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FYI

Media Beat: June 25, 2018

Media Beat: June 25, 2018

By David Farrell

Controversy continues dogging JAZZ.FM


Listeners to JAZZ.FM91 are dismayed by on-air changes at Canada's only all-jazz radio station, as well as news of allegations of sexual misconduct, workplace harassment and mismanagement against former CEO and president Ross Porter and board members.

"It's so disappointing, shocking that this is going on," says long-time listener Deborah Abbott. She's already cancelled her monthly donations of $120. "It's very, very sad to see it all fall apart."

Hosts at the station often referred to listeners as "members of the JAZZ.FM family," but there have been no explanations on air about the recent departures of four long-time on-air personalities, nor the earlier departure last fall of station stalwarts, including the vice president of creative talent Dani Elwell, who doubled as an on-air host, or the departure in April of morning show host Garvia Bailey. – Mary Wiens, CBC News

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CKNT ready to hatch after 7-year gestation

First licensed in 2011 with an original deadline for the station to commence operations by Nov. 22, 2013, CKNT 960 in Mississauga, ON is just now starting to break radio silence.

Owner Elliot Kerr received to get the new 700 watts (days) / 104 watts (nights) AM station. The delays have resulted from three previously planned transmitter sites proving to be unsuitable or rejected by Industry Canada.

The new station is expected to provide local news and information, weather, sports, traffic, including coverage of city council, local business issues, and community-related political and social events.

A radio station originally used the AM 960 frequency out of Cambridge, known today as CJDV-FM.

The target date for the official sign-on is July 1st.

Sowny.net board member RadioActive offers some interesting insights about the station and its readiness to meet its deadline.

CBC News Network makes summer programming cuts

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Starting June 29, CBC News Network will move to a half-hour model from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, but the public broadcaster insists the decision won't hamper its ability to cover breaking news. – The Canadian Press

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Coco Love Alcorn
Courtesy Photo

Coco Love Alcorn

FYI

Music News Digest: Music Community Rallies to Support Coco Love Alcorn Through Cancer Journey

Also this week: more trouble for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Toronto scene veteran Paul James turns 75 with a free hometown show at The Phoenix and a date is set for the first Canadian Blues Music Awards.

Canadian pop and jazz singer-songwriter and choir leader Coco Love Alcorn has just revealed that she is fighting an aggressive form of cancer. This will involve a long period of chemotherapy, immunotherapy and further surgery. Alcorn explains that "I have had to cancel all my touring, teaching, and performances for 2026 and my local choir is on hiatus till further notice. I also had 3 trips planned to BC this winter/spring to record my new album and that project is also on hold."

A GoFundMe campaign to assist her has been set up. Donate here. The rapid and generous response to her campaign reaffirms the peer respect she enjoys.

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