Marc Lostracco of the Torontoist reports on the ACTRA protest:

• ACTRA Pickets Network Upfronts
  “The Canadian networks say they are investing significantly in domestic shows, pointing to Painkiller Jane (SciFi Channel), The Jon Dore Show (Comedy Network), Little Mosque on the Prairie (CBC), Corner Gas (CTV) and the upcoming ‘Da Kink In My Hair (Global). CTV didn’t announce any new Canadian programming at Monday’s upfront. Global also recently launched the first season of The Best Years, through the show’s Yanna McIntosh, who plays school counsellor Ms. Dymond, was on the picket line. Actors Wendy Crewson, Gordon Pinsent and Colin Mochire also participated in the ACTRA protest.”

Grant Robertson of the Globe and Mail discusses the report The Future of Television in Canada, to be discussed by network executives at the upcoming Banff World Television Festival:

• Internet won’t kill the TV star, but it could cause disruptions
  “One hurdle holding back the change, however, is that Canadian networks have so far been unable to secure the online rights to the top prime-time shows, which are mostly U.S. programs.”

Antonia Zerbisias of the Toronto Star offers an opinion on the new Canadian media reform movement:

• Let’s not put up with this any longer
  “Yesterday’s first order of business was to organize a grassroots campaign to get Canadians to write to the CRTC by July 18, the deadline for its September hearings on media concentration and diversity. You can bet big media interests will be well represented and their submissions well covered. But what about the public interest? “

Tamsen Tillson of Variety reports on CTV vs Global:

• Canuck webs battle for sked bread
  “Industryites attending the Global and E! upfront will have to step around placard-waving Canadian thesps like Wendy Crewson who, with their union ACTRA, are planning to protest the amount of U.S. fare the private broadcasters are allowed to buy while purportedly hanging Canadian drama out to dry. The union also handed out leaflets at the CTV event.”