Media Beat: May 04, 2018

By David Farrell

The Sowny Board tells that long-time NHL GM and executive Brian Burke has joined the Rogers Sportsnet family as a broadcaster, contributing occasional analysis during the Stanley Cup playoffs. The chat board also notes a rumour circulating on Twitter suggesting that Burke would be the perfect successor for Don Cherry's gig, if and when Grapes steps away from HNIC – “but for now, Brian Burke, the man who puts the T in truculence, is as entertaining as any hockey talking head around.”

– Gary Russell of Vista Radio has announced his retirement after a 35-year career in Prince George, BC. His last day will be June 29, according to Broadcast Dialogue.

– Newcap Radio COO Ian S. Lurie will now head Stingray Digital’s radio operations, as CEO Rob Steele steps down to focus on the family’s suite of hotels.

– RTDNA has announced Kym Geddes is this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Service Award; meantime, Bernard St-Laurent, James Stewart and Brian Thomas are to be honoured with Lifetime Achievement awards.

– BCE Inc. raised its profit guidance Thursday after reporting strong performance by its Bell Canada telecom networks and stable results from its media division. – Canadian Press

– Sunday, Aug. 26 is the show date for this year’s iHeartRadio’s MMVAs. The show is to be broadcast live and streamed on various platforms. Headliners TBA.

– ‘Radio Rob’ Hopkins started his first radio station in Tagish, Yukon in 1997. He has now applied to the CRTC to add stations in Atlin, B.C., Carcross, Yukon, and Inuvik, N.W.T. – CBC

– On May 10, CISN 103.9 Edmonton and Country 105 Calgary are taking off with two plane-loads of fans for the 5th annual Tennessee Takeover in Nashville. The package includes a private performance by Dierks Bentley. The two Corus brands have been dubbed the Canadian Country Music Awards' Radio Station of the Year (Large Market) for four of the last five years. Country 105 was also awarded Best Country Station at the 2016 Canadian Music and Broadcast Industry Awards.