Media Beat: August 30, 2019

By David Farrell

Péladeau blames ‘deficient business models’ for Quebec media crisis

“The problem we are facing didn’t just pop up yesterday,” the media mogul told the legislature committee Wednesday. “It’s the editors who did not adapt (to change) and now are here begging from you.” – Philip Authier, Montreal Gazette

CRTC's market intrusion will hurt internet competition in Canada

The CRTC has made a grave error in ordering carriers to offer internet access at below cost at a time when carriers, at government encouragement, have been extending high-speed-internet services to more rural and remote areas. This decision is short-sighted with the direct, unfortunate and unintended effect of reducing investment in internet networks and stifling rural development. – David Colville, Financial Post

Fox-trashing Trump good for business

Some inside Fox News actually feel the president’s repeated attacks are extremely helpful, as it allows them to rebut widespread criticism that the network often acts as “state media,” especially in light of a constantly revolving door between Fox and the White House. – Justin Baragona, MSN

VMAs: More hype than viewers

Monday's kudocast on MTV drew 1.93 million viewers and a 0.9 rating among adults 18-49. That's an all-time low for the flagship channel, down from the previous low — set last year — of 2.25 million viewers and a 1.1 in the demo. The VMAs have hit all-time ratings lows in each of the past three years. – Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter

What reading 3.5 million books tells us about gender stereotypes

The analysis determined that negative verbs associated with appearance are used five times more for women than men. Likewise, positive and neutral adjectives relating to one’s body appearance occur twice as often in descriptions of women. The adjectives used to describe men in literature are more frequently ones that describe behavior and personal qualities. – Nicole Karlis, Salon

British tabloids feast on royals indiscretions

From reading the British press this month, you’d think private-jet use is as scandalous as a friendship with a pedophile. – Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair