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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

Corus, Bell Media execs reflect on fallout from specialty shakeup

Year in review: Playback examines some of the most significant moments of 2024, starting with the content and licensing disruptions at the broadcasters.

January 7, 2025

ACTRA sets tentative deal with Canadian producers for IPA

A member ratification vote for the renewed agreement will take place from Jan. 15 to 21, according to ACTRA National.

January 6, 2025

Rogers, Corus in dispute over channel packaging, realignment

Rogers has filed to appeal a decision from the CRTC to prevent it from moving Corus channels Home and Flavour.

December 20, 2024

Deal of the Year 2024: Lionsgate and Entertainment One

Lionsgate’s Kevin Beggs and Jocelyn Hamilton unpack how the US$375 million acquisition has been a boon for the larger studio and its newly minted Canadian division.

December 19, 2024

Bell Media, Lionsgate developing series with Point Grey Pictures

The scripted series is part of a first-look television deal between Lionsgate and Point Grey, founded by Vancouver’s Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg.

December 18, 2024

TV Directors of the Year 2024: Tanya Talaga, Courtney Montour

The duo discuss the process of bringing Talaga’s bestselling book The Knowing to the screen.

December 18, 2024

U.S. streamers can appeal base contributions decision, says court

The Federal Court of Appeal granted appeals from MPA-Canada, Apple, Amazon and Spotify.

December 18, 2024

Catherine Tait on industry ‘in crisis,’ her CBC/Radio-Canada legacy

The outgoing CBC/Radio-Canada president and CEO reflects on her time at the head of the pubcaster and the state of the screen sector.

December 17, 2024

No additional funds for screen sector in fall fiscal update

Film and TV stakeholders had urged the government to commit to permanent budget increases for Telefilm and the Canada Media Fund in the Fall Economic Statement.

December 17, 2024

BANFF adds three execs to board of directors, names new vice chair

The new additions to the board come from Fifth Season, YouTube and Banijay Rights.

December 16, 2024

Several Canadian series pick up Children’s & Family Emmy nods

Malory Towers, Hilda and Jane are among a number of titles to earn multiple nominations.

December 13, 2024

Cameron Bailey looks ahead to TIFF’s 50th anniversary

The Toronto International Film Festival CEO says the 50th edition will also be a chance to look forward to its 2026 content market launch.

December 10, 2024