Canada's wireless telecommunications industry, in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and AMBER Alert agencies across the country, today introduced Wireless AMBER Alerts.

It allows customers of most Canadian wireless service providers to opt-in to receive free AMBER Alerts as text messages on their cell phones.

The new initiative ishosted and powered in-kind by Toronto-based digital media company MyThum Interactive.

Wireless AMBER Alerts add a valuable new method to assist AMBER Alert agencies in providing the public with immediate and up-to-date information about a child's abduction, and to solicit the public's help in the safe and swift return of the child.

"Canadians have been turning to their cell phones for safety and security for 25 years now," said Bernard Lord, President & CEO of the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA). "And now, if one of our most precious citizens is abducted, Wireless AMBER Alerts can put the immediate power to help in the hands of Canada's 23 million cell phone customers."

The completely free Wireless AMBER Alerts program is available to cell phone users in all 10 provinces and three territories. Alerts are available in English or French. Subscription information and sign up procedures are available online atwww.WirelessAMBER.ca or directly from a wireless device.

Participating wireless service providers at launch are: Bell, Fido, Koodo, MTS, NorthernTel, Rogers, SaskTel, Solo Mobile, Télébec, TELUS, Videotron and Virgin Mobile.

Trade organization Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) represents cellular, PCS, messaging, mobile radio, fixed wireless and mobile satellite carriers as well as companies that develop and produce products and services for the industry.

NEWS AND EVENTS

Future of TV is 3D, Canadian Pioneer Tells Banff, Cannes

MAY 25, 2010

The industry believes 3D is a slam dunk.

Broadcasters in Canada and worldwide are delivering 3D content and launching 3D channels. From the movie theatre to the iPhone and on all screens in between, 3D is seen as the future of digital media and broadcast television.

That's one reason why the Banff TV Festival is highlighting The Future of Television at this year's conference, and why it has invited Canadian 3D evangelist James Stewart to lead a keynote presentation at the international conference.

The founder of Toronto-based Geneva Film Co., Stewart's session will provide a rounded view of the 3D ecosystem and business models emerging for the industry, conference organizers describe.

(Stewart's work on another 3-D PSA, shot in Toronto, was described in a feature report in the March 2009 issue of Broadcaster Magazine. Please see http://www.broadcastermagazine.com/Issues/ISarticle.asp?aid=1000229580)

Stewart's most recent 3D work, for the U.S. telecom company Sprint, launched just last week, showing with Shrek Forever After - now called the number one film at the North American Box Office.

"3D's time has come. You see it in the blockbuster global box office success of Avatar and the 3D commercial success by major brands such as Sprint, Mazda and Vodafone. The advertising community is now ready and eager to capitalize on 3D's immersive effect," said Stewart. "But, across the creative community, we still have a lot to learn as we all tool up for 3D production."

The new theatrical spot is part of Sprint's exclusive, multi-year agreement with NCM Media Networks - a leading integrated media company reaching U.S. consumers in movie theatres, online and through mobile technology - and its founding member circuits AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings, Inc., and Regal Entertainment Group.

The new 3-D Sprint courtesy campaign, created by Goodby, Silverstein & Partners in San Francisco and placed through Mindshare in New York, will be screened in select theatres in the U.S., and shown in the prime #1 spot, immediately before the film begins, Stewart noted. A 2-D version will also run in front of all other films to ensure that the PSA campaign reaches all NCM moviegoers.

In a private screening for members of the press held at Toronto's Creative Post post-production facility, Stewart showed the spot, entitled "Reversal."

A man is seen chatting on his cell phone, but he's soon surrounded by people, objects and actions that totally distract him from his call - a high school dance number, a police car chase, and a sci-fi alien abduction.

The voice-over reminds viewers, "Movies don't interrupt you. Please, no talking or texting during the film," and ends with the "Sprint - The Now Network" tagline. The fact that the man and his cell phone are 'immersed' or 'surrounded' in the distracting 3D imagery adds credence and credibility to the message.

The 3-D elements of the PSA were produced by Geneva Film.

"This spot lent itself naturally to the immersive experience of 3-D. NCM's innovative vision coupled with Goodby's stellar creative was a symbiotic fit for Sprint's launch into 3-D. It was a winning team effort," described Stewart.

In addition to his presentation at Banff, and following a similar talk at CFPTA Prime Time, Stewart has also been selected to speak at the celebrated Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival, part of the illustrious Cannes festival later this summer.

He'll be joining a speaking roster representing creative leaders from around the globe including industry heavy-weights: Jon Landau, producer of Avatar, Director Ridley Scott, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, director Spike Jonze, and Richard Pinder, COO of Publicis Worldwide, and Goodby Silverstein founder, Jeff Goodby.

He's one of a select group that can now deliver an in-depth keynote on 3D and its breakaway success as an entertainment and commercial medium, while showing his own digital 3D content for multiple platforms.

NEWS AND EVENTS

Sportsnet, TSN2 and Setanta Reach Agreement on Barclays Season

MAY 19, 2010

Rogers Sportsnet, TSN2 and Setanta Canada have come to terms on a multi-year agreement that will give the three networks Canadian broadcast rights to exclusive England's Barclays Premier League matches over the next three seasons.

Barclays Premier League is widely regarding as one of the top soccer leagues in the world and is also one of the most-watched. Made up of 20 member clubs, the English-based league includes some of the most popular teams in the world of soccer such as Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and more.

TSN2 will feature the early Saturday morning matches, (7:30 a.m. ET) and the Monday afternoon matches, (3 p.m. ET). The remainder of the schedule will be shared between Rogers Sportsnet and Setanta Canada. Details on the Barclays Premier League broadcast schedule for the three networks will be confirmed in August.

NEWS AND EVENTS

ANWAR'S JOURNEY

Why me? Why not me?

by anwar.knight 12. May 2010 14:53

So just where does one begin when it comes to a life-changing journey like this? What do I have to say, and perhaps more realistically, who really wants to hear about it?

I guess, if nothing else, there may be one person -- just one, who may be dealing with a similar challenge in life. Maybe he or she will find comfort in knowing indeed they are not alone. Stuff like this happens every second, of every day. Yes, of course, you think ‘Why Me’? I say -- it may be more appropriate to think ‘Why not me’?

When diagnosed with cancer, any cancer, you are forever inducted into a club. Like it or not, (and who are we kidding -- no one likes it) there is a stigma with cancer. A dark cloud that only outsiders, looking in, see. As I sit on my soapbox here, let me tell you, it's not always doom and gloom.

Yes there are sad, very sad situations. People and families that endure extremely painful, traumatic conditions, illness that my diagnosis pales in comparison with. However it’s important that we also talk about the many positive outcomes: the treatments, the remissions -- and yes, the cures. People do beat cancer; it happens all the time -- they live long, redefined lives. Dare I say, even more fulfilling lives.

No, of course, you don’t wish for it ... but you deal with it. As a friend of mine, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, said, “it sucks!” She’s right -- it does suck. At that very moment you hear the word “cancer” your life, as you know it comes to a screeching stop. You make a very sharp LEFT turn, and head straight down a very winding, unfamiliar, bumpy road. Whatever you were doing is put on hold and you have a new mission in life -- to get better.

Thankfully, and I really mean that, I have been diagnosed with a subtype of Hodgkin's Lymphoma that is thought of as a research success story. Extremely gifted people, along with lots of dollars, have figured out how to treat and cure this disease. But it’s far from the only one.

I’m not kidding myself, there will be challenging days ahead. That’s pretty much expected when they drip what is the equivalent of liquid drano in your veins. However, without the bad days you’ll never be able to find and truly appreciate the good ones. I know that sounds contrived and clichéd ... but it’s something I have always believed in.

There are never ever any guarantees in life ... from here on, I will make each day count ... let the journey begin...

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. ~Winston Churchill

NEWS AND EVENTS

The F-Word Should Not Air Before 9:00 pm

MAY 13, 2010

The Canadian Broadcast Standards Council today released its decision concerning the Gordon Ramsay cooking program The F-Word broadcast on BBC Canada at 8:00 pm. The program contained numerous instances and variations of the f-word. The CBSC found that BBC Canada violated the Canadian Association of Broadcasters’ Code of Ethics for broadcasting the program unedited before the Watershed hour of 9:00 pm.

The F-Word is one of several reality/information cooking programs featuring celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, who is well-known for being aggressive and demanding in the kitchen as well as for his frequent use of profanity. Each episode of this series consisted of different food-related segments, including team cooking challenges, celebrity recipes, how-to instructions, and information on different types of food.

The CBSC received a complaint about the April 9, 2009 episode, but the complainant noted that the program was on every night. The 8:00 pm broadcast was accompanied by a viewer advisory alerting viewers to the coarse language, and the show’s 18+ rating icon. BBC Canada noted those points in its response to the complainant.

The CBSC’s National Specialty Services Panel examined the complaint under Clause 10(a) of the CAB Code of Ethics, which states that programming that contains coarse language intended exclusively for adult audiences shall not be broadcast outside of the Watershed period of 9:00 pm to 6:00 am. The CBSC has stated in numerous previous decisions that the f-word constitutes language intended for adults, so the Panel found BBC Canada in violation for airing The F-Word before the appropriate hour. The Panel explained the situation in the following terms:

It should also be noted that putting a viewer advisory on a program does not get the broadcaster “off the hook” with respect to other Code requirements, like scheduling. Fundamentally, a broadcaster that wants to air a program containing any of the words in the f-word family has two choices; namely, run the program after the Watershed, or, if before the Watershed, only after muting, bleeping or otherwise editing out the offending language. It goes without saying that just because the name of the program is The F-Word, which is not itself offensive, does not entitle a broadcaster to avoid selecting one of the two foregoing options. If using “fuck” or one of its derivatives is essential to the character of the program, as would appear to be the case in the matter at hand, the sole choice is a post-9:00 pm broadcast

NEWS AND EVENTS

CTV Announces Multi-Platform Campaign with TD Canada Trust

MAY 11, 2010

TD Canada Trust is partnering with CTVglobemedia for the largest integrated marketing campaign of its kind by a Canadian bank. A multi-platform initiative, 'Up Close & Comfortable', goes centre stage, back stage and on location featuring interviews with the creative minds behind some of CTV's Top 20 hits, all while seated in TD's comfortable green chair. Shows include CSI, Lost, American Idol, Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Flashpoint, SportsCentre, Dancing with the Stars and more across CTV, /A, TSN and BNN.

"The series of Up Close & Comfortable interviews are truly unique as television experts take time out of their production schedules and get comfortable by sharing never-before-told stories about what happens on and off the set, all while kicking back in the comfort of our TD Canada Trust Green Chair," says Dominic Mercuri, Executive Vice President, Marketing, TD Canada Trust.

The multi-platform campaign leverages a number of CTVglobemedia properties to reach consumers on a more personal level, while reinforcing the TD Canada Trust comfortable banking positioning. Though other financial institutions have leveraged product integration, TD has taken it to the next level, integrating with dozens of hit series, personalities, channels and platforms.

"This innovative program is a prime example of where advertising and media are heading. The Up Close & Comfortable campaign allows us to engage consumers through a variety of different media, in a way that embodies what banking at TD is all about - comfort," continues Mercuri. "We are proud to spearhead this innovative approach to marketing and advertising."

The Up Close & Comfortable campaign has been granted unprecedented access to top Canadian and American programs, including on-set interviews with directors, writers and other creative positions behind the scenes.

"Up Close & Comfortable is unprecedented in so many ways," said Carmen Lago, Director, Brand Partnerships, CTV Inc. "The magnitude of the access we've been granted to TV's top series is truly extraordinary, allowing us to execute not only a ground-breaking campaign for TD Canada Trust, but fascinating, behind-the-scenes content for our viewers as well."

The initiative was led by Starcom and developed together with CTVglobemedia. Up Close & Comfortable was created in-house by CTV Brand Partnerships. The television campaign is directed and produced by CTV Creative Director, Patrick McCann. Carmen Lago is Director, Brand Partnerships, CTV Inc. Mary Kreuk is Vice-President, Marketing, CTV Inc.

NEWS AND EVENTS

Supreme Court Rules Journalists Have No Blanket Rights to Protect Sources

MAY 7, 2010

The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that journalists have no blanket right to shield confidential sources.

The court ruled 8-1 against the National Post and former Post reporter Andrew McIntosh, who sought to quash a search warrant issued almost a decade ago as part of what became known as the Shawinigate affair.

In finding there is no broad protection to shield sources, the justices said claims of immunity can be argued on a case-by-case basis.

''The law should and does accept that in some situations the public interest in protecting the secret source from disclosure outweighs other competing public interests including criminal investigations,'' Justice Ian Binnie wrote on the court's behalf.

''In those circumstances, the courts will recognize an immunity against disclosure of sources to whom confidentiality has been promised.'' But in this situation, Binnie, said, the needs of a police investigation trump confidentiality.

NEWS AND EVENTS

CRTC Approves New Internet Billing Plans

MAY 6, 2010

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has approved a plan to bill Internet customers by the gigabyte.

Bell Canada and Bell Aliant can now charge both retail and wholesale customers based on how much they download each month. The CRTC also approved an additional speed option.

The CRTC is letting the service providers introduce the pricing plan to its customers, called usage-based billing, whether a customer gets Internet access from Bell or from smaller companies that get their access through Bell's lines.

Some Internet Service Providers that get wholesale services from Bell had opposed the plan, initially presented last fall, saying they could not differentiate their product offerings from Bell's under such a scheme. The CRTC noted that it also received a number of individual comments, mostly opposed to the proposal.

Usage-based billing is seen by providers like Bell as one way to control or manage demand on their networks, often caused by heavy downloading or so-called P2P traffic.

For more information, visit http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2010/2010-255.htm

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