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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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Babbulicious at Zohran Mamdani's inauguration in New York City on Jan. 1, 2026.

Babbulicious at Zohran Mamdani's inauguration in New York City on Jan. 1, 2026.

FYI

Music Biz Headlines: Universal Music Buys a Stake in India’s Excel Entertainment, Canadian Artist Babbulicious Plays Zohran Mamdani's Inauguration

Also this week: Wolf Parade’s Spencer Krug on Heated Rivalry mania, late Beatlemania takes over Toronto, Daniel Caesar encores on Tiny Desk and more.

As 2026 gets under way, the headlines are emerging, including the demise (and grassroots resurrection) of MTV, potential legal action by Ashley MacIsaac against Google and some interesting moves by Universal Music Group.

Read these stories and more in this week's roundup of music biz headlines of the week from Canada and beyond.

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