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 Entertainment acquires raft of titles from ITV Studios

More than 80 hours of programming has been picked up for Slice, Home Network and Flavour Network.

Serial Maven Studios hires Fleur Wheatley in U.K. expansion

The former Keshet International executive will represent sales in several European regions.

Netflix Canada appoints Lindsay Doyle as public policy lead

EXCLUSIVE: Doyle most recently served as head of government affairs and public policy for YouTube in Canada.

Eight unions, guilds form FAIR coalition on industry policy

The group has called on Telefilm to amend its Production Program guidelines to require eligible companies to be in good standing with unions and guilds.

Screen sector continues push for increased CMF funding

A letter from six senior industry members is calling for permanent increases to CMF’s allocation in the Fall Economic Statement.

Beth Iley joins Lark Productions in international development role

The former Amazon MGM Studios exec joins Lark as VP, international series development.

DGC BC ratifies agreement with CMPA-BC, AMPTP

The amended collective agreement includes three-year wage increases and goes into effect on April 6, 2025.

CRTC launches consultations on Canadian programming

The long-awaited consultations on the definition of Canadian content have opened, along with questions of CPE and PNI requirements and the use of AI.

The Next Step hits 250-episode milestone with season 10

The Boat Rocker-produced series has been picked up for a 10th season by CBBC and BBC iPlayer.

Blue Fox’s Canadian division to acquire Unobstructed View

The deal expands Blue Fox’s North American footprint and was announced at AFM last week.

Government orders TikTok to dissolve Canadian operations

A spokesperson for TikTok said it will challenge the order in court.

Inaugural Pink Awards pay it forward with charitable format

The new awards program recognizing Canadian 2SLGBTQIA+ media figures has also tapped queer creatives for a content series.