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Link: Why Nirvanna the Band the Show is the best Canadian TV show in the last two decades

From Calum Marsh of the National Post:

Link: Why Nirvanna the Band the Show is the best Canadian TV show in the last two decades
Its ideas are bolder and its means are more radical. Its budgets are bigger, and because the creative team is so resourceful, every dollar does the work of 10. Even the title has expanded: “Nirvanna” gained a letter to curb the threat of being sued. The combined effect of these advances is a marvellous accomplishment. Nirvanna the Band the Show is the best show to air on television in this country in nearly 20 years. Continue reading.

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Industry News

APTN Seeks Public Support for Licence Renewal Process

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From a media release:

Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) has submitted an application to renew its broadcasting licence to the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). The CRTC governs the conditions and terms by which APTN operates to provide programming to the Canadian audience. The licence renewal process is open to the public and everyone is invited to participate by submitting letters to the Commission.

Since 2013, APTN has received a fee of 31 cents per Canadian subscriber through monthly subscription fees. This has fueled a nationwide network of Aboriginal producers, writers, directors, actors, broadcast professionals and Aboriginal news teams in every province and territory. In 2015, APTN was called upon by the TRC to support reconciliation through the continuation of our leadership in programming and organizational culture.

85. We call upon the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, as an independent non-profit broadcaster with programming by, for, and about Aboriginal Peoples, to support reconciliation, including but not limited to:

i. Continuing to provide leadership in programming and organizational culture that reflects the diverse cultures, languages, and perspectives of Aboriginal peoples.

ii. Continuing to develop media initiatives that inform and educate the Canadian public and connect Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians.

(Excerpt from Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, 2015)

It is no secret, the portrayal and representation of Aboriginal Peoples in Canadian television is meagre. APTN is the only Canadian network that stands out as the exception to this reality. The network is a window into the profound diversity of their cultures, lives and languages. APTN is diligent in giving Aboriginal Peoples the opportunity to hear and see themselves on the screen, and that Canadians as a whole can access meaningful, informative and non-stereotypical programming. Also, news stories that other broadcasters are not covering that reflect Aboriginal cultures and perspectives.

APTN is requesting a modest increase to their wholesale fee for the next term, so as to continue their service to Aboriginal audiences, sustain a strong and talented Aboriginal production industry and grow opportunities to better serve the needs of Aboriginal communities through a comprehensive strategic plan. The network does not receive government funding for operations but generates revenue through subscriber fees, advertising sales and strategic partnerships.

The network proposes to meet substantially the same conditions of licence as currently apply to their service with some adjustments to the conditions of licence providing for greater flexibility. Highlights of APTN’s successes and key components of their application, as well as information on how to participate in the process can be viewed at www.aptn.ca/licencerenewal. APTN’s application for licence renewal was officially submitted on July 28, 2017 and the deadline to receive letters is November 16, 2017.

 

 

 

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Industry News

Bell Media to Acquire Séries+ and Historia

From a media release:

Bell Media announced today it has entered into an agreement with Corus Entertainment Inc. (TSX:CJR.B) to acquire French-language specialty channels Séries+ and Historia.

Séries+ is Québec’s most-watched fiction channel, offering popular locally produced drama, including recent successes SUR-VIE and MIRADOR, as well as the best of foreign series. Historia, a Top 10 channel among A25-54, broadcasts a suite of locally produced original content, ranging from award-winning documentaries, popular reality series like LE LOT DU DIABLE, and drama series such as BÉLIVEAU.

Bell Media currently operates 10 French-language TV channels in Québec, including Canal D, Canal Vie, Cinépop, Investigation, RDS, RDS Info, RDS2, Super Écran, Vrak, and Z.

The transaction is subject to approval by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and the Competition Bureau, and is expected to close in mid-2018.

Caution concerning forward-looking statements
Certain statements made in this news release are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements relating to the proposed acquisition by Bell Media Inc. (“Bell Media”) of French-language specialty channels Séries+ and Historia, the expected timing of, and certain benefits expected to result from, the proposed transaction, and other statements that are not historical facts. All such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the “safe harbour” provisions of applicable Canadian securities laws and of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Forward-looking statements, by their very nature, are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and are based on several assumptions, both general and specific, which give rise to the possibility that actual results or events could differ materially from our expectations expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. As a result, we cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize and we caution you against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release describe our expectations at the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Except as may be required by Canadian securities laws, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this news release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are provided herein for the purpose of giving information about the proposed transaction referred to above and its expected impact. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

The completion and timing of the proposed transaction are subject to customary closing conditions, termination rights and other risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, approval by the Competition Bureau and the CRTC. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the proposed transaction will occur, or that it will occur on the terms and conditions, or at the time, contemplated in this news release. The proposed transaction could be modified, restructured or terminated. There can also be no assurance that the benefits expected to result from the proposed transaction will be realized.

 

 

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Link: ‘Dark Matter’ EP Vanessa Piazza Sets Multi-Year Producing Partnership with eOne

From Joe Otterson of Variety:

Link: ‘Dark Matter’ EP Vanessa Piazza Sets Multi-Year Producing Partnership with eOne
Entertainment One (eOne) has entered into a multi-year producing partnership with executive producer Vanessa Piazza through her production company Piazza Entertainment.

The partnership encompasses Piazza’s television projects, where eOne will serve as the studio and will control worldwide rights. Piazza developed and executive produced the international hit supernatural series “Lost Girl” and served as executive producer of Seasons 1 and 2 of the sci-fi drama “Dark Matter.” Continue reading.

 

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Industry News, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

You Can Still Watch The WSOP On TV

The World Series Of Poker is one of the biggest live events in poker, and players around the world consider its Main Event to be the holy grail, the ultimate goal and achievement for the pros. Winning any WSOP bracelet places players in a position of prestige, but the Main Event really does attract the widest and most talented fields, making it one of the most exhilarating competitions in the poker world. You can watch the WSOP Main Event on TSN.

TSN Coverage
The WSOP 2017, sponsored by 888 Poker, took place from July 8th to July 22nd. TSN was to cover the event in Canada, but originally said that they wouldn’t be showing the WSOP due to the popularity of shows like the Canadian Football League, Major League Baseball and SportsCentre. Shortly before the WSOP Main Event started, TSN announced that they would indeed be showing the event, and covered the tables live during the action.

For anyone who missed the live coverage of the WSOP, TSN are currently broadcasting repeats of the event on TSN and TSN HD at 3 p.m. ET, with later viewings on TSN 2 at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET.

About The WSOP 2017 Main Event
The World Series Of Poker is one of the most prestigious events in tournament poker, attracting thousands of players across a range of high-stakes buy-ins. This year marked the 48th anniversary of the annual event, which was held once again at the Rio Casino in Las Vegas.

The Main Event is No-Limit Hold Em Poker, and this year had a $10,000 buy-in. There were a total of 7,221 entrants, and the top 1,084 players finished in the money, winning back more than their buy-in. Like most poker games, the real prize money is stacked towards finishing in the top handful of entrants, and this year every player who made the final table walked away with at least $1 million.

WSOP 2017 Main Event Results
Spoiler Alert! If you do not know the results of the WSOP 2017 Main Event, and want to catch up on TSN over the coming weeks, then do not read the next paragraph.

The winner of the 2017 888 Poker WSOP Main Event was Scott Blumstein, who took home a total of $8,150,000 after beating second place Dan Ott with A-2 against Dan’s A-8. Blumstein started the final table with the chip lead, holding 27% of the total chips in play. He continued to play a solid game to eventually walk away with the Main Event bracelet, and a life-changing amount of money.

Watch WSOP on TSN
WSOP is an exciting television program which has grown in popularity since online qualifier Chirs Moneymaker won the title in 2003. The coverage includes in-table cameras to show player’s hole cards, hand values shown in percentages, and commentary by Lon McEachern and Norman Chad. You can watch the WSOP on TSN over the coming weeks. The next episodes will be shown on October 15th, and will show Part 4, 5 and 6 of the WSOP coverage.

 

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