiser organized by executives from Corus Entertainment, Rogers Communications and the Canadian Association of Broadcasters raised $15,000 for Bev Oda in May 2005.
November 11, 2006 - Globe & Mail: MD's Giller-winning book to become TV series by James Adams
Book selected for Canada's biggest literary award will be made into a TV series for The Movie Network.
November 11, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Alliance to spend cash stockpile on share buybacks by Grant Robertson
Article says Alliance Atlantis is using profits from its CSI franchise to aggressively buy back shares - a sign the company has little interest in media acquisitions.
November 10, 2006 - Globe & Mail: CSI franchise lifts Alliance Atlantis profit
The CSI television franchise contributed heavily to a 45% year-over-year profit increase for Alliance Atlantis Communications in the summer quarter.
November 10, 2006 - St. John's Telegram: 'Rick Mercer Report' performs ratings heroics for CBC-TV by Lee-Anne Goodman
'The Rick Mercer Report' and 'This Hour Has 22 Minutes' are receiving better ratings than the American TV shows they compete against on Tuesday nights.
November 10, 2006 - Canadian Press: TSN receives CRTC approval for a second channel on digital TV
TSN's additional digital channel will assist TSN and CTV, both owned by Bell Globemedia, in their expected bid for National Hockey League rights.
November 9, 2006 - The Tyee: Daryl Duke, Hero by Charles Campbell
Columnist explores the impact Daryl Duke, past member of FRIENDS' Steering Committee, had on Vancouver's and Canada's cultural history.
November 9, 2006 - Toronto Star: Google attempts to conquer U.S. radio by Sue Zeidler
Google is hiring scores of radio sales people and is spending heavily to launch its Google Audio Ads program on U.S. radio.
November 9, 2006 - Charlottetown Guardian: Federal government starving CBC of funds, top executive warns by Ron Ryder
Mark Starowicz, executive producer of CBC's documentary production, unit tells a P.E.I. crowd that funding cuts at CBC are leaving Canada in danger of raising a generation ignorant of its own culture and heritage.
November 9, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Canadian Film Centre unveils new face by Gayle MacDonald
The Canadian Film Centre's new strategic plan calls for multiplatform content, international co-production, an enhanced feature film program, and expanded training in interactive cinema.
November 9, 2006 - Globe & Mail: After media deals and trust shakeup, what's next for CanWest? by Grant Robertson
Columnist says rumors are spreading in the broadcast industry that CanWest will make a major move such as buying Alliance Atlantis, merging with Rogers Communications or possibly going private.
November 8, 2006 - Sirius Satellite Radio: Sirius Satellite Radio third quarter results
Sirius Satellite Radio has reported a loss of $4.4 million USD to date in 2006 for its 20% share in Sirius Canada - CBC and Standard Broadcasting each hold a 40% interest in Sirius Canada.
November 8, 2006 - Globe & Mail: The Canadian TV quote of the year by John Doyle
Columnist says that the dismissive attitude shown by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters toward investment in Canadian content exhibits smugness and greed.
November 8, 2006 - Globe & Mail: MD's debut work wins Giller Prize by James Adams
Torontonian Vincent Lam, in his debut work, beat out four other finalists for Canada's richest literary prize.
November 8, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Movie Distribution considers cashing out of distribution partnership
The Movie Distribution Income Fund is joining Alliance Atlantis Communications Inc. in putting their Motion Picture Distribution Limited Partnership up for sale.
November 8, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Pattison eyes CHUM TV assets by Grant Robertson
The Jim Pattison Group, Canada's third-largest private company, is rumoured to be a potential buyer of several television stations being sold off in the takeover of CHUM Ltd.
November 8, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Telefilm plugs in to video game funding by Simon Avery
Telefilm Canada will spend $2-million to support the creation of Canadian video games.
November 8, 2006 - Vancouver Sun: Broadcasters facing unregulated competition by Peter Wilson
In North America there are now more than 700 digital out-of-home networks - all of them unregulated - feeding flat screen TV's in the local Royal Bank or Wal-Mart with advertisers' messages.
November 8, 2006 - Vancouver Province: Dealing with 'digital tsunami' by Jim Jamieson
Media executives say broadcasters must be nimble in reacting to new technologies such as broadband Internet, podcasting and video on mobile telephones.
November 8, 2006 - Kitchener-Waterloo Record: CBC exec frustrated Canadians prefer U.S. TV over their own
Richard Stursberg, executive vice-president of CBC English television says American shows on CTV and Global have "nothing to do with our Canadian life, values, mores and culture."
November 8, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Minister cancels bash over lobbyist's role by Bill Curry
A fundraiser for the Heritage Minister organized by Charlotte Bell, the regulatory affairs vice-president and a registered lobbyist for CanWest, has been cancelled.
November 7, 2006 - CBC/Radio-Canada: Speech by Richard Stursberg at the Economic Club of Toronto
The Executive Vice-President, CBC Television says the broadcaster's central challenge is to make more Canadian programming that more Canadians want to watch.
November 7, 2006 - Maclean's: Heritage Minister cancels fundraiser co-organized by media exec by Jennifer Ditchburn
Heritage Minister Bev Oda cancelled a $250-per-ticket re-election fundraiser organized by a broadcasting executive, citing concerns that the event would be negatively perceived.
November 7, 2006 - CTV: Bloc MPs boo Don Cherry in House of Commons
Bloc Quebecois MPs booed Don Cherry loudly in the House of Commons because of a perceived bias the hockey analyst has against French Canadians.
November 7, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Shelley Ambrose new Walrus publisher by James Adams
A former public-affairs officer for the Canadian consulate in New York is the new publisher of the current-affairs magazine.
November 7, 2006 - Associated Press: Microsoft to offer TV shows, movies through Xbox Live by Elizabeth M. Gillespie
Microsoft has teamed with Hollywood studios to sell TV shows and rent movies through an online video-game service.
November 7, 2006 - Vancouver Province: New media making advertisers grumpy by Jim Jamieson
A digital marketing executive warned that advertisers will use the Internet to communicate with consumers if traditional broadcasters don't adapt.
November 7, 2006 - Vancouver Sun: Actors speak out for more Canadian content by Kevin Griffin
Veteran actors Donnelly Rhodes and Jackson Davies say there is a need to support home-grown talent and telling our own stories.
November 6, 2006 - Variety: Alliance Atlantis hangs for-sale sign by Tamsen Tillson
Columnist suggests that in an increasingly consolidated media market, Alliance Atlantis is the next takeover target, with CanWest Global as the likely buyer.
November 6, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Lilly silliness rules at Geminis by Alexandra Gill
Gemini Awards show criticized as being "a celebration of the U.S. and our copycat programs."
November 6, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Radio urged to adopt digital ratings system by Grant Robertson
Advertisers want the radio industry to contribute as much as $8.5-million to introduce digital audience tracking.
November 6, 2006 - New York Times: Newspapers To Test Plan To Sell Ads On Google by Saul Hansell
Google is going to start selling advertisements that will appear in the print editions of 50 major newspapers.
November 4, 2006 - Toronto Star: A danger in leaving it to the market by Gerald Caplan and Florian Sauvageau
Authors of the 1986 Report of the Task Force on Broadcasting Policy say that a significant role for the state is needed to ensure Canada's media system serves the common good and democracy.
November 4, 2006 - Toronto Star: Government still has a role to play
Op-ed suggests there are indications that the Harper government is preparing to act on media policy.
November 4, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Satellite TV providers must apply to carry radio by Grand Robertson
The CRTC has ruled that satellite television providers won't be able to carry satellite radio without applying for changes to their licences.
November 4, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Stursberg says CBC ratings not 'disastrous' by Guy Dixon
CBC's head of English-language television says the broadcaster is in a transition period, with a new, heavier reliance on regular series and reality TV.
November 3, 2006 - European Commission: The role of public service broadcasters in a vibrant and pluralist digital media landscape by Viviane Reding
Speech by Viviane Reding, Member of the European Commission responsible for Information Society and Media, on the need for public broadcasters to remain strong players in the digital media landscape.
November 3, 2006 - Conference of the European Broadcasting Union/MTV: Authorisation Without Oversight, remarks by Vincent Porter
The Chair of the European Alliance of Listeners' and Viewers' Associations observes that Europeans seek more than just editorial freedom but also a regulatory framework which is designed to ensure responsible citizen-oriented editorial policies.
November 3, 2006 - Windsor Star: Google night in Canada by Vito Pilieci
Full-length, regular-season National Hockey League games now are available for free viewing at Google's video website 48 hours after they air on television.
November 3, 2006 - Vancouver Sun: Regulated broadcasters say they can't compete with rule-free digital media by Marke Andrews
The Canadian Association of Broadcasters wants the government to rewrite its rulebook and give regulated broadcasters a chance to compete with unregulated digital media.
November 2, 2006 - Hollywood Reporter: Slice of Life: Alliance rebrands net by Etan Vlessing
Alliance Atlantis Communications will relaunch its Life Network as "Slice" - targeting a younger, female audience looking for escapism and pure entertainment.
November 2, 2006 - Parliament of Canada: CBC 70th anniversary: Statement in the House of Commons by Charlie Angus, MP Timmins-James Bay
Member of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage calls on the government to provide a clear mandate, stable funding and a new governance model for Canada's public broadcaster.
November 2, 2006 - Statistics Canada: The Daily: Cable and satellite television
The cable television industry in Canada reached a significant milestone in 2005 when it hooked up its three millionth customer.
November 2, 2006 - Globe & Mail: CanWest MediaWorks swings to Q4 profit
Canada's largest publisher of newspapers had a fourth-quarter profit of $46.5-million, up significantly from a year-earlier loss of $4.9-million.
November 2, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Senior Telefilm Canada executive leaving her post by Gayle MacDonald
Telefilm Canada loses its director of English operations.
November 1, 2006 - Radio Canada International: Radio Canada International Schedules and Frequencies
New schedules for the 2006 broadcast season (29 October 2005 to 25 March 2007) have been posted on the Radio Canada International website.
November 1, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Telus and BCE put trust plans on hold for now by Catherine McLean
The Conservative government surprised Telus and BCE by announcing plans to tax income trusts like corporations starting next year.
November 1, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Rogers profit surge powered by increasingly wireless world by Catherine McLean
Rogers has posted a 47-per-cent jump in wireless operating profit in its third quarter.
November 1, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Videotron lobbying for Internet 'transmission tariff' by Alexander Panetta
With video and music downloads using more bandwidth, one cable company is pushing for content providers like movie studios to share the cost of expanding networks.
November 1, 2006 - Washington Post: Satellite Radio Is Asked to Pay More by Chris Kirkham
A U.S. music industry group wants Satellite Radio companies to pay at least 10 percent of their revenues for the right to play music.
November 1, 2006 - Toronto Star: Can Lit comes to small screen by Martin Knelman
New project launched to help bring movies and miniseries based on prestigious novels by famous Canadian authors to the small screen.
October 31, 2006 - Hollywood Reporter: Canadian actors threatening strike action by Etan Vlessing
Negotiations on a new Independent Production Agreement between ACTRA, which represents 21,000 domestic performers, and Canadian and U.S. producers have broken off.
October 31, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Dalfen to end reign as CRTC chairman at the end of 2006 by Simon Tuck
CRTC chairman Charles Dalfen's reign was marked largely by the challenge of trying to maintain national borders in the Internet era.
October 30, 2006 - CBC News: Canada Council releases rules for $50M in new funding
One focus of the new money will be to support activities that increase public access to the arts, including touring, circulation and festivals.
October 30, 2006 - Playback Magazine: CBC in ratings tailspin by Mark Dillon
Article suggests Canadians are not finding relevance in CBC's new fall shows.
October 30, 2006 - Playback Magazine: Navigating the broadcaster envelope system by Laura Bracken
The Canadian Television Fund uses broadcaster envelopes - dollars reserved for each broadcaster - to bring predictability to the funding system.
October 30, 2006 - Canada NewsWire: CTV's The O.C. Breaks Broadband Barrier
CTV the first to offer a U.S. Network drama to Canadians on-line, on-demand.
October 30, 2006 - Playback Magazine: Taking the helm in a time of change by Cheryl Binning
Q&A with Canadian Television Fund president Valerie Creighton.
October 30, 2006 - Playback Magazine: CAB readies for Vancouver meet by Ilona Beiks
CRTC chair Charles Dalfen, Canadian Heritage Minister Bev Oda and CanWest Global's head Leonard Asper all to appear at the Canadian Association of Broadcasters' convention.
October 30, 2006 - Playback Magazine: CTF: 10 years of giving voice to Canadian stories by Marcus Robinson
The Canadian Television Fund looks back on ten years of financing television production in Canada.
October 30, 2006 - Maclean's: All in the Family by Colin Campbell
RIENDS says political insiders give media companies an edge when dealing with the government on broadcast licences and laws affecting the industry.
October 28, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Talks stall between ACTRA, producers by Guy Dixon
Wages for lifestyle programs, reality-TV shows, and new-media productions stall negotiations between the Canadian film producers' association and the actors' union.
October 27, 2006 - Hollywood Reporter: Canadian producers sound alarm by Etan Vlessing
The Canadian Film and Television Production Association want domestic broadcasters to increase license fees for commissioned Canadian TV series and to share rights for emerging digital content.
October 27, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Committee seeks to delay overhaul of telecom rules by Simon Tuck
A parliamentary committee wants the federal government to hold off on any overhaul of telecommunications governance until a report is completed in the spring of 2007.
October 27, 2006 - Ottawa Citizen: PMO's involvement complicates search for a new CRTC chairman by Deirdre McMurdy
Just when CRTC-watchers were expecting the announcement of Tory pedigree Fernand Belisle as the CRTC Chair, the Prime Minister's Office has extended the search for candidates.
October 26, 2006 - Baltimore Sun: Public radio seeks recall of FM devices used in cars by Frank D. Roylance
Frequency interference has prompted NPR to ask the U.S. communications regulator to recall millions of FM modulators that play satellite radios and iPods through car stereos.
October 26, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Commons votes to rescind museum cuts by Val Ross
Federal MP's have voted to rescind the Harper government's cuts to the Museums Assistance Program.
October 26, 2006 - Edmonton Journal: Dinning pledges to double gov't support for the arts by Jason Markusoff
Alberta Progressive Conservative leadership candidates pledge to boost support for cultural groups, performers, artists and the film and television industry.
October 26, 2006 - Victoria Times Colonist: Staff celebrate CH television's 50 years on the air by Jim Gibson
CH, the first private television station in British Columbia, celebrates 50 years of broadcasting.
October 26, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Bell Globemedia sells Workopolis stake
Gesca and Torstar have bought Bell Globemedia's 40 per cent stake in the Workopolis job-search partnership for $115-million.
October 25, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Hollywood's Bergstein buys Canada's ThinkFilm by Richard Blackwell and Gayle MacDonald
ThinkFilm acquisition by a U.S. conglomerate leaves Canadian films in doubt with no Telefilm Canada funding.
October 25, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Astral looks to buy, not convert by Grant Robertson
Broadcaster says it wants to make a major media acquisition before it considers converting to an income trust.
October 24, 2006 - Toronto Star: Films should reflect our Canada today by Susan Walker
Mehta, Amarshi call for diversity 'The right story at the right time'
October 24, 2006 - New York Sun: Al Gore's Army of Amateurs by Brendan Bernhard
The new television channel will broadcast roughly 30% user-generated content.
October 24, 2006 - PR Newswire: CWA Says FCC Rules Must Protect and Promote Media Diversity
The Communications Workers of America are encouraging the U.S. federal regulator to retain diversity in local TV, radio and newspaper ownership.
October 24, 2006 - Toronto Star: Slow work getting Canada's diverse face into media by Jim Coyle
Conference explores diversity in the media and the need for more women and visible minorities in the telling of Canada's story.
October 24, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Daryl Duke, Filmmaker and Broadcaster: 1929-2006 by Fiona Morrow
B.C. director and producer, and past member of FRIENDS' Steering Committee, who broke into film through poetry started his own TV station and set network records by making The Thorn Birds.
October 24, 2006 - Globe & Mail: CanWest could be the buyer if Alliance goes on the block by Grant Robertson and Andrew Willis
Analysts are predicting that CanWest Global will purchase Alliance Atlantis and further consolidate the Canadian media sector.
October 24, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Telefilm rejigs funding rules by James Adams
The funding changes aim to put more Canadian films, including documentaries, on the country's screens and increase audiences for them.
October 23, 2006 - Vancouver Sun: Daryl Duke, Vancouver's 'Mr. Television,' dies at 77 from pulmonary fibrosis by Chad Skelton
Emmy Award-winning director of The Thorn Birds, who helped found Citytv and served on FRIENDS' Steering Committee, passes on.
October 23, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Ottawa, CRTC help urged for phone, Internet users by Simon Tuck
An internal Industry Canada memo says the government and the CRTC aren't giving enough information to telephone and Internet users on how to protect and inform themselves.
October 23, 2006 - Maclean's: The Anchor That Time Forgot by Nicholas Kohler
Lloyd Robertson marks 30 years as the CTV national news anchor.
October 21, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Linguistic divide continues for domestic film: Telefilm by James Adams
Telefilm Canada says box office achievements for Canadian films are driven largely by the success of Quebec's francophone sector.
October 21, 2006 - National Post: CanWest explores options in Australia by Barbara Shecter
CanWest has hired investment bankers to help choose a course for its Australian and New Zealand operations following an overhaul of foreign ownership rules.
October 21, 2006 - Media Advisory: Daryl Duke: In Memoriam
Daryl Duke, an Emmy Award winning film director, served on Friends' Steering Committee from 1994 to 2005.
October 20, 2006 - Ottawa Sun: CBC job a perpetual hotseat by Rob Brodie
Columnist says few positions in Canadian sports TV face more scrutiny than the executive director of CBC Sports.
October 20, 2006 - Hollywood Reporter: Rival groups seek FCC vote on ownership by Brooks Boliek
Study says relaxing rules on cross-media mergers would increase media concentration in excess of Federal Trade Commission guidelines.
October 20, 2006 - Saskatoon Star Phoenix: Canadian movies hit Telefilm target by Marke Andrews
In 2005, Canadian films surpassed Telefilm Canada's 5% target of the domestic box office.
October 20, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Alliance looks to sell Motion Picture stake
Alliance Atlantis plans to sell its stake in Motion Picture Distribution LP.
October 19, 2006 - CARTT: Industry heads to Ottawa to lobby on telecom reform by Paul Park
Telcos and cablecos pressure the federal government, and by extension, the CRTC for a telecommunication regulation revolution.
October 19, 2006 - Associated Press: NBC cutting 700 jobs, will move MSNBC to New York
NBC Universal to overhaul its news operations to exploit new forms of electronic distribution.
October 19, 2006 - Orillia Packet & Times: 'Regulatory revolution' needed, Telus CEO says
Telus boss says strict regulatory rules discourage innovation and that Canada's copyright, broadcasting and telecommunications laws should reflect the Internet age.
October 19, 2006 - Edmonton Journal: CBC takes another stab at reality TV by Andrea Baillie
On the heels of the public relations disaster 'The One', CBC announces a new reality TV show that reaches out to young people interested in stage, dance, singing.
October 19, 2006 - National Post: Australian proposal lifts CanWest shares by Barbara Shecter
CanWest's television holdings in Australia increase in value after Australian Parliament passed a law to abolish a 19-year-old ban on foreign and cross-media ownership.
October 19, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Millions of TV episodes are being streamed, networks say by David Bauder
Networks believe on-line viewing will help television viewing in the long run; the downloads are not available outside of the United States.
October 19, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Telus chief shoots down critics: 'We are not a typical trust' by Steven Chase and Simon Tuck
Telus Corp. chief executive officer says his company's planned conversion to a trust is not a tax dodge and won't handicap the ability to reinvest and grow.
October 18, 2006 - Red Deer Advocate: Canadians losing touch with culture, Tennant claims by Susan Zielinski
Former prima ballerina Veronica Tennant suggests the CBC is selling out to get more viewers at the expense of its mandate to reflect Canadian culture and nationhood.
October 18, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Cost-cutting Torstar tries to reassure shareholders by Grant Robertson
Torstar Corp. shake-up has seen slashed costs and the replacement of two top executives.
October 18, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Canadians feeling snubbed by TV decision by William Houston
The International Olympic Committee has hired a U.S. broadcaster for the job of director of production for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
October 18, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Lee leaves CBC Sports for Olympic TV post by William Houston
The resignation of CBC's head of Sports immediately raised questions about the future of NHL hockey at the network.
October 17, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Feds back down in fight over surplus millions by Simon Tuck
Government declines to challenge CRTC decision allowing telcos to use over-billings to expand high-speed Internet services in rural and remote communities.
October 17, 2006 - National Post: Broadcaster's curiosity made him a CBC icon by Charles Enman, CanWest News Service
Radio actor, playwright, mathematician, birder, musicologist, producer and program host Lister Sinclair passed away yesterday in a Toronto hospital at the age of 85.
October 17, 2006 - Canada NewsWire: Mary Powers Appointed Senior Vice President Corporate Communications Bell Globemedia
Former CHUM executive appointed to senior post with Bell Globemedia.
October 17, 2006 - The Australian: New ABC boss vows no more bias by Amanda Meade and Imre Salusinzky
The head of Australia's public broadcaster has admitted the need to respond to claims of political bias in its news, current affairs and other programming.
October 16, 2006 - Television Week: Yahoo, CBS Link Internet, Stations by Daisy Whitney
CBS's local television stations will begin providing local news clips to Yahoo in return for revenue splitting from Internet ads.
October 16, 2006 - Broadcasting and Cable: How Google-YouTube will shake up the TV industry by Anne Becker, Ben Grossman, John M. Higgins and Allison Romano
With the increasing appeal of online video, Google acquisition of YouTube is expected to impact every element of the television industry.
October 16, 2006 - Playback Magazine: 20 people, events, trends and things that made a difference by Marcus Robinson, Mark Dillon & Etan Vlessing
Corner Gas, the Aspers and CBC's troubles mark the past 20 years in film and television in Canada.
October 16, 2006 - Playback Magazine: CRTC preps for TV review by Norma Reveler
CanWest Global Communications, CHUM, CTV and CBC want to charge cable companies a fee for carrying their signals.
October 16, 2006 - Globe & Mail: A $2-million comma? Au contraire, Rogers tells Aliant Grant Robertson
Rogers, which lost a debate this summer over the placement of a comma in a contract, is now turning to the French language to make its case.
October 16, 2006 - Globe & Mail: 'Three potential catalysts' boost rating for CanWest by John Partridge
New media legislation in Australia, a modest ratings revival and the push to win carriage fees are sited as reasons to buy CanWest stock.
October 16, 2006 - Time: 10 Questions for Rupert Murdoch by Richard Stengel
News Corp. chairman comments about bias in the news, the acquisition of Internet social networking website MySpace, and his most trusted sources of daily information.
October 13, 2006 - CNN: Switching signals: TV about to go digital by Manav Tanneeru
Legislation passed by Congress means that by 2009 all U.S. over-the-air TV stations must switch from analog to digital transmission.
October 13, 2006 - Vancouver Sun: Website's goal is to show all of us how to be journalists by Peter Wilson
NowPublic.com allows citizens to post breaking news or a story underplayed in the traditional media.
October 13, 2006 - National Post: CanWest unit buys advertising rights at U.S. shopping malls by Barbara Shecter
Australian TV network controlled by CanWest has acquired advertising rights at 150 shopping malls in the United States.
October 13, 2006 - Globe & Mail: BCE trust move spurs political fears by Catherine McLean
While observers don't believe government intervention is a risk, BCE investors have concerns over a possible political backlash to restructure plans.
October 12, 2006 - CBC News: Quebec to pour $10M into filmmaking
Additional money will allow for the production of up to six new films in the province.
October 12, 2006 - Australian Associated Press: Media laws pass major parliamentary hurdle by David Crawshaw and Nick Butterly
Australian Senate clears the way for an expected flurry of media company mergers and takeovers.
October 12, 2006 - Vancouver Sun: Locals slow to sign up for film-TV trade show by Marke Andrews
FTX West, a new four-day film and television industry trade show and conference launches in Vancouver.
October 12, 2006 - St. John's Telegram: Canadian film industry gets boost from 'Trailer Park Boys' by Lee-Anne Goodman
Telefilm Canada is seeing results from its controversial Canada Feature Film Fund aimed at increasing the box office share of Canadian movies.
October 12, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Google's YouTube deal mostly about packaging to advertisers
With the purchase of YouTube, Google gets millions of page views that it can use for its core business - Google AdSense and AdWords programs.
October 12, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Are you getting the message? by Tenille Bonoguore
TV is morphing into an interactive, niche-driven and customer-controlled environment that is allowing advertisers to concentrate on targeting a desired audience.
October 12, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Video killed the radio star? No way by Grant Robertson
For an industry believed to be in decline thanks to the Internet, iPods and satellite radio, broadcast radio advertising sales have never been stronger.
October 11, 2006 - SOCAN - Words & Music: Heritage program postponed by Christopher Taylor Jones
Canada's music publishers are disappointed about the postponement of a Canadian Heritage funding program that promised to pump $1-million into the sector.
October 11, 2006 - Globe & Mail: 'End of an era' as Bell Canada becomes Canada's biggest income trust by Catherine McLean
Reversing a decision made earlier this year, BCE plans to follow Telus's lead and restructure into the country's biggest income trust.
October 11, 2006 - SOCAN - Words & Music: Canadian voices and technology by André LeBel
Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers says the Canadian broadcast industry needs a broader policy that covers technologies such as the Internet and mobile networks.
October 11, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Banff world TV fest books fivefold rise in deals
The Banff World Television Festival says more than $720-million in deals were inked at this year's event.
October 11, 2006 - Globe & Mail: At YouTube, a copyright conundrum continues by Barrie McKenna
Internet start-up sends a message to the courts and media industry that it's going legit with a series of distribution deals with broadcasters and movie makers.
October 10, 2006 - CARTT: Canadian TV market to keep growing; VOD to surpass PPV revenues by '09, says report
Pricewaterhouse Coopers annual Entertainment and Media report says Canada's television network market in will expand at 4.3% per year to $4.5 billion in 2010.
October 10, 2006 - National Post: Google bids for Net video site YouTube by Peter Morton
Google has made a US$1.65-billion offer for YouTube - a move to put the Web search engine at the forefront of the video online revolution.
October 10, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Shaw Communications Inc.
Shaw announces the appointment of media executive Carl Vogel to the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
October 7, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Commons committee wants museum cuts halted by Val Ross
House of Commons standing committee on Canadian heritage has asked the federal government to reconsider its proposed cuts to the Museum Assistance Program.
October 7, 2006 - Globe & Mail: TSN takes Round 1 in ratings war with Hockey Night in Canada by William Houston
TSN pulled in 1.334 million viewers for its National Hockey League opener compared with 1.229 million viewers for CBC.
October 6, 2006 - CBS News Public Eye: Wall Street's Squeeze Of Local TV News by Valerie Hyman
Blog posting says Wall Street is undermining democracy by demanding higher profits from local television stations resulting in more Americans getting less news.
October 6, 2006 - Hollywood Reporter: Challenges for Fox News as it turns 10 by Paul J. Gough
Fox News Channel experiences growing pains that will challenge it in its second decade.
October 5, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Bernier seeks provinces' view on VoIP rules by Simon Tuck
Industry Minister Maxime Bernier is seeking provincial support for his open market view of how Internet-based phone services should be regulated.
October 5, 2006 - Globe & Mail: MuchMusic launches site for music downloads by Guy Dixon
CHUM's MuchMusic has announced it is pushing further into the Internet with a new music-downloading site.
October 5, 2006 - Hollywood Reporter: Sirius ahead of XM growth curve by Georg Szalai
XM Satellite Radio claims more than 285,000 new subscribers during the third quarter; competitor Sirius Satellite Radio added more than 441,000.
October 5, 2006 - Globe & Mail: For CanWest, legal woes grow on trees by Grant Robertson
A New Zealand judge has ruled that CanWest Global can no longer use the rights to 10 square kilometres of forest land as a tax writeoff against the profits at its radio and television stations.
October 5, 2006 - Globe & Mail: A CBC without hockey? Don't go there by John Doyle
Columnist says that CBC's needs to keep NHL hockey and better promote its other Canadian programming or else viewership will continue to diminish.
October 4, 2006 - Globe & Mail: New CBC hire points to boost in local TV news by Guy Dixon
Consultant hired to help the CBC formulate a local news plan - management wants to present proposals for local television news to the CBC board by November.
October 4, 2006 - Globe & Mail: A deal is a deal, right? Not so fast
CanWest Global ordered to pay $862,624 in GST on a $12.8-million settlement it made to Conrad Black's former holding company.
October 3, 2006 - Radio Television News Directors Foundation: The Future of News - A Study by The Radio Television News Directors Foundation
Study finds Americans get most of their news from local TV (65.5%) - more than double newspapers (28.4 %) and almost six times the figure for the Internet (11.2 %).
October 3, 2006 - CBC/Radio-Canada: Next steps for CBC News
Internal note to CBC staff says that a new hire will expand the public broadcaster's capacity to deliver local news that better connects with Canadians.
October 3, 2006 - Los Angeles Times: FCC Is Set to Revisit Rules on Ownership by Jim Puzzanghera and James S. Granelli
The Federal Communications Commission begins deliberations into loosening ownership restrictions on the broadcast industry.
October 3, 2006 - National Post: CanWest sells 2 radio stations
Corus Entertainment purchases CanWest radio stations in Winnipeg and Kitchener for $15-million.
October 2, 2006 - Hollywood Reporter: BBC sees double with U.S. assault by Steve Brennan
Britain's BBC wants 100 million American viewers for its television programming.
October 2, 2006 - Mediacaster Magazine: Proposed TV Policy Changes Bring "Drastic' Impact
Canadian independent broadcasters express concern about the introduction of subscription fees for the over-the-air broadcasters, warning any reduction in fees paid to them will have drastic implications.
October 2, 2006 - Hollywood Reporter: MIPCOM 2006 by Steve Brennan and Mimi Turner
Annual international TV market creates an environment where TV shows can be sold to multiple buyers in multiple counties simultaneously.
October 2, 2006 - Boston Globe: Is PBS Selling Out Online? by Alex Beam
"Commercial free" public television is placing Disney and Google ads on its Web pages.
October 2, 2006 - Kitchener-Waterloo Record: Oh say can't you see Canadian TV?
Only one Canadian-made show in the top 30 most-watched in Canada for the week Sept 18-24.
October 2, 2006 - Maclean's: Fournier Fouls Out by Shanda Deziel
FRIENDS comments on the tenure of former CBC Board Chair, Guy Fournier.
September 30, 2006 - National Post: Standard may revive mothballed IPO by Barbara Shecter and Boyd Erman
Standard Broadcasting Corp. evaluating restructuring the company as an income trust.
September 30, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Hold fast: Why he won't ring Bell on Net TV by Catherine McLean
Possible glitches with Microsoft compression technology delays Bell Canada's launch of Internet protocol TV.
September 30, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Guild wants CRTC to lean on private broadcasters by Gayle MacDonald
The Writers Guild of Canada wants CTV, Global and CHUM to increase the percentage of advertising revenues they spend on Canadian drama from 3.2 to 7 per cent.
September 29, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Corus targets youth market, clicks into on-line games by Grant Robertson
Traditional media companies are following their younger audiences on-line with an expansion into interactive Internet games.
September 29, 2006 - Globe & Mail: CBC wants mandate review every 10 years by Guy Dixon
CBC's president, chief executive officer and acting chair says the CBC needs a clearer sense of its mandate as technology and the media industry go through sweeping changes.
September 28, 2006 - Mediacaster Magazine: CBC and the Future of Television
CBC/Radio-Canada proposes that the CRTC establish conventional broadcaster eligibility for cable and satellite subscription revenues.
September 28, 2006 - CBC News: Heritage committee grills CBC bosses on reality TV, hockey
The House of Commons committee on Canadian Heritage questioned senior CBC managers about programming decisions and rumours the network could lose hockey.
September 28, 2006 - National Post: Ottawa must seize CRTC agenda by Nick Mulder
Comment piece says that the CRTC should act on the government's instructions or else legislators should "seize the agenda" from the regulator.
September 28, 2006 - St. John's Telegram: Rogers says restrictions on broadcast advertising should be loosened by David Paddon
Rogers wants restrictions that allow a maximum of 12-min of advertising per hour of television programming relaxed.
September 28, 2006 - National Post: Economics forced CHUM's hand: CEO by Barbara Shecter
Fees from cable, satellite and telecom companies are needed for conventional TV to thrive, says CHUM's chief executive.
September 28, 2006 - Montreal Gazette: No sex, bug-eating on CBC: Rabinovitch by Mike De Souza
Appearing before the House of Commons heritage committee, CBC president and acting chairman Robert Rabinovitch was grilled over a series of summer controversies.
September 28, 2006 - Globe & Mail: TV sector divided ahead of review by Grant Robertson
TV broadcasters want to charge cable companies for carrying their signals while cable supplier Rogers plan to fight the proposal.
September 28, 2006 - Globe & Mail: Thai junta pulls plug on grassroots radio by Geoffrey York
Thailand's military coup has resulted in the forced shut-dow