By David Farrell
Postmedia seeks millions in wage subsidies
Postmedia Network Canada Corp. expects to qualify for at least $20.3 million in covid-related emergency wage subsidies from the federal government, the owner of Canada's largest newspaper chain said Friday.
It provided the emergency wage subsidy information with its second-quarter financial report, which included a $12.8-million loss for a three-month period prior to the alarming increase in coronavirus cases that prompted Canada to shut down large segments of its economy. – The Canadian Press
Stingray Radio launches $15M free ad program to local businesses
These “stimulant grants” will range from a minimum of $1000 up to a maximum of $100,000 in radio advertising per business. The recipient business will have twelve months to utilize the radio advertising grant provided towards booking and airing a radio advertising campaign and will not be required to invest additional sums with Stingray radio stations to receive the grant. – Co. bulletin
Acorn vs BritBox: Streamers battle for wider audiences during lockdown
The two streaming services, which specialize in British content in very different ways, have each recently hit milestones: Acorn ($7.49/month) recorded its one-millionth subscriber in North America this past September, while BritBox ($8.99/month) did the same in March. While those numbers don’t approach Netflix territory – the streaming giant has at least 70 million in North America – the uptick for Acorn and BritBox reveals serious momentum, which can only increase these next few months. – Barry Hertz, The Globe and Mail
Spotify testing video podcasts
The platform is launching a global test for 50% of users that will mark the music streamer’s foray into native video podcasting, according to a person familiar with the program. The test will involve the four most recent episodes of a podcast hosted by YouTube stars Zane Hijazi and Heath Hussar dubbed Unfiltered, which will now be available as videos within the Spotify app. While a full rollout for video podcasts is imminent, a date has yet to be confirmed. – Tubefilter
Aya NakamuraMarion Gomez/Billboard France