Redekopp signs off

Harold Redekopp is retiring from CBC, and will step down as exec VP of television by the end of the year, ending 30 years at the network. Redekopp announced his plans during March 9 meetings with the Ceeb senior management and its board of directors, and via e-mail to CBC staffers later that same day.

He plans to start a second career, using broadcasting to promote democracy and economic strength in developing countries.

President and CEO Robert Rabinovitch applauded Redekopp’s dedication to broadcasting, noting that he will remain ‘at the helm’ of CBC TV until a replacement is found.

That’s Incredible

The Incredible Mrs. Ritchie, from Mike Frislev and Chad Oakes of Calgary-based Nomadic Pictures, has been nominated for five Daytime Emmys, including best picture and best special in the youth and family category. Stars James Cann and Gena Rowlands were also nom’d for best performer in the same category and director Paul Johansson is up for best director and best writing in a family special.

The $5.7-million feature aired on The Movie Network and Showtime in the U.S. The awards ceremony is scheduled for May 15 at Radio City Music Hall.

Union, NFB strike deal

ACTRA and the National Film Board have made a deal to increase the pay, benefits and retirement funds for 21,000 Canadian performers, according to a statement issued by the actors union. ACTRA’s voting committee unanimously approved the new three-year deal. Upon signing by both parties, performers’ minimum fees will increase 2%, 3% and 2% in each of the three years. The NFB will also up its contributions to performers’ insurance by 1% and raise the cap on its retirement fund contributions.

In a separate agreement, ACTRA has given the NFB the go-ahead to publish its full catalogue online for distribution and public viewing.

APTN teams with OMNI

OMNI Television and APTN will join forces to educate Canadians about Aboriginal Peoples and ethnocultural communities in Canada, sharing programming, staff and production efforts. According to Rogers Media, their first joint project will be to hire an independent producer for a multilingual documentary on the history of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada.

No Spain, no gain

The Canadian Film Centre raised approximately $300,000 for its advanced film, television and new media programs at Ole!, its annual gala and auction. Over 500 people attended the Spanish-themed fundraiser, held at Toronto’s Royal Ontario Museum on Feb. 21. The auction featured 10 items, including a one-week stay at a villa in Cataluna, Spain, which sold for $8,000.

Craig in space

Craig Media’s Toronto 1 and A-Channel outlets in Calgary and Manitoba are now available to Star Choice satellite subscribers under a deal announced by both broadcasters last month. The agreement stands to increase the appeal of the troubled Craig group, which went up for sale last month after failing to draw viewers or ad dollars to T1. Local programming by the three stations, plus movies and other shows, will now reach Star Choice’s 800,000 subscribers.