NEWS AND EVENTS

CTV to lay off 26 in Halifax, union says
Management disputes number, says it's 'in the single digits'
By JOHN McPHEE Staff Reporter | UPDATED 3:10 p.m.
Wed, Jul 28 - 1:49 PM
Technical workers at CTV Atlantic in Halifax have been hit by layoffs.

Management informed workers today that 26 positions could be affected, though a management spokesman disputes that figure.

The jobs include master control operators, who control the transition between commercials and regular programming, and video tape operators, who control feeds and commercials from CTV affiliates from other areas.

"There have always been rumours and unfortunately today, it has been announced," said Andre Benoit, president of Local 1318 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, which represents 11 of the workers.

The other employees are represented by the Communications Energy and Paperworkers Union.

Benoit believes the work will be centralized in Toronto. He said similar layoffs have been done in technical fields at other CTV stations, including Vancouver.

He said the union hopes the number of job losses can be reduced through early retirement and transfers to other CTV stations.

"The company has expressed willingness to work with the union and try to limit the amount of layoffs," Benoit said.

"Twenty-six was the number but we’re trying to get that down to a minimum."

The official layoff notices will be sent out in September, Benoit said.

Mike Elgie, vice-president of CTV Atlantic, disputed that 26 layoffs had been announced.

“In the next month, we’ll be working with the union to reduce the number as low as possible,” he said in an interview today.

“They were also told today it would be in the single digits. There will be jobs that will be leaving here.”

The centralization of control work at CTV has been ongoing across the country as a cost-saving measure, he said. He couldn’t say how much CTV Atlantic would be saving by taking control work out of Halifax.

NEWS AND EVENTS

TSN Classic Bowl Championship Debuts in August

JULY 26, 2010

TSN has launched a new original series, marking the return of ten pin bowling coverage to the sports network.

The made-for-TV TSN Classic Bowl Championship will see Canada's Top tenpin bowlers compete for $10,000 in cash prizes. To be televised nationally on TSN2, TSN Classic Bowl Championship will be the first Canadian bowling event to be featured on a TSN network since 2009.

TSN Classic Bowl Championship is owned and operated by TSN Events and is conducted in cooperation with Bowl Canada. TSN Classic Bowl Championship takes place on August 20-22 at Classic Bowl in Mississauga, Canada's largest bowling centre and a designated venue for the 2015 Pan American Games.

TSN Classic Bowl Championship will be broadcast on TSN2 over ten weeks beginning on Tuesday, August 31 at 8 p.m. ET.

"TSN has a long history with Bowl Canada, and we are thrilled to create an original branded event that puts the spotlight on some of the country's top bowlers in front of a national audience," said Randy Paul, Managing Director, TSN Events.

"The bowling community across Canada is very excited to see our sport return to the TSN family," said Paul Oliveira, Executive Director, Bowl Canada. "We anxiously look forward to great competition at Classic Bowl, and appreciate our continued relationship with Canada's sports leader."

The TSN Classic Bowl Championship is open to a maximum of 120 bowlers who meet the qualifications. Registration fee is $100. Details are available at www.bowlcanada.ca

"Classic Bowl is thrilled to be hosting the TSN Classic Bowl Championship," said Edward Sousa, Director, Classic Bowl. "Canada's top tenpin bowlers have been anticipating a tournament of this magnitude. Best of luck to all participants."

Established in 2003, TSN Events was created to develop a wide-variety of original branded programming and event platforms to supplement TSN's traditional live sports and news coverage. TSN Events acquires sports marketing rights, develops original programming and grassroots initiatives, and leverages the strength and capabilities of the TSN brand to meet customer objectives and exceed fan expectations. TSN Events' assets include NASCAR Canada, TSN Curling Skins Game at Casino Rama and the Degree Poker Championship.

NEWS AND EVENTS

COMMUNICATIONS, ENERGY AND PAPERWORKERS UNION OF CANADA

Union Leader Dave Coles wants to force the Quebec Police Ethics Committee to reveal who ordered "agents provocateurs" to foment violence at Montebello summit in 2007

OTTAWA, July 23 /CNW Telbec/ - The Union leader who busted the "agents provocateurs" operation at the Montebello summit has taken new steps to unmask the men who gave the orders.

The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union (CEP) will argue a motion Monday, July 26, 2010, to give union president Dave Coles standing at the Quebec Police Ethics Committee. The Committee is investigating the police operation at the "Security and Prosperity Partnership" summit at Montebello, Québec in 2007.

During the SPP summit, Coles singled out three masked men dressed in black with police issue boots. One had a rock in his hand. Coles charged they were police officers bent on stirring up violence.

The incident has been viewed on You Tube over half a million times: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St1-WTc1kow.

After initially denying that they were police, the SQ confirmed that the three masked men were SQ officers. Now the union is fighting to find out who gave their orders.

"This is important because we suspect that a similar police operation was used against demonstrators at the recent G20 Summit in Toronto. If we find out who gave the orders at Montebello, it may give us a smoking gun for who issued the orders in Toronto," says Coles.

The Police Ethics Committee will hear the motion on Monday, July 26, 2010, at 9:30 am in Montreal, at 500 René-Levesque West, 6th Floor.

NEWS AND EVENTS

Dome Productions Named Exclusive Supplier of Mobile Facilities for MLSE

JULY 22, 2010

Dome Productions has announced its exclusive agreement with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. as the television mobile production facility for all Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC and Toronto Marlies home games.

The deal, which took effect July 1, 2010, also provides Dome Productions with exclusivity for visiting NHL and NBA teams.

Dome Productions offers mobile production trucks and fly packs (high definition and digital), telecommunications services (transmission via fibre and satellite, satellite media tours and playouts), and full turnkey host broadcast services (complete management of design, production, engineering, and operations).

"As MLSE's facilities partner, we understand the importance of not only meeting the technical specifications mandated by the sports leagues, but to continue to explore and support new initiatives and leading edge technologies," Mary Ellen Carlyle, Senior Vice-President and General Manager, Dome Productions, said in a release. "With our fleet of six HD mobiles, soon to be seven with the launch of Echo in the fall, plus an additional two standard definition mobiles, Dome Productions is well positioned and equipped to supply MLSE with the capacity and state-of-the-art broadcast technology required to meet the ever-increasing demands for high quality HD production facilities."

"We're excited to renew our agreement with Dome Productions," said Chris Hebb, Senior Vice-President of Broadcast and Content for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. "Dome Productions is an industry-leader. Their cutting edge capabilities do an exceptional job of supporting all of our programming and production needs."

Dome Productions previously provided mobile production services to MLSE from 1995 through 2007.

Currently, Dome Productions is also the exclusive mobile production provider for all NHL and CFL games in Edmonton and Montreal, all NHL games in Ottawa, plus all NHL, CFL and Toronto Blue Jays home and road games that are televised on TSN and Rogers Sportsnet.

Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment is one of the biggest producers of live sports programming in Canada. MLSE owns and operates Leafs TV, Raptors NBA TV and GOLTV Canada.

Dome Productions is owned by CTV Specialty Television Inc. and Rogers Broadcasting Ltd.

NEWS AND EVENTS

CTV's Comedy Gold Launches August 2nd.

JULY 21, 2010

CTV's Comedy Gold pays tribute to the series that helped shape the cultural landscape of the last 40 years, featuring iconic and ground-breaking comedic series from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s is launching August 2nd.. The all-new channel launches with an all-day marathon of comedy’s classic funny females: Comedy Gold digs out the hairspray and shoulder pads with the fierce, funny and fabulous ladies of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Murphy Brown and Designing Women.f

“Comedy Gold is the destination for classic comedy programming in Canada,” said Michelle Daly, Director of Content for The Comedy Network and Comedy Gold. “With the enduring appeal of sitcoms and their classic stars, viewers have an appetite for this kind of programming. We’re happy to offer the funniest line-up out there.”

Comedy Gold’s regular programming kicks-off August 3. Viewers can tune in every day to catch a line-up of classics from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s that helped shape the culture of the day and change the landscape of TV history. These include Full House, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Murphy Brown, The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Designing Women Also included in Bob Newhart Show, Newhart and Night Court.

NEWS AND EVENTS

CRTC Provides Update on Canada's Digital Television Transition

JULY 16, 2010

Consumer education is a must, changes in regulation will take place, and extra costs will be incurred as Canada makes its way towards digital television.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (or CRTC) today issued additional information concerning the transition from analog to digital television, which must be completed by August 31, 2011.

The CRTC says it's making this data available to assist the broadcasting industry in its preparations for the switchover.

Canadians who subscribe to cable or satellite television services will not be affected by the digital transition. Only viewers who watch television stations using a "rabbit-ears" antenna may experience some change in the way they receive television signals.

It is estimated that up to 857,000 households in larger markets do not subscribe to either cable or satellite. These consumers may need to purchase digital converter boxes to continue watching local stations on their existing television sets. The boxes cost up to $75 for each television in the home.

In smaller markets, some local stations may decide not to convert to digital, but instead rely solely on cable and satellite companies to deliver their signal to viewers.

The CRTC reports it will modify its regulation to allow television distributors to provide a free alternative to affected viewers in those smaller markets. These companies will be able to offer a package of local and regional stations at no charge to viewers. In order to receive the free local package, some consumers may have to purchase a satellite receiver and dish at a minimum cost of $300, depending on the number of televisions in the home. At most, 31,500 households could be affected.

Consumer awareness and education is a key component of the digital transition. Members of the broadcasting industry are expected to actively participate in the creation and implementation of a national consumer education program. Such a program should start no later than March 2011 to ensure Canadians are well informed.

At the request of the industry, the CRTC is prepared to support trials in certain markets ahead of the August 2011 deadline. This would provide an opportunity to assess the adequacy of all measures for the DTV transition, including consumer education measures.

For more information, see the CRTC's fact sheet on the digital transition.

NEWS AND EVENTS

StatsCan Releases 2009 Television Revenues

JULY 13, 2010

The television broadcasting sector's operating revenues totalled $6.5 billion in 2009, up 0.6% from 2008. This was the lowest year-over-year increase since 1997, when a decrease in revenues had been reported. However, the financial picture varies widely across the various segments of the industry.

Revenues of public and private conventional television broadcasters fell 3.9% from 2008 to $3.4 billion in 2009, the steepest decline in 10 years. It was a particularly difficult year for private conventional television. Compared with 2008, the operating revenues of this segment dropped 7.7% in 2009, the largest annual decrease in more than 30 years. Public and non-commercial television posted a 1.9% increase in operating revenues between 2008 and 2009.

The specialty (+3.3%) and pay television (+16.6%) segments posted operating revenue gains in 2009 compared with 2008. Revenues for the two segments combined totalled $3.1 billion. Nevertheless, revenue growth for pay and specialty television has been diminishing each year for the past few years in both absolute and percentage terms. The year-over-year increase was $230 million in 2007, $200 million in 2008 and $175 million in 2009.

Canadian television broadcasters' advertising revenues fell 8.4% from 2008 to $3.1 billion in 2009, the first decline in 15 years. The weak growth of operating revenues in the television industry as a whole in 2009 was largely due to the decrease in advertising revenues, as other revenue sources were up.

Advertising revenues have long been the largest source of income for the television sector, accounting for more than half of its revenues. However, for the first time in a number of years, advertising revenues represented less than half (47.8%) of the sector's total revenues. A decade earlier, these revenues accounted for nearly 60% of the sector's total revenues.

Private conventional television has faced a myriad of financial challenges in the past several years, especially in the area of profits. Although the profit margin before interest and taxes of this sector was 11.2% in 2005, it obtained a negative result (-5.7%) in 2009. While profits before interest and taxes totalled $4.8 million in 2008, losses amounted to $113.4 million in 2009. It was the first time in 30 years that profits were negative. Pay and specialty channels, on the other hand, generated a profit margin in excess of 20% for the fifth consecutive year. Their profit margin rose from 22.1% in 2008 to 23.5% in 2009, and their operating profits increased from $648.2 million to $728.7 million.

NEWS AND EVENTS

Canadian Broadcasters Intro New Newsroom Anchors -- UPDATED

JULY 13, 2010

The major Canadian TV networks are making big splashes with newsroom news, and are announcing new anchors for their flagship news programs. Women will soon anchor the country's major commercial network newscasts.

Last week, CTV announced that Lisa LaFlamme will replace Lloyd Robertson as host of CTV National News. After 34 years securing CTV's National News, Robertson' finally confirmed retirement plans that had been circulating for some time.

"There comes a time and this is it! I want to leave a suitable period for my successor to have a smooth and seamless transition," he said. "While I'll be hoisting anchor next year, I'll be continuing at CTV for some time."

"I am so proud of Lisa and so very happy for her," Robertson continued. "She's an extraordinary talent and a wonderful human being. Canadians will appreciate it's the right choice."

LaFlamme is currently CTV's national affairs correspondent. "To follow in the footsteps of Lloyd Robertson is an enormous honor and extremely humbling," she said in a release.

Meanwhile, rival Global Television held its media event Tuesday in Toronto, at which it EmmyAward-winning journalist Dawna Friesen was been named Anchor & Executive Editor of Global National, replacing Kevin Newman on the flagship newscast.

Newman's replacement will take up the full-time position in September, while Robertson's replacement will ease into her position in preparation for her full-time role starting sometime next year.

Newman, who has worked both for CBC and CTV News in the past, was co-host of CBC's Midday in the early 90's, which may have fuelled industry speculation about his possible return to the CBC.

Friesen will make her inaugural broadcast this September.

"Dawna's credentials and accomplishments are at an elite level - and in keeping with the new generation of anchor and correspondents Canadians have come to rely on at Global National," said Peter Viner, President of Canwest Broadcasting. "Today's announcement builds powerfully on the commitment to excellence established by Kevin Newman and the Global National team over the last decade."

As the London-based correspondent and anchor for NBC News, Today and MSNBC since 1999, Friesen's engaged, inclusive style - whether with world leaders, entertainers or everyday people - earned a 2009 Emmy Award for her part in team coverage of Barack Obama's U.S. Presidential victory.

"I'm honoured and excited by the opportunity to return to Canada as part of the Global National team," Friesen said in a release. "Kevin and all the staff have created a rock-solid broadcast reputation, one that I want to preserve and develop. I can only hope to connect with Canadians the way he has. It's a fantastic challenge that I am eager to take on."

Born in Winnipeg and raised in rural Manitoba, Friesen began her news career in Canada in 1985, working in local postings then as a correspondent and anchor for both CBC and CTV at the national level.

"I know Dawna Friesen is the right person to help the dream thrive," said Newman, Founding Anchor & Executive Editor (Global National launched in September, 2001). "She is an accomplished journalist which ensures she will continue the tradition of having a hands-on and engaged anchor."

NEWS AND EVENTS

Lisa LaFlamme To Replace Lloyd Robertson

JULY 9, 2010

CTV announced today that Lisa LaFlamme will succeed Lloyd Robertson as host of CTV National News next year. The announcement follows last night's revelation from Robertson that he will step down in mid-2011. LaFlamme, who began her broadcast career at CTV's CKCO affiliate in 1988, is currently National Affairs Correspondent for CTV News. She will be featured in the anchor chair on CTV National News frequently during a year of transition, in addition to Robertson, before she assumes the full-time anchor title later next year.

"To follow in the footsteps of Lloyd Robertson is an enormous honour and extremely humbling," said LaFlamme. "He is an institution, the very foundation that fair and honest journalism is built on, and has personally taught me so much about this business that I love. I remain dedicated to upholding the solid tradition that Lloyd has created and preserving CTV National News as Canada's most trusted news source."

"I am so proud of Lisa and so very happy for her," said Lloyd Robertson. "She's an extraordinary talent and a wonderful human being. Canadians will appreciate it's the right choice."

"CTV is fortunate to have the strongest news team in the country, so it was natural to promote from within," said Ivan Fecan, President and Chief Executive Officer, CTVglobemedia, and Chief Executive Officer, CTV Inc. "Lisa is a first-rate journalist. We've all seen her hard news coverage around the world and here at home, most recently with the G20. In addition, we've seen her as a skilled interviewer and a warm host, especially at Vancouver 2010. This is Lisa's time and I am sure she will bring all her experience to the anchor position, maintaining CTV NATIONAL NEWS as Canada's #1 national newscast."

For almost a decade, LaFlamme has been on the road as a hard news journalist, covering the most important stories unfolding at the time, from wars and elections, to natural disasters, from some of the world's most dangerous locations.

Since 9/11, she has covered every angle of its aftermath - from New York to Afghanistan to Iraq. LaFlamme was on the ground in New York City covering the immediate after effects of the 9/11 attacks on World Trade Centre. Since then she has been in and out of Iraq several times covering the American invasion, elections, the Saddam Hussein trial and the region's ongoing civil unrest. In 2006, LaFlamme spent two months in Afghanistan reporting on the Canadian mission while embedded with Canadian troops on a gruelling 12-day mission to track the Taliban. She has returned to the country three more times to report to Canadians on our mission there.

Never far from the heart of the story, LaFlamme was in Rome to report on Pope John Paul II's sickness and eventual passing; has reported from Sri Lanka on the devastation from the Tsunami that hit South Asia; was in New Orleans to cover the impact Hurricane Katrina had on New Orleans; and was one of the first reporters on the ground in Haiti where she covered a devastating flood that killed close to 2,000 in one small town. Most recently, she reported from the environmental disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, from the World Cup in South Africa, and from the heart of the G20 riots that shook Toronto.

LaFlamme follows in the footsteps of colleague Sandie Rinaldo as a trailblazer for women in Canadian news broadcasting. As one of Canada's top journalists, she has been a regular fill-in anchor for Canada's #1 national newscast since 2003. She recently played an integral part of CTV's national broadcast team at Vancouver 2010 as co-host of OLYMPIC DAYTIME. A graduate of the University of Ottawa, LaFlamme began her broadcasting career in 1988 at CTV's CKCO affiliate in Kitchener-Waterloo, her hometown.

LaFlamme has received five Gemini nominations in the Best News Anchor category and has won several RTNDA awards. Most recently, she received an honourary Doctor of Laws degree from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario and was awarded the Distinguished Canadian Award from the University of Ottawa.

Career Summary:

2010 - Appointed successor to Lloyd Robertson as full-time anchor of CTV NATIONAL NEWS

2003-2010: National Affairs Correspondent, CTV NATIONAL NEWS WITH LLOYD ROBERTSON

2001-2003: Co-Host of CANADA AM

2000-2001: Parliamentary correspondent, CTV News

1998-2000: Prime News Anchor for CTV Newsnet (now CTV News Channel)

1997-1998: Consumer Reporter, CTV News

1997-1998: Weekend Anchor/Reporter for CTV Newsnet

1991-1997:Reporter and News Anchor for CKCO

1989-199: Radio News Reporter for CFCA/AM109

1988: Joined CKCO as copy writer and script assistant.

NEWS AND EVENTS

Internet Providers Not Broadcasters, Court Rules

JULY 9, 2010

Internet service providers don't act as broadcasters, the Federal Court of Appeal has decided, but industry changes may force a re-evaluation of its ruling.

"In providing access to 'broadcasting', ISPs do not transmit programs," the Federal Appeal Court said in a statement, and so they are not subject to regulations contained in the Broadcast Act.

The decision also indicates that a levy or surcharge on wireline and wireless Internet providers cannot be applied under the Broadcast Act to be used to help fund and finance Canadian new media content.

The court said its decision was "based on the content-neutral role of ISPs and would have to be reassessed if this role should change."

Recent industry developments have shown that larger ISPs are not only transmitting content, but are in fact commissioning and creating their own content for distribution.

A coalition of cultural groups may still appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, claiming that ISPs are broadcasters because they do transmit content.

It was the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) that asked the Court to determine the ISP's status, as it was updating its Internet policy and looking at overlaps between the Broadcast and the Telecommunications Act.

The court's ruling does include an order for providers to report details about broadcasting activities, including content aggregation, content development and related revenues and expenditures, although ISPs that only provide access may be exempt.

NEWS AND EVENTS

OBITUARY -- MURRAY CHERCOVER

JULY 5, 2010

Murray Chercover, former President and CEO of CTV, died Saturday from complications following pneumonia. He was 80.

Chercover was born in Montreal in 1929. In 1944, at the age of 15, Chercover began the career that would take him to the presidency of Canada's first private television network with a job at radio station CFPA in Port Arthur.

Pursuing his love of theatre, Chercover spent time in Toronto before heading to New York City. There, he worked as an actor, director and producer of various theatrical productions with companies in New York, Atlantic City and Kennebunkport, Maine.

Chercover also directed his first television production -- a drama for the Louis G. Cowan agency -- before returning to Canada to join the newly-formed CBC Television in 1952. During the next eight years, his credits at the CBC included dramas for General Motors Presents, Procter & Gamble's On Camera, The Ford Motor Company's Playbill, and Space Command.

In 1960, Chercover again sought new challenges when he left CBC to join Baton Broadcasting's newly licensed private station, CFTO-TV. From his first job as Executive Producer for all production, he went on to assume the titles of Director of Programming for CFTO in 1961, and then Vice-President of Programming later the same year.

When the CTV Network was formed in 1961, he chaired its Program Committee. When the CTV affiliates acquired ownership of the Network in 1966, Murray was appointed Executive Vice President and General Manager of CTV. By 1967 he became its President and Chief Operating Officer; in 1968 he became President and Managing Director. Finally, Chercover was made President and CEO in 1986.

He retired from CTV just four years later, but continued as a special consultant to the network while also developing his own business Chercover Communications.

During his 24 years at CTV, Chercover oversaw the launch of many famous programs including W5 and morning television pioneer Canada AM.

NEWS AND EVENTS

Investigative Sports Series from TSN, Globe and Mail on TV, In Print, Online

JULY 2, 2010

In a joint venture between TSN and The Globe and Mail, sister operating divisions at CTVglobemedia, a six part multi-platform investigative series will examine the viability of a new NHL hockey franchise in Canada.

Led by veteran journalist Dave Naylor, the series, called Why Not Canada?, appears in print, on TV and online. It promises to look at new wide-ranging and in-depth socio-economic data that program producers say clearly illustrates the viability of an NHL franchise expanding or relocating in the Winnipeg, Hamilton, the Greater Toronto Area and Quebec City markets.

The multi-platform investigation includes a six-part TV series on TSN's Sportscentre beginning Monday, July 5. Daily features appear in The Globe and Mail and online at www.globeandmail.com.

TSN.ca will also post a new page dedicated to the series, with written features, extra video and in-depth statistical breakdowns for the Winnipeg, Hamilton, the Greater Toronto Area and Quebec City markets.

Naylor has spent months examining the case for an NHL franchise in four Canadian markets looking at as many angles as possible. Naylorturns to a host of leading economists, market research specialists, potential owners, competition lawyers and fans for input. Other important factors taken into consideration for each market include existing arenas, corporate presence, regional interest in hockey and demographics. Based on Naylor's research, a formula was developed based on quantitative facts that assign a grade based on the realistic viability of an NHL franchise in each of the four Canadian markets in question.

"Six of the league's 30 teams are located here, yet estimates are that more than 30 per cent of NHL revenue comes from Canada," Naylor said in a release. "Many Canadians ask themselves: if U.S. franchises are struggling, why not Canada? We will look at that question and try to separate the emotion from the facts to definitively answer if another franchise could survive in Canada."

As part of the series, Naylor sits down with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman for his opinion and reactions to the research regarding each of the potential Canadian NHL markets considered.

The TSN Why Not Canada? broadcast schedule is as follows:

Monday, July 5 - Part 1: Introduction
Tuesday, July 6 - Part 2: Winnipeg
Wednesday, July 7 - Part 3: Hamilton
Thursday, July 8 - Part 4: Greater Toronto Area
Friday, July 9 - Part 5: Quebec City
Saturday, July 10 - Part 6: Conclusions

NEWS AND EVENTS

Growing Multi-platform Media Company a 'New Independent Voice' in Canada

JULY 2, 2010

Canadian media mogul Moses Znaimer and his Zoomer-focussed media company has taken another giant step on the road to becoming a major multi-platform content company, securing its hold over significant TV, radio, Web and print properties.

ZoomerMedia has completed its take-over of Vision TV: Canada's Faith Network/ Reseau Religieux Canadien, MZ Media Inc. and its radio stations and other complementary companies.

It has some new commercial property to house its growing holdings, and ZoomerMedia closed a $17.6 million private placement with a major financiual holdings company.

"The VisionTV group of channels deliver unique and original programming to the millions of Canadians interested in spirituality, wellness and personal growth, Moses Znaimer, President and CEO of ZoomerMedia Limited, said in a release. "Joining the ZoomerMedia family of radio, magazine and Web properties devoted to the 45plus will ensure that they are able to continue fulfilling this unique mission. It will create new benefits and synergies, and will position the channels to prevail in the face of technological and regulatory change."

"Viewers 45 plus represent VisionTV's core audience, making it a natural complement to ZoomerMedia's existing media properties and opening up new opportunities for cross-platform promotion," said Bill Roberts, President and CEO of VisionTV, adding "ZoomerMedia and VisionTV share a strong commitment to diversity and high-quality Canadian content. This transaction creates an important new independent voice in Canadian broadcasting. There are almost none left."

Details of the transactions include the acquisition by ZoomerMedia of the following assets:

from VisionTV: Canada's Faith Network/Reseau Religieux Canadien, Zoomer acquired (the "Vision Assets"):

(a) the assets and undertakings of the business of VTV used exclusively and predominantly in connection with VTV's ownership and operation of the Canadian specialty television programming service known as and operating under the name "VisionTV";

(b) all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of Christian Channel Inc. ("CCI") owned by VTV, with the primary assets owned by CCI being the CRTC licenses for the television programming undertakings CHNU- TV Fraser Valley and CIIT-TV Winnipeg, also known respectively as "Joytv 10" and "Joytv 11"; and

(c) all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of Vision TV Digital Inc. ("VTVDI") owned by VTV, with the primary asset owned by VTVDI being its 47.22% ownership interest in ONE: The Body Mind and Spirit Channel Inc., being the holder of the CRTC license for an English language Category 1 specialty television service known as ONE: The Body Mind and Spirit Channel ("ONE");

and from Zoomer's President, Chief Executive Officer and majority shareholder, Moses Znaimer, Zoomer acquired (the "MZ Assets"):

(d) all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of MZMedia Inc., with the primary assets of MZMI being the CRTC licenses for the radio undertakings CFMZ-FM, The New Classical 96.3 FM and 103.1 FM and CFZM, Zoomer Radio AM740;

(e) all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of MZTV Production and Distribution Inc., with the primary assets of MZTV P&D being a television production and distribution business;

(f) all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of Zoomer Management Limited ("Zoomer2"), with the primary assets of Zoomer2 being the management services operation providing creative, production, communications and financial administration services to a variety of companies;

(g) all of the assets and undertakings of the business used exclusively and predominantly in connection with the operation of the annual Canadian conference known as and operating under the name "ideaCity"; and

(h) an office building situated on 2.6 acres of commercial property in downtown Toronto, known municipally as 64 Jefferson Avenue, Toronto Ontario.

Zoomer purchased the Vision TV Assets for an aggregate purchase price of $25 million. The purchase price was paid at closing through the payment to VTV of $14 million in cash and $11 million by way of a promissory note payable over 10 years at an interest rate of 7% per annum in blended monthly payments.

Zoomer acquired the MZ Assets for an aggregate purchase price of $30 million. The purchase price was paid at closing through the issuance to Moses Znaimer and Olympus Management Limited , a company controlled by Moses Znaimer, of 250,000,000 non-voting Series 2 Class A Preference Shares (the "Series 2 Shares"), all issued at a price of $0.10 per share, and cash consideration of $5,002,255.31. Contemporaneously, at the time of closing, OML exercised warrants to acquire 20 million common shares of Zoomer at a price of $0.10 per share (an aggregate of $2 million) and OML subscribed by way of private placement for 4,094,970 common shares of Zoomer and 5,905,030 Series 2 Shares at a price of $0.10 per share (an aggregate of $1 million).

Zoomer also completed today a private placement with Fairfax (95 Wellington Street West, Suite 800, Toronto Ontario M5J 2N7) pursuant to which Fairfax purchased 44,025,901 common shares and 131,974,099 non-voting Series 1 Class A Preference Shares (the "Series 1 Shares). All of the shares were issued by Zoomer at an issue price of $0.10 per share for an aggregate price of $17.6 million. The common shares and Series 1 Shares were acquired by Fairfax on the basis of an "accredited investor" exemption under National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus and Registration Exemptions. Fairfax acquired the common shares and Series 1 Shares for investment purposes. Fairfax continually reviews its investment alternatives and may purchase additional common shares or Series 1 Shares of Zoomer from time to time in accordance with applicable laws.

All Class A Preference Shares are non-voting and the holders of the Class A Preference Shares on any distribution of assets of Zoomer among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, shall be entitled to receive from the assets and property of Zoomer for each Class A Preference Share (with all series within the class treated equally) held by the holder $0.10 plus all declared and unpaid dividends thereon, before any amount shall be paid or any property or assets of Zoomer distributed to the holders of the common shares. The Series 1 Shares can be exchanged at the option of Fairfax or Zoomer into common shares of Zoomer at any time provided that upon such conversion Zoomer will continue to satisfy the requirements of the CRTC relating to foreign ownership. The Series 2 Shares can be exchanged at the option of Moses Znaimer, OML or Zoomer into common shares of Zoomer at any time provided that upon such conversion Zoomer will continue to satisfy the public float share distribution requirements of the TSX Venture Exchange. Each Class A Preference Share is exchangeable into 1 common share of Zoomer.

Moses Znaimer now controls 165,157,970 common shares of Zoomer, representing 66.27% of the outstanding common shares and 255,905,030 Series 2 Shares, representing 65.98% of the outstanding Class A Preference Shares. Fairfax now owns 44,025,901 common shares of Zoomer representing 17.67% of the outstanding common shares and 131,974,099 Series 1 Shares, representing 34.02% of the outstanding Class A Preference Shares.

NEWS AND EVENTS

TSN Announces Finalists for Kraft Celebration Tour

JULY 1, 2010

Kraft Canada and TSN today announced the Top 20 communities selected as finalists for the Kraft Celebration Tour. The fate of these 20 communities rests in the hands of Canadians as they vote for the 10 most-deserving tour stops to host TSN and SportsCentre this summer during 10 days of intense, head-to-head online voting from July 12 to 23. As part of the Kraft Celebration Tour, each winning community receives a $25,000 community refresh from Kraft Canada to be used for improvements to a facility in the prize-winning area.

During the voting period (July 12-23), the Top 20 communities are paired up. One pair of communities is featured per day and Canadians can vote for their favourite Kraft Celebration Tour nominations. Sportscentre on TSN and SPORTS 30 on RDS highlight the day’s featured match-up with a look at the duelling communities and their proposed community refreshes. Results of each vote are announced the following day on SPORTSCENTRE and SPORTS 30.

The Top 20 communities, along with their match-ups and scheduled voting dates, are as follows:

· Monday, July 12: Bay Roberts, NL vs. Stephenville, NL

· Tuesday, July 13: Port Dover, ON vs. Victoria Village (Toronto), ON

· Wednesday, July 14: Gagetown, NB vs. Pictou, NS

· Thursday, July 15: Pinawa, MB vs. Steinbach, MB

· Friday, July 16: Abrams Village, PE vs. Georgetown, PE

· Monday, July 19: Indian Head, SK vs. Outlook, SK

· Tuesday, July 20: Wakefield, QC vs. Beauceville, QC

· Wednesday, July 21: Fort Macleod, AB vs. Wetaskiwin, AB

· Thursday, July 22: Elmvale, ON vs. Brighton, ON

· Friday, July 23: New Westminster, BC vs. Nelson, BC

The 10 winning communities serve as a backdrop for a live broadcast of SPORTSCENTRE with hosts Darren Dutchyshen and Jennifer Hedger in Eastern Canada, and Jay Onrait and Dan O’Toole in Western Canada. In addition, SPORTS 30 featuring Chantal Machabée and Marc Labrecque joins the Kraft Celebration Tour, broadcasting live from any winning Francophone communities.

A total of 460 nominations were received for this year’s Kraft Celebration Tour, with 3,553 (and counting!) comments submitted by community members in support of their local nomination. The 20 finalist communities were selected based on their essay and photos describing how a $25,000 community refresh from Kraft Canada would make a difference in their community. In addition, the nominations had to demonstrate their community’s spirit and passion for sports and a healthy and active lifestyle.

The Kraft Celebration Tour is supported by a multi-faceted marketing campaign utilizing TSN and RDS broadcasts and platforms, as well as media platforms throughout the CTVglobemedia family. In-store displays were set up in grocery stores across Canada.

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