The Southern Ontario/WNY Radio-TV Forum » Big Bell Bloodbath Hits Properties In Toronto

paterson1 · February 15, 2021 11:31 pm

Chris Potter and Bill Coulter are both meteorologists and the always pleasant Patricia Jaggernauth is a weather specialist.

I find CTV somewhat unbalanced with weather. Your Morning's Kelsey McEwen is also a meteorologist but I find this program focuses too much on weather, even when not much is going on. Kelsey in my opinion gets into great detail about weather systems out west or how much rain Buchans Newfoundland is going to get.

I was up at 6:30 this morning and Kelsey went on and on about what was happening in BC and Alberta. Doesn't anyone on this show realize that it was 4:30am in Alberta and 3:30am in BC? Nobody is watching out west at that time on CTV News Channel and on a holiday Monday, even less! Besides all of the larger CTV stations out west have their own local morning shows. CTV Atlantic also has a separate morning news show.

Kelsey did the forecast for Ontario last of course so we had to hear all about the weather in every other part of the country first, and in great detail. At 6:30am I would wager 90% of the audience was from Ontario so why not give our weather more prominence.

PwrSurge · February 15, 2021 11:34 pm

Radiowiz wrote:
Broodcaster wrote:
Anyone know of a good alternative to Bell TV?

Sadly, no. Bell TV is the only choice you have, unless you want Rogers Ignite TV.

You can go the IPTV route, but if you do that, you're still giving money to Bell or Rogers for good quality internet.
THAT
Or the internet you choose is most likely renting lines from Bell or Rogers anyway. (something like that...)

There are options available for TV service other than Bell which are IP based. Keep in mind that Canadian regulations require licensed TV providers to operate on a closed network so in most cases, you will need to switch your Internet to the same provider as well as they can only use a DSL or Cable Internet connection to deliver service.

However, there are a few providers such as SkyChoice who operate their own private wireless and/or fiber networks in certain areas which enables TV to be provided without having to use a big telecom conglomerate's line or being forced to get Internet as well but having both TV and Internet will get you the best deal. You can take a look at their packages and browse the channel lineup on their website.

One of the nice things with SkyTV is that it offers lots of radio stations across Canada including almost all of the GTA ones, something most of the other smaller providers don't even offer.

Last edited by PwrSurge (February 15, 2021 11:59 pm)

RadioActive · February 16, 2021 12:48 am

RadioActive wrote:
We're about to get one of the worst snow weeks in Toronto in years, with two huge storms, and CFTO not only doesn't have a meteorologist on staff, they barely have a weatherperson. It's not going to be enough to have Lyndsay Morrison on tape at night, when 30cm of snow (estimated) falls by or around Thursday night into Friday morning.

I watched Saron Fanel try to do the weather on Sunday's 6 and it wasn't pretty. While she seems to be OK on air, she clearly wasn't familiar with the map, called for a Toronto temperature that wasn't shown and had to backtrack, and breezed by the long range forecast, with Thursday and Friday's major dumping barely being mentioned. Kind of important to know.

Bell did not do themselves any favours by cutting CTV's senior weather people in the middle of February, arguably the worst winter month of the year. I'll be watching either Global's Anthony Farnell or City's Adam Stiles - both bona fide meteorologists - for the updates I need as winter's worst approaches.

Well, I guess I got my answer. They actually had Lyndsay Morrison live on their 11:30 show Monday night. That means she did the noon, the 6 and the late cast, equalling more than a 12 hour day. And with this big a storm, she presumably has to be back for the noon show Tuesday.

That is one very, very long shift, which she may have to repeat on Thursday, when the next huge storm moves in.

I think Bell has really left themselves short staffed in one of the key areas for audience interest. You can't fire everyone when you're doing 7 days a week/365 a year and you have Toronto winters.

RadioActive · February 16, 2021 9:52 am

Heard on CFRB's Roundtable at 7:45 AM: Robert Benzie of the Toronto Star was talking about a colleague's piece on teachers who were let go for sexual improprieties with students:

"It's hard to fire someone."

Apparently, Bell wasn't having any trouble this month.

DeepTracks · February 16, 2021 10:54 am

PwrSurge wrote:
Radiowiz wrote:
Broodcaster wrote:
Anyone know of a good alternative to Bell TV?

Sadly, no. Bell TV is the only choice you have, unless you want Rogers Ignite TV.

You can go the IPTV route, but if you do that, you're still giving money to Bell or Rogers for good quality internet.
THAT
Or the internet you choose is most likely renting lines from Bell or Rogers anyway. (something like that...)

There are options available for TV service other than Bell which are IP based. Keep in mind that Canadian regulations require licensed TV providers to operate on a closed network so in most cases, you will need to switch your Internet to the same provider as well as they can only use a DSL or Cable Internet connection to deliver service.

However, there are a few providers such as SkyChoice who operate their own private wireless and/or fiber networks in certain areas which enables TV to be provided without having to use a big telecom conglomerate's line or being forced to get Internet as well but having both TV and Internet will get you the best deal. You can take a look at their packages and browse the channel lineup on their website.

One of the nice things with SkyTV is that it offers lots of radio stations across Canada including almost all of the GTA ones, something most of the other smaller providers don't even offer.

Is anyone else receiving a "403 Forbidden" notice when clicking on the Skychoice.ca links provided? I have tried all my browsers and checked my current IP to be correct (and not via a VPN).

RadioActive · February 16, 2021 11:04 am

I got right through with no problem. I'm not sure but perhaps if you clear your cache in your browser that sometimes helps.

DeepTracks · February 16, 2021 12:17 pm

RadioActive wrote:
I got right through with no problem. I'm not sure but perhaps if you clear your cache in your browser that sometimes helps.

It's not my intent to hijack this thread but just wanted to follow-up;

Thanks 'Radioactive' - tried that using CCleaner (which I use on a regular basis) to no avail. I clicked on the closed padlock symbol that comes up and it basically says the site is insecure. None of my desktop browsers work.

I did manage to view the site's offerings using my Android phone and saw that their cheapest service is the same as what we currently subscribe to as provided by VMedia - and we've been using them for 3 years now. We have 6 (really 4) DOWN and 0.8 (really 0.5) UP, on a dry DSL loop. We can stream Netflix, Prime, and YouTube without issue at less at ~ 4.2 so why pay for more?

Now- back to the original subject.....

Radiowiz · February 16, 2021 12:40 pm

DeepTracks wrote:
RadioActive wrote:
I got right through with no problem. I'm not sure but perhaps if you clear your cache in your browser that sometimes helps.
It's not my intent to hijack this thread but just wanted to follow-up;

Thanks 'Radioactive' - tried that using CCleaner (which I use on a regular basis) to no avail. I clicked on the closed padlock symbol that comes up and it basically says the site is insecure. None of my desktop browsers work.

I did manage to view the site's offerings using my Android phone and saw that their cheapest service is the same as what we currently subscribe to as provided by VMedia - and we've been using them for 3 years now. We have 6 (really 4) DOWN and 0.8 (really 0.5) UP, on a dry DSL loop. We can stream Netflix, Prime, and YouTube without issue at less at ~ 4.2 so why pay for more?

Now- back to the original subject.....

Try google incognito mode. See if that changes anything. (sometimes it does)

Radiowiz · February 16, 2021 1:12 pm

Bentwater wrote:
CFTO News is being driven into irrelevancy. Delivery and presentation was so poor I was forced to change stations. Never had I left their newscasts for those reasons.

Les Nessman's newsroom complete with masking tape on the floor will look like an anachronism.

Not only are they reducing costs they are likely eroding their AMAs and making it more difficult to sell airtime. This creates another opportunity or reason to reduce the number of local television sales reps.

The Toronto noon news is very good. Well done. You wouldn't even know cuts were made.
(assuming nobody cares who does weather...same lady all the time day and night...)

PwrSurge · February 16, 2021 1:22 pm

DeepTracks wrote:
Is anyone else receiving a "403 Forbidden" notice when clicking on the Skychoice.ca links provided? I have tried all my browsers and checked my current IP to be correct (and not via a VPN).

No issues here using the latest versions of either Firefox or Chrome. If you already cleared both your cache and cookies, you could try using a different browser to see if it makes a difference.

You could also try to browse your way in from the main page of their website at https://www.skychoice.ca

Norman peters · February 16, 2021 1:41 pm

I had no issue accessing the main page of the site with Firefox using the link provided above. Looked at the Micro package. Fairly good selection of channels, plus many radio stations. Found it odd that the Knowledge Channel was listed twice.

RadioActive · February 16, 2021 4:53 pm

From the Toronto Star, this paragraph stands out for me:

"It’s possible we could see Bell or Rogers make a play to acquire Corus, an outcome that might have been called outrageous half a decade ago. Failing a tie-up, one of the telecoms could spin out their media assets or find a private equity buyer."

Now there's a frightening thought..

Are the cuts at Bell Media the beginning of the end for Canadian broadcasting?

MJ Vancouver · February 16, 2021 5:56 pm

RadioActive wrote:
From the Toronto Star, this paragraph stands out for me:

"It’s possible we could see Bell or Rogers make a play to acquire Corus, an outcome that might have been called outrageous half a decade ago. Failing a tie-up, one of the telecoms could spin out their media assets or find a private equity buyer."

Now there's a frightening thought..

Are the cuts at Bell Media the beginning of the end for Canadian broadcasting?

I jokingly predicted back when the CHUM-CTV deal happened in 2007 that CTV and Global would come under common ownership in the 2020s.

Perhaps I may not have been far off.

The million dollar question is whether the CRTC would allow such a thing. There seems to be less appetite for enforcing ownership limits here than in the US; I could see the CRTC allowing a Bell-Corus merger before I could see the FCC allowing NBCUniversal to buy the CBS O&O stations.

Last edited by MJ Vancouver (February 16, 2021 5:57 pm)

paterson1 · February 16, 2021 6:07 pm

There is a possibility, and Corus has been pushing for this, that the government may loosen up foreign ownership restrictions. So it may not be unthinkable that Corus or parts of it may become US owned or a part of it will. The government no doubt will put some conditions or require commitments from the new owners.

The CW network which is owned by CBS has just purchased a chunk of lifestyle programming from Corus Studios. Second tier networks like CW and ION, Hulu and others have always programmed a lot of cancon in their schedules and continue to program more even prior to COVID. So the hesitation of US networks running a Canadian show which is set in Canada is pretty much gone. All of the major networks have all run cancon series in prime time set in Canada to various degrees of success. CBS even has their own studios located in Mississauga because they couldn't find anymore to rent in Toronto.

The announcement last week that Netflix is opening a Canadian office here or in Vancouver could mean that some agreement with the federal government is coming soon. Netflix has spent 4 times what they committed to spending in Canada on productions. The company has also agreed to long term arrangements for studio space in Toronto and Vancouver. So in other words they are here to stay in terms of production. And yes that includes Canadian stories as well as all the international stuff produced.

So it could be that more consolidation is coming but that will likely be balanced with some loosening of foreign ownership restrictions. Canada could continue to benefit greatly since US conglomerates are going through the same thing as Bell, Rogers, Corus etc. And they have all been cutting and slashing over the past five years or more. Fortunately we have a low dollar, tax incentives, excellent crews, and supposedly the unions are more flexible here than in California. So more and larger TV and movie projects have been coming and it seems like US based production companies are looking to set up shop here as well if they haven't already.

Radiowiz · February 16, 2021 6:31 pm

RadioActive wrote:
From the Toronto Star, this paragraph stands out for me:

"It’s possible we could see Bell or Rogers make a play to acquire Corus, an outcome that might have been called outrageous half a decade ago. Failing a tie-up, one of the telecoms could spin out their media assets or find a private equity buyer."

Now there's a frightening thought..

Are the cuts at Bell Media the beginning of the end for Canadian broadcasting?

The laws only prevent Bell from owning both CTV and Global. No law in place to prevent a snatch up of any other channels. I bet Bell would love to shut down (or change format of) Gusto and proudly own Food network, or maybe there could be other Corus owned stations Bell would love to do something with.
Bell could easily sell Global to Rogers, allowing Rogers to sell City to someone else.
Rogers would LOVE to have Global as it covers better ground than City TV, allowing Canadian sports to have a better stronger Canada wide home.
(ie when too many sports happen at one time to only cover on Sportsnet)

RadioActive · February 16, 2021 6:36 pm

MJ Vancouver wrote:
RadioActive wrote:
From the Toronto Star, this paragraph stands out for me:

"It’s possible we could see Bell or Rogers make a play to acquire Corus, an outcome that might have been called outrageous half a decade ago. Failing a tie-up, one of the telecoms could spin out their media assets or find a private equity buyer."

Now there's a frightening thought..

Are the cuts at Bell Media the beginning of the end for Canadian broadcasting?
I jokingly predicted back when the CHUM-CTV deal happened in 2007 that CTV and Global would come under common ownership in the 2020s.

Perhaps I may not have been far off.

The million dollar question is whether the CRTC would allow such a thing. There seems to be less appetite for enforcing ownership limits here than in the US; I could see the CRTC allowing a Bell-Corus merger before I could see the FCC allowing NBCUniversal to buy the CBS O&O stations.

Anything's possible. But I can't help but think back to that 2007 date you cite when the CRTC forced Bell to divest itself of City TV - which went to Rogers - after the CHUM purchase. The reason: it would give one company too many outlets in one market.

Imagine then if Bell owned both CTV and Corus, giving them control of multiple over-the-air stations around the country. Could it happen? I suppose the Commission could change its collective mind about concentration of ownership, but it would certainly give Bell even more control over the free airwaves. I would hope the solons in Hull would never give permission for that. But stranger things have happened.

Still, as Radiowiz suggests, perhaps it's the Corus cable properties Bell would be interested in. In which case, that might open up new possibilities for a takeover.

ED1 · February 16, 2021 7:23 pm

At this point, I would rather see the likes of Bell, Corus, and Rogers Media be gobbled up by the big American media companies (Disney, Comcast, ViacomCBS, etc).

paterson1 · February 16, 2021 10:00 pm

ED1 wrote:
At this point, I would rather see the likes of Bell, Corus, and Rogers Media be gobbled up by the big American media companies (Disney, Comcast, ViacomCBS, etc).

This is what I'm saying, there also is a possibility that the foreign ownerships rules will be loosened up. And you may see eventually expanded ownership or partnership from US or other foreign companies here.

However it likely won't be Comcast or Disney just coming in and gobbling them up, since there will be conditions and requirements, and it would need to be approved. Nobody can just come in and snatch up anything whether it's Bell or ViacomCBS. Will the US and possibly other foreign companies go along with this? Looks like they may.

There has been a huge difference with Netflix, who not that long ago wouldn't even acknowledge the CRTC, claiming that they and the government had no authority interfering with their business even in Canada. Now they are much more open to working with government and have shown flexibility and willingness to work out an arrangement. Netflix has also been following this plan with other jurisdictions overseas. And when the CEO of the company goes on record as saying that they are here for the long haul and the commitments made are just the first big step. Well, I guess we will see. Talk is cheap... but can also be expensive when dealing with governments!

On the other side of the coin, would any of our large conglomerates, even beyond the obvious big three, be looking to get into the US market? Would the FCC or Biden government allow and approve this? There is a lot of distressed American radio and TV stations right now, that would sell cheap. Even some smaller regional networks. US media is not the wide open free enterprise "anything goes" system that some on here think it is. They have some very strict rules as well. And the US government can be uber protectionist, even with their friends. Maybe there have been side discussions of this changing and loosening up a few rules of their own?

Radiowiz · February 16, 2021 10:29 pm

The last thing we need is for Netflix to buy Global. All that will do is start a program on Global and tell people that to see the rest of it, you have to order Netflix...

RadioAaron · February 16, 2021 10:51 pm

Radiowiz wrote:
The last thing we need is for Netflix to buy Global. All that will do is start a program on Global and tell people that to see the rest of it, you have to order Netflix...

I mean...that's not the worst idea. Ad-supported Netflix Lite, in essence. First hit's free.

gloryosky · February 17, 2021 12:42 am

A problem I have with Canadian television at this point is the legacy brands are the stick, while the content agreement deals are the carrot. Maybe some of the more established brands make the cut in the future, but if Corus merges with Rogers or Bell it's more for OTA reach and existing content agreements, and less for actual brand value. Bell had no problem cannibalizing The Movie Network to bolster Crave. Rogers has the advantage of not having many existing TV brands, but it prioritizes Sportsnet over everything else. If foreign studio interests come into the picture, it makes more sense to establish production facilities first - as ViacomCBS does in Mississauga - then go for the company it has the strongest content agreements with.

There's also ATSC 3.0 to consider. If Bell, Rogers, and/or Corus sees an advantage to OTA-based subscription services, those companies could feasibly pare things down to "core" brands and go from there. That's at least a tangible investment, rather than reducing local spending and stapling the "evolving business model" line without actually doing anything.

Last edited by gloryosky (February 17, 2021 12:58 am)

RadioActive · February 17, 2021 11:24 am

It seems Bell can't help but ruin the spirit of almost anything it gets its greedy corporate clutches on. In an interview in NOW Magazine, a former on-air personality talks about coming to what was then Flow93.5, the Black-run radio station in the city, pitched as a Toronto version of the legendary WBLK-FM in Buffalo.

But she describes the Bell take over of the place shortly after her arrival as a "massacre."

First, there was the layoffs, and then the shifts in how to pitch Toronto’s dominant hip-hop, R&B and soca-focused station in a way that could make more money.

Some things, it appears, never change.

Revisiting Black radio in Toronto with Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe