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With the world going to hell in an economic hand basket, it was a given that this year’s upfronts were going to be more homey affairs.

July 6, 2009

Cross-country checkup: How broadcasters are faring in three of Canada’s big markets

MONTREAL

July 6, 2009

Super Channel files for creditor protection

Humbled Super Channel has filed for creditor protection to better its chances against pay-TV leaders Movie Central and The Movie Network. ‘We want to make it clear to our customer base that Super Channel is not bankrupt or in receivership,’ Malcolm Knox, president and COO of the channel’s parent Allarco Entertainment, said in a statement to the pay channel’s 220,000 subscribers. ‘Operations continue without interruption and employees continue to work towards providing top quality service to consumers,’ he added.

July 6, 2009

Heritage dodges fee-for-carriage

A Canadian Heritage committee report on local TV has sparked controversy after it failed to take a stand on the thorniest issue in Canadian broadcasting: fee-for-carriage.

July 6, 2009

Cup ratings peak at 3.5 million

Ratings for the Stanley Cup finals slipped 7% on CBC this year, though the all-American rerun of last year’s series went out on a high note, hitting 3.5 million as the Pittsburgh Penguins made good on their comeback over the Detroit Red Wings. The numbers for game seven were the highest for an all-American final since last year’s game six, when the same teams averaged 2.7 million. (All numbers 2+.)

July 6, 2009

Anglos rally round CBC

A coalition of English-speaking arts and community groups in Quebec has joined the campaign to save the CBC launched in June by Radio-Canada’s largest union, the Syndicat des communications de Radio-Canada.

July 6, 2009