TORONTO – Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club found Mark Breslin was unveiled today as the programming director of Canadian Satellite Radio’s proposed Laugh Canada channel.
Pending CRTC licensing, which is said to be coming in the spring, CSR plans to broadcast Canada’s “undiscovered comic talent as well as our rich comedic heritage to a North America-wide audience on the Laugh Canada channel – the first-ever dedicated radio comedy outlet in Canadian broadcast history,” says the release.
"Mark has been the industry leader in Canada’s comedy scene since its inception – it seems fitting for him to take the leading role in the birth of satellite radio in Canada," said Stephen Tapp, CSR president and COO. "Comedy has proven to be one of the most popular formats on satellite radio and CSR is pleased to create this unique opportunity for our comedians. We are confident that Laugh Canada will become a major vehicle for this important part of Canadian culture."
"Satellite radio will provide our talent with the kind of national and international support and devoted audience that they’ve been seeking,” said Breslin. “It’s an amazing opportunity to bring the full-range of Canadian comedy to a wider audience.
The channel will showcase an array of Canadian comedy, from the classics like Wayne and Shuster, David Steinberg, Rich Little and the Royal Canadian Air Farce. Talent such as Larry Horowitz, Glen Foster, Elvira Kurt, Russell Peters, Maggie Cassella, Don Burnstick and Bowser and Blue deserve to be heard, says Breslin. “I’m also especially proud of the fact that Laugh Canada will focus on our new, emerging talent like Dana Alexander, Matt Billon and Linda Ellis."
“We really do struggle for this. I do it for the love. I don’t do it for the free pop and the chips I get some nights. I have slept on floors, I have slept in bathtubs and I do this because I love it,” said Ottawa comic Ben Miner at last fall’s hearings.
"With Laugh Canada, they are giving us an opportunity to get beyond that, to work towards something other than moving to the States. That’s something I really hold close to me. I think it’s a very worthwhile reason to support this bid because we have to acknowledge our heritage. I’m proud to."
“Mark is a cornerstone of Canadian comedy," said Bob Mackowycz, vice-president programming of CSR. "I can’t imagine creating this channel without his creative input and skilled guidance. We are delighted that he will be helping us spotlight Canada’s vast comedic talent for a national and international audience."
CSR has proposed to contribute at least $28 million for Canadian Talent Development (CTD) towards the growth of the Canadian music, comedy and entertainment industry. Total spending on original Canadian programming is expected to be approximately $70 million throughout the first licensing term.
CSR, a Canadian-owned and operated company, has partnered with XM Satellite Radio Inc. to bring satellite radio technology to Canada.
This is the latest in a series of programming announcements from the company.
Go to www.cdnsatrad.com for more.
