Search Results for: cbc

Cable / Telecom News

Netflix adds CBC, Global TV content to Canadian library

TORONTO – Netflix has added “hundreds of new titles” to its library for Canadian viewers. The Internet movie and TV show subscription service said Monday that it has signed new licensing agreements with CBC and FremantleMedia Enterprises, as well as extended its existing agreements with New Video, Maple and Sony. “Adding to the choice of content we offer our members is an ongoing focus for Netflix in Canada,” said Kelly Merryman, VP of content acquisition, in the announcement. “TV content continues to be extremely popular with our members, and we believe that they will be delighted with the expanding list of… Continue Reading

Radio / Television News

CBC, ACTRA settle on TV and radio performers agreements

TORONTO – The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) has reached a tentative settlement on the television and radio collective agreements covering performers engaged by the CBC. Under the new deal, the agreements will be extended until June 30, 2011, performers will see a rate increase of 1.5%, and the CBC will contribute a new benefits administration fee.  All other terms and conditions will remain unchanged. “The last round of negotiations was long and difficult given we were trying to tackle compensation issues relative to digital media”, said ACTRA national executive director, Stephen Waddell, in a statement… Continue Reading

Cable / Telecom News

Videotron gift wraps more 3D content this month

MONTREAL – Videotron is forging ahead with 3D content that it says can be viewed with either a 3D television or just an HD set. The company said Thursday that it will air CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada broadcast between the Montréal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs this Saturday in 3D, though customers who have an HD set-top box may also experience the game in 3D if they buy red/cyan 3D glasses with plastic frames which are available now at Videotron stores and counters. Videotron recently announced a partnership with SENSIO which allows the delivery of anaglyph 3D entertainment “of… Continue Reading

Radio / Television News

CBC’s Hockey Night In Canada trials 3D; brings back Punjabi-language broadcasts

TORONTO – The first ever 3D broadcast of CBC’s Hockey Night In Canada is coming to TV screens across the country. Viewers with a 3D-ready television, along with the associated pair of glasses, will be able to watch the Toronto Maple Leafs take on the Montreal Canadiens at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT on December 11.  The broadcast will be available free to Bell TV subscribers on channel 1933 (satellite TV) and 1208 (Fibe TV); Shaw Direct subscribers on channel 233/333 (Classic/Advanced); Telus Optik TV subscribers on channel 656 and Telus satellite TV subscribers on channel 1933; and to Vidéotron… Continue Reading

Radio / Television News

CBC opens up to public scrutiny

OTTAWA – CBC/Radio-Canada will make available to the public tens of thousands of pages of its records, ranging from the entertainment expenses of its senior executives to the minutes of its board of director meetings. The public broadcaster said Thursday that “documents of interest to Canadians” disclosed under the Access to Information Act will be posted on its website on an on-going basis as the latest step in its efforts to enhance its accountability to the Canadian public. "Transparency and accountability are core values that have always guided, and will continue to guide, the way we manage public funds," said president… Continue Reading

Radio / Television News

XM Canada, Sirius announce merger

TORONTO – Satellite radio competitors XM Canada and Sirius will merge in Canada, just as their American parent companies did over two years ago. Wednesday’s announcement said that the all-stock merger values the combined company at approximately $520 million, which includes long-term debt of $130 million. Under the terms of the agreement, Sirius Canada shareholders will be issued treasury shares of XM Canada parent Canadian Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. (CSR) representing a 58.0% equity interest in CSR immediately following closing of the transaction. The approximate ownership interest in CSR following closing of the combination transaction will be as follows: – CSRI Inc., an entity controlled… Continue Reading

Radio / Television News

NEW TECH: Lean-In lets broadcasters, advertisers, viewers meet at just the right time, online

WORD OF MOUTH is one of the most reliable avenues to success for any product. Television is no different. Hit shows have been hit shows because they strike a chord and people talk about them together over the proverbial water cooler at work the next day or among friends at the rink, for example. With the mass market adoption of cell phones and their texting capabilities, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and other messaging or multimedia platforms, it’s been years since any of us had to wait until the next day to figure out if people are digging what they see from their… Continue Reading

Radio / Television News

CBC updates journalistic standards and practices

TORONTO – CBC News has adopted an updated and modernized Journalistic Standards and Practices (JS&P) document, which has become effective immediately. In May 2009, CBC/Radio-Canada’s news divisions began the process to update and revise the JS&P document in light of the current broadcasting environment, new technologies and to ensure the organization’s services continue to satisfy audience expectations and its public broadcasting mandate. The completed document was reviewed and approved by independent experts and by CBC/Radio-Canada’s Board of Directors. "As a national public broadcaster, we have always held ourselves to the highest standards of accuracy and fairness when it comes to our news and… Continue Reading

In-Depth

Cartt.ca In-Depth: Jay Switzer, TV Brat, begins anew

JAY SWITZER IS ABOUT to find out if Canadians want to accept an invite into his new Hollywood Suite. That’s the name Switzer, the former CHUM Ltd. CEO, and David Kines, another former CHUM executive (who was EP of the just-wrapped Gemini Awards) have given their new company, which is about to launch four new high definition movie channels: dubbed at their license approvals: Velocity, The Love Channel, Kiss, and Adventure. The independent broadcaster will officially launch in the coming days, announcing key people, branding and programming, aiming at an April 2011 launch with Canadian carriers. Switzer and… Continue Reading

Radio / Television News

DTH Policy Hearing: Poor Radio-Canada carriage, missing OMNIs on the spot in Gatineau

GATINEAU – Canada’s DTH carriers must do a far better job of carrying French-language programming in all regions of Quebec, said the Bloc Québécois, the syndicat des communications de Radio-Canada (SCRC) and the CBC, who spoke in near unison at the CRTC’s Direct-to-Home policy hearing on Wednesday. The three groups each took their turn on November 17, calling on the Commission to force the DTH companies to carry more French-language programming than they currently do. They noted that while the various regional TVA affiliates are carried by both DTH companies, the lack of Radio-Canada carriage is disconcerting. Bloc MP Carole… Continue Reading