By Christopher Guly
OTTAWA — The federal government might have scored a win by getting agreement from the world’s most popular search engine to compensate news publishers and broadcasters for posting their online content, but it now has to address the impact of artificial intelligence on what Canadians read, see and hear, according to panelists discussing the balancing act of safeguarding national interests while promoting growth amid the challenges of digital and AI technology at the Canadian Media Producers Association’s (CMPA’s) annual Prime Time conference in Ottawa on Feb. 1.
As Meta blocked Canadian news from Canadian users of its Facebook…
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By Christopher Guly
OTTAWA — Canadian Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge expects that a “growing sector” will emerge from the regulatory broadcasting framework the CRTC plans to release later this year in implementing the federal Online Streaming Act, Bill C-11.
“The reason why we created the CRTC and legislation around the Broadcasting Act was to make sure that Canadian content was easily found and accessible to Canadians, so could tell and watch their own stories,” she said Thursday at the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) annual conference in Ottawa.
“The other part was making sure that…
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CBC announced Tuesday the slate of special programming it will feature across its platforms in February to celebrate Black History Month, showcasing Black creators, storytellers and changemakers.
CBC News’ website Being Black in Canada, which highlights the stories and experiences of Black Canadians year-round, will feature Legacy Echoes: Passing Down Our Roots (4 x 5 minutes), starting Feb. 1. The short documentary series “offers a look at the rich tapestry of multigenerational Black families as they navigate the intricate journey of transferring culture, traditions and stories from one generation to the next,” reads…
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CBC announced Monday the launch of seven new podcasts from CBC News, spotlighting diverse local communities from Vancouver Island to P.E.I. and answering listeners’ questions from across Canada.
“Audiences are invited to join CBC journalists and hosts on an adventure each week to explore and learn something new and meaningful about the place they call home,” reads a CBC press release.
Organized into two formats, the local podcasts include:
This is Vancouver Island hosted by Kathryn Marlow
This is Calgary hosted by Anis Heydari
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Ontario’s French-language public broadcaster TFO announced Wednesday the appointment of Sonia Boisvert as vice-president of content and production.
Boisvert is succeeding Claude Sauvé, who will remain with TFO as a special advisor until the end of March for the transition period.
A resident of Ontario for more than 30 years, Boisvert has been involved in media since the start of her career, including more than 25 years at Radio-Canada. While at Canada’s public broadcaster, she led teams in the production and programming of Franco-Ontarian content, overseeing several video productions and radio programs produced…
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Canadian documentary and factual production company Nomad Films announced Monday long-time in-house producer Amanda Handy is assuming ownership of the prodco, which was founded in 1997 by veteran filmmaker Mark Johnston.
“This is the natural evolution of Nomad and puts the company in the hands of someone who has already shaped its core values and maintains a commitment to the highest production standard, both on screen and behind the camera,” Johnston said in a press release.
Johnston will continue in his role as vice-president of development and executive producer, as well as showrunner on select…
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Amazon MGM Studios announced Wednesday it has signed a deal with Pinewood Group for exclusive use of new production facilities at Pinewood Toronto Studios for future productions.
The new studio space, located in downtown Toronto, was officially opened during a ribbon-cutting event attended by Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow.
“The deal is the first multi-year commitment by Amazon MGM Studios to Canadian studio space and includes exclusive use of five new state-of-the-art sound stages, accompanying workshops and office accommodation, totalling approximately 160,000 square feet,” reads an Amazon press release.
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By Connie Thiessen
Dany Meloul has officially been named CBC/Radio-Canada’s new executive vice president of French Services, overseeing all of the public broadcaster’s French-language programming services, including ICI Radio-Canada Télé, ICI ARTV, ICI Explora, ICI RDI, ICI Première, ICI Musique, ICI TOU.TV, Radio-Canada.ca, and other digital and mobile offerings.
Meloul has been serving in the position in an acting capacity since Oct. 2023 when Michel Bissonnette abruptly departed the public broadcaster. He had held the EVP role since 2017.
Previously, Meloul had served as General Manager, Television since Oct. 2019. Before joining CBC/Radio-Canada, she held the positions of vice president programming, for…
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Brodie Fenlon to lead CBC News as general manager and editor in chief
CBC announced last week that Susan Marjetti, who has been with the public broadcaster for 35 years, had retired from her role as general manager of CBC News.
As of Jan. 2, Brodie Fenlon is now leading CBC News, assuming the role of general manager and editor in chief. Fenlon has been with CBC News since 2013, and has served as editor in chief and executive director of programs and standards since 2020.
“I offer my deep gratitude…
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Platforms have 180 days to notify CRTC if they are subject to law
By Ahmad Hathout
Canadian Heritage on Friday provided its final rules for the Online News Act ahead of its enforcement next week, including capping compensation for broadcasters and CBC/Radio-Canada on single agreements.
The legislation, which comes into force on December 19, will require web giants to compensate publishers for hosting news content on their platforms. Deals will be done on the basis of single group agreements or multiple agreements.
Under the single agreement, Heritage announced Friday that news products owned by broadcasting undertakings will have their compensation capped at 30…
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