All posts by Diane Wild

Diane is the founder of TV, eh? She loves books, movies, TV, science, space, traveling, theatre, art, cats, and drinking multiple beverages at the same time.
Industry News

Link: 5 Ways Bell Media, Rogers and Shaw Can Save Themselves

From The TV Addict:

5 Ways Bell Media, Rogers and Shaw Can Save Themselves
If this week’s unfortunate culling of hundreds of jobs (and counting) by Bell Media is an indication of anything, it’s that broadcasters in Canada are not doing well. Advertising is down, cord cutting is up and it would appear that things are going to get a lot worse before they get a lot better (Just ask the newspaper industry). As such, your very own TV Addict thought now might be as good a time as any to offer up some unsolicited advice to Canadian corporations. Namely, Bell Media (CTV), Rogers (CityTV) and Shaw (Global). Continue reading.

Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail
Industry News

Corus to discontinue Movie Central, Encore Avenue, HBO Canada in Western Canada

2 Comments

From a media release:

Corus Entertainment Makes Strategic Decision to Deepen Focus on Core National Media Brands and Exit Regional Pay TV Business

Corus Entertainment Inc. announced today that, as part of its plan to strategically invest in and further optimize its core national media brands for future growth, it intends to discontinue its Pay TV business in Western Canada, which includes Movie Central, Encore Avenue and HBO Canada.

“After an extensive strategic review of our business, we made the decision to strengthen our focus on one of our biggest growth opportunities, our powerful national media brands targeted to kids, women and families,” said Doug Murphy, President and Chief Executive Officer, Corus Entertainment. “Therefore, we have decided to exit our regional Pay TV business concurrent with Bell Media’s plans to expand their premium offering nationally. We have always believed that the best way to serve Pay TV subscribers is through a national operator and brand.”

To ensure continuity for subscribers, Corus will continue to operate Movie Central, Encore Avenue and HBO Canada until Bell Media’s national Pay TV service is available in Western Canada. Added Doug Murphy, “We value our long and successful partnership with Bell and wish them every success as they extend their Pay TV offering to serve all Canadians.”

Corus will receive cash consideration of $211 million Cdn from Bell Media to assist in their national expansion, valued at an adjusted F2015 EBITDA1 multiple for Pay TV of 6.7x. The cash will be used to invest in the advancement of Corus’ strategic priorities and retire debt.

1 Segment profit (EBITDA) does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. The Company reports on segment profit because it is a key measure used to evaluate performance. For definitions and explanations, see discussion under the Key Performance Indicators section of the 2015 Report to Shareholders. Corus Entertainment Inc. reports in Canadian dollars.

Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail
Uncategorized

Link: Why Rachel McAdams’ First Major TV Role Is Still Her Best

From Victoria Mcnally of MTV:

Why Rachel McAdams’ First Major TV Role Is Still Her Best
In 2003, a year before McAdams was cast as the ultimate mean girl, she appeared on “Slings and Arrows,” the entirety of which you can now watch on Hulu. Set against an annual Shakespeare festival in the fictional town of New Burbage (which is based on the real-life Stratford Festival in Ontario), the quirky comedy explored the lives of the theater company that’s tasked with bringing the festival back to its former glory. Oh, and the recently deceased artistic director who haunts his replacement, because what would a good Shakespeare story be without a ghost? Continue reading.

Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail
Uncategorized

Tempting Faith DiNapoli in development with CBC

005 tempting faith book cover (1)From a media release:

Insight Productions and CBC are developing a character-driven half-hour drama series, based on Lisa Gabriele’s novel, Tempting Faith DiNapoli, John Murray, Vice President & Supervising Producer, Insight Production Company Ltd., announced today. The series is a bittersweet and darkly funny look at a volatile yet heartwarming  relationship between a mother and daughter, both coming of age in the early 80s. Gabriele serves as creator and executive producer along with industry veteran Shelley Scarrow (Being Erica, Lost Girl). Both Gabriele and Scarrow will also act as writers on the series.

Set in Windsor’s Little Italy and the francophone enclave of Belle River, Ontario, Tempting Faith DiNapoli tells the story of what it means to grow up in a broke, blue-collar, loving, dysfunctional, God-fearing, yet increasingly faithless family. After Nancy DiNapoli’s marriage falls apart and their immigrant community turns its back on the family, this scrappy single mother and her four unruly teens must start all over again. Faith tries to keep it together, even while everything around her is falling apart, with sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes hilarious results.

“Lisa has such an authentic and unique voice,” said John Murray, Supervising Producer. “The novel reminds me of Angela’s Ashes – poignant, heartbreaking at times – and yet always propelled by Lisa’s incredible gift for character and razor sharp wit. CBC’s passion for finding and developing unique Canadian voices makes it the perfect home for the series.”

Tempting Faith DiNapoli is executive produced by Insight Production’s John Brunton and Barbara Bowlby. Lisa Gabriele and Shelley Scarrow serve as creators and executive producers. John Murray is Supervising Producer.

Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail