Media Beat: October 22, 2020

By David Farrell

Toronto is getting a massive new hub for movie studios and digital media

A sprawling parcel of land on Toronto's waterfront will soon be home to film studios and production space — 8.9 acres of it to be exact — if the city can find a company to help develop it. 

Toronto is on the hunt for a production company to help run the Basin Media Hub, named after the Port Lands street on which it sits. – Tanya Mok, blogTO

Cogeco 'definitively' rejects Altice takeover bid

Canadian telecom giant Cogeco on Sunday definitively rejected an increased takeover bid from Altice USA, citing the company's "enviable" market position and continued profitability under current ownership. – AFP

A New owner of G98.7FM emerges

The incoming owner of a Toronto radio station has promised to uphold its long-standing legacy of serving Black communities while providing “much-needed” financial stability following a period of upheavals.

Neeti P. Ray, an experienced investor in the broadcasting industry with radio stations in Ontario and Quebec, was announced as the winning bidder for the ownership of G98.7 FM, which has been on the air since 2011. The sale, executed through a court-ordered receivership, is pending final approval from the CRTC. – Gilbert Ngabo, The Star

Quibi’s billion-dollar idea just failed

The short-form video platform likely failed for two reasons the owners’ suggest: One, because the idea itself wasn't strong enough to justify a standalone streaming service, and the timing of the launch. – Business Insider

Google Assistant will play podcasts from third-party services like Spotify

You might not have to depend on Google Podcasts if you’re asking Assistant to play your favourite serialized audio show. Android Police and its readers have discovered that Google is adding support for third-party podcast services, starting with Spotify. You just have to visit podcast settings in Assistant to choose your provider. – Jon Fingas, Engadget

Zoom opens platform for paid events, following Facebook

The fast-growing online video app Zoom says it will open its platform to paid events to help performers, teachers and others monetize their activity. – AFP

AMC & Cinemark renting out their theatres for $99 per screen

In an effort to get more people in theatre locations, the theatres announced they will offer private movie showings for $99 for up to 20 people. This special-edition offer is available in almost all states and Washington, D.C. AMC is also selling a host of extras. Bringing in outside food costs $250 while getting access to the auditorium beyond fifteen minutes prior to a film’s start costs $250 for each half-hour. A microphone to welcome guests costs another $100. – Jon Porty, The Verge

9 micro-habits that will completely change your life in a year

To reach your goals, you need a system. You need to build habits and you have to stick around long enough to let them do their magic. You hear it over and over again because it’s true.

In 2019, one of the most popular books was Atomic Habits, by James Clear. It’s a practical guide to break bad habits and build good ones. The author explains clearly why small, everyday habits lead to great success.

If you haven’t read the book yet, make sure you do. – Larisa Andras, Medium