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Kelly Townsend

Kelly Townsend is the editor at Playback, with previous experience in B2B and entertainment journalism. Before joining the Playback team in 2018, she worked in the editorial, marketing and communication departments at B2B publisher Dovetail Communications. She has a bachelor's degree in English from York University and is a graduate of Humber College’s journalism program. Her byline has appeared in IndieWire and she spent several years covering Canadian TV as associate editor of The TV Junkies.

Posts by Kelly Townsend

TIFF unveils new details for 2026 market launch

The inaugural TIFF: The Market will run from Sept. 10 to 16, 2026.

5 days ago

Corus renews Private Eyes West Coast for second season

EXCLUSIVE: The Global original spinoff series was given an early renewal ahead of its premiere next year.

1 week ago

Production Company of the Year: Shaftesbury

Chairman and president Christina Jennings discusses how Shaftesbury is finding new ways to innovate and invest in Canadian television, and shares some insight into their future plans.

1 week ago

Culture minister Steven Guilbeault resigns from cabinet

Updated: The Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture resigned in protest of the government’s new agreement with Alberta.

November 27, 2025

Crave’s Heated Rivalry hit the ice at breakneck speed

Creator and director Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady discuss how the hockey romance’s unique approach and built-in fanbase attracted executive interest.

November 27, 2025

Funders find creative solutions to support hard-hit kids’ sector

Part two of Playback’s feature on Canada’s children’s and family industry examines how the Canada Media Fund and Shaw Rocket Fund are forging ahead.

November 26, 2025

Blue Ant Media to acquire Thunderbird Entertainment

The transaction is valued at $89 million and is expected to close in Q1 2026.

November 26, 2025

OYA Black Arts Coalition names first executive director

Kadon Douglas has joined the not-for-profit charity dedicated to training and mentorship for Black creatives.

November 24, 2025

Deals: Bell Media, Shaftesbury, Sphere Abacus, Ritual

Banijay Rights sells its Ozzy Osbourne doc in Canada, Murdoch Mysteries brews up a new product partnership, and more.

November 20, 2025

CRTC’s new Cancon definition gets mixed reaction from screen sector

The Commission issued its modernized definition of Canadian content on Tuesday, following a lengthy consultation process.

November 19, 2025

CRTC updates Cancon definition with new ownership, points rules

The updated definition introduces a sliding-scale approach to evaluating copyright ownership and the use of Canadians in key roles.

November 18, 2025

CAB calls on CRTC to reduce red tape for broadcasters

The Canadian Association of Broadcasters has issued a letter to the CRTC with key recommendations to reduce administrative burden.

November 14, 2025