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FYI

Media Beat: May 11, 2020

Media Beat: May 11, 2020

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

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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

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EMPIRE's Tina Davis (left) and Girl Connected's Lola Plaku at Conversations with the Pros at Toronto Metropolitan University in Toronto on March 28, 2025.
Courtesy of Girl Connected

EMPIRE's Tina Davis (left) and Girl Connected's Lola Plaku at Conversations with the Pros at Toronto Metropolitan University in Toronto on March 28, 2025.

Record Labels

EMPIRE President Tina Davis Gives Strategic Advice to Women in Music at Girl Connected's New Speaker Series

On Friday (March 28), the president of EMPIRE, the Bay Area-independent label and music company, came to Toronto for Conversation with the Pros offering tangible advice to the mentorship program's community. Davis also spoke to Billboard Canada about her impressive journey in the industry.

Girl Connected has launched a new series that connects the next generation of women in Canadian music with powerhouse executives for the global industry.

On Friday (March 28), Tina Davis, president of EMPIRE, sat down with Girl Connected founder and music industry veteran Lola Plaku at Toronto Metropolitan University for the first in-person Canadian edition of Conversations with the Pros (Billboard Canada was a supporting partner). The series brings in inspiring music industry figures from Girl Connected's international network to talk about their journeys and offer actionable information and advice to help the budding music professionals develop their skills and reach the next level of their careers.

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