By David Farrell
And our readers write
Hi David
Picky, but the headline does not live up to the content - CRTC Report Tracks Audience Shifts In Broadcast Media
Yes in terms of Cable subs…”Cord cutting saw a marginal, but continued decline in subscriber numbers as IPTV added over 130,000 subscriptions to its base last year,’ but there are no metrics of audience usage / volume with regard to Broadcast TV or (particularly ) Radio in these extensive CRTC financial reports.
Yes, revenues are declining (more at TV-less at Radio) ….mostly due to the impact of digital advertising (Google, Facebook, etc.) than by any audience displacement.
The headline is another intimation of “the sky is falling” for traditional radio. It works, it sells, it has reach….and yes attracting 12- 18-year-olds is a challenge, BUT the business is not dead.
There is no shift in audience reflected in the CRTC report just revenue.
As always hope you are well.
Andrew Forsyth
Jamar McNeil Joins Roger and Marilyn on CHUM 104.5
Toronto’s newly refreshed CHUM 104.5 has added McNeil to its morning show team as it also launched a multi-platform, city-wide “Make Toronto Pop” advertising campaign.
Starting Monday the 16th, new co-host Jamar McNeil joined the Roger and Marilyn morning team, following a successful 10-year run with Chicago’s B96 FM.
He’s an interesting dude, too, with a great many interests that include underwater diving, snowboarding, soccer, and he plays sax, guitar, and video games. More detail in Bell Media’s press release
CRTC investigating telecom sales practices
The regulator has launched a public inquiry into "possible misleading or aggressive" sales practices used by telecom companies, a move the regulator flatly refused to make just six months ago. — Sophia Harris, CBC News
Indie 88 solicits listeners to help persuade CRTC to boost its power
This is really important, and we need your help!
That’s the opening sentence to an email sent out this week to ‘friends’ of the Toronto FM.
Continuing: “Many of our listeners say they have trouble picking up our station on the radio. We are applying for a power increase, but the CRTC needs proof that a problem exists.
“Here’s where you, our loyal listeners come in! You can help us build our case by sending us an email here indie@indie88.com and letting us know if you’ve ever had problems listening to the station on the radio.
The wrap reads: “Your email will help us be able to convince the CRTC to let us have our power increase, which in turn will help you listen to us more often! Talk about a win-win.”
AM/FM radio holds strong for American listeners
While local TV news still barely beats the internet as the top source of news for Americans (no, really), viewership and revenue continued to slide in 2017, according to Pew’s latest local TV news fact sheet. Americans are still drawn to audio content, with high percentages tuning into some kind of radio station (there are only 26 all-news terrestrial radio stations left) and podcast listenership continuing to grow. — NiemanLab
The Mouse retakes Netflix’ Crown
Walt Disney Co. has reclaimed the title of the world’s most valuable media company after Netflix shares tumbled as much as 14 percent Tuesday following a disappointing earnings report. The video-streaming service is now worth $153.8 billion, putting it squarely in second place behind Disney’s $166.8 billion market cap. —Bloomberg News
Walmart plots strategy to take on Netflix, Amazon Prime
The Bentonville, Ark.-based retailer sees an opportunity to undercut Netflix and Amazon on price. Walmart is thinking of a service priced below $8 per month. An ad-supported free service is also under consideration. — The Information
Soon there will be only one Blockbuster left in the US
The Blockbuster video store in Bend, Ore., stands steely and determined, defending itself against the expanding forces of digital streaming services like Netflix and HBO, whose charm is that customers need not get up from the couch. — Julia Jacobs, The New York Times
FCC unlikely to approve Sinclair acquisition of Tribune Media
The $3.9 billion deal would see conservative-leaning Sinclair gobble up 42 Tribune stations in key markets like New York and Chicago, adding to its existing footprint of more than 170 stations and giving the company access to nearly three-quarters of U.S. households. — Politico
Hostwriter, home for journalists interested in cross-border collaborations
The platform currently operates as a search engine for journalists looking for professional advice, accommodations or opportunities for collaboration with journalists in different countries. Users must register and provide work samples to be manually verified as journalists by the Hostwriter team before using the platform. — Natalie Smolentceva, ijnet
The great CNN baby boom
An unprecedented number of the network’s most prominent women are proving they can handle a maddening news cycle and morning sickness. — Patti Greco, Cosmopolitan
Diljit Dosanjh photographed by Lane Dorsey on July 15 in Toronto. Styling by Alecia Brissett.
Diljit Dosanjh photographed by Lane Dorsey on July 15 in Toronto. Styling by Alecia Brissett.
Diljit Dosanjh photographed by Lane Dorsey on July 15 in Toronto. Styling by Alecia Brissett. On Diljit: Hermès shirt & pants.
Diljit Dosanjh photographed by Lane Dorsey on July 15 in Toronto. Styling by Alecia Brissett. On Diljit: EYTYS jacket