A New Chapter For FYI As It Joins Forces With Billboard

By David Farrell

That’s right, FYI Music News is joining forces with Billboard, the world’s music authority, as part of the Penske Media Group, alongside its other tabletop of branded publications such as Rolling Stone, Hollywood Reporter, and Variety.

This new partnership marks an opportunity to strengthen coverage of the Canadian music industry and extend its influence globally. Our ambition has always been to promote Canada’s music industry, and we firmly believe that this merger will help us achieve that goal.

I am also delighted to introduce you to Richard Trapunski, who leads the Canadian Billboard editorial team and is now my new colleague. With his expertise and passion for music, we are confident that our content will continue to expand and captivate audiences far and wide.

So, what does this mean for our readers? In the next couple of weeks, you can access all FYI music content, both old and new, at http://www.ca.billboard.com. This platform will provide you with a broader spectrum of music: news, features, data, and insights from industry experts. Additionally, our newsletter will receive a fresh new look from our team at Billboard. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click the unsubscribe option at the bottom of today’s newsletter email. But we hope you will follow us as we expand and strengthen our mission.

For 15 years, FYI Music News has been your go-to source for the Canadian music industry. We are taking things to a whole new level and can't wait to share it with you.

I would be remiss in not thanking Gary Slaight, CEO of Slaight Music, and Derrick Ross, President of Slaight Music, for their invaluable support and commitment to FYI Music. Their contributions have been instrumental in bringing us to this exciting juncture, and it must be said that Gary has been a long, loyal and generous backer of the publication and one who has rarely meddled in editorial decisions. As many have supported the idea of a Canadian music industry newsletter and website, he has almost singlehandedly funded it from day one. "Thank you, Gary."

And, too, the many who have contributed stories, articles, features and photos along the way. Key among them are Kerry Doole and Bill King, along with the many who have contributed over the years. These include Dave Charles, Nick Krewen, Karen Bliss, Jason Schneider, Martin Melhuish, Shari Ulrich, Doug Thompson, Cam Carpenter, Ken Kelley, Richard Flohil, Larry Delaney, and Nicholas Jennings.

For those counting, in the past 15 years, FYI has published more than 14,000 articles that cumulatively account for 14.8 million words.

Stay tuned for more updates, and let's continue to celebrate Canada’s diverse and vibrant music industry and the incredible talent that calls our nation home.