At the halfway mark of a roller-coaster TV season, Marketing takes stock of what stuck, what sucked and what to expect next.
CTV
During his opening remarks at CTV’s fall season upfront presentation last June, Bell Media president Kevin Crull read part of a letter he’d received from Ivan Fecan, the former president of CTVglobemedia Inc. who retired from the company after the CTV/Bell deal was finalized.
“I left you with the No. 1 network… don’t fuck it up.” [Full story]
CBC
A year ago CBC announced it was cutting back on glossy American programs like Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy once used to lure in big audiences, and replacing it with “homegrown stories, humour and culture.” With funding in question, its schedule is now in a holding pattern. [Full story]
Citytv
Citytv has seen its share of setbacks over the last few seasons. But 2011’s fall season lineup fared well and, according to Malcolm Dunlop, “give us a basis to continue to build our schedule upon.” [Full story]
Global
Three of the six shows Global debuted last fall have been cancelled, but Global is relying on the continuing strength of returning shows like Survivor, Hawaii Five-O, Glee and House to keep audiences tuning in. [Full story]
Save the Drama
U.S. network dramas are struggling along with the economy and TV sales. But there’s still lots to laugh about. A column by Max Valiquette. [Full story]
