Wayne Bews heads to CTV Montreal

One of the really good guys on the local broadcast scene has landed on his feet.

When the Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) formally ruled in favor of Bell Media acquiring CJAD, CHOM and Virgin Radio and some French properties, it was very clear that convergence with TSN 690 was coming.  Where did that leave the very loyal Wayne Bews, who as general manager of TSN 690 played a critical role in keeping that station afloat? Sure enough, CJAD's Martin Spalding was given a high profile role as  vice-president of operations and local sales for Quebec radio for Bell Media while Chris Bury added to his programming duties as the new "go to" guy for TSN.

Bews (right) and Mitch Melnick

Well,  Bews shared the news with friends today that  after 21 years he will be leaving the radio world, but remain with Bell Media as CTV Montreal's as Retail Sales Manager. "I begin this very exciting new challenge Monday," he said.

I will miss dealing with Bews. We were in touch on a very frequent basis over the past decade, for both my Suburban duties and special programs organized for the English Montreal School Board. He was always available to talk, pick my brains and share new information. When John Bartlett was hired as the new Habs play-by-play man, he made sure that I was among the first journalists to come down and meet him.

As convergence goes, I must say I really like what I see happening - especially between CJAD, TSN 690 and CTV  Montreal. Once TSN 690 moves into the same quarters as CJAD,  I think we really see a lot of new dynamics take shape. Conor McKenna is already settling in it appears as Rick Moffat's new morning backup for sports on CJAD.  Moffat will be part of the Als This Week program on TSN. CTV Montreal's Lori Graham is doing weather on CJAD's Aaron Rand Show.

I have no doubt that Bews, in his new post, will find a way to remain connected to the wonderful little radio he helped build - the original TEAM 990 now TSN 690.


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City`s Breakfast Television makes impressive debut

City Montreal's Breakfast Television made its much anticipated debut on Monday,  August 26 and I must say it was very impressive.  Co-hosts Alexandre Despatie and Joanne Vrakas looked as if they had been on the air together forever; Laura Casella was on the  scene of a fire and reporting like a grizzled veteran; Catherine Verdon-Diamond showed all of her charisma and beauty, delivering solid weather and traffic updates; the handsome Wilder Weir was on the street, handing out gifts to viewers and interviewing the likes of Alouettes defensive star  Kyries Hebert and Patrice Bernier and Jeb Brovsky of the Montreal Impact; and Elias Makos did a series of sportscasts with Despatie and kept on top of the social media scene.  The team concluded the broadcast by accepting a large cake from the Sheraton Montreal on Boulevard René-Levesque.

Despatie and Vrakas

I must say I was surprised how much at ease Despatie was in this his first show. Yes, he has a lot of on air experience from doing interviews, serving as an analyst and acting roles, but this is different. He and Vrakas bounced off each other with ease. I particularly liked to see Vrakas  reading tweets from her Ipad and there appeared to be lots of traffic.

 

"I am delighted  by how quickly and cleanly the team came out of the gate," said  executive producer Bob Babinski. "The chemistry that was so evident in rehearsals immediately resurfaced when the clock struck 6. Alex is confident and charming. Joanne's range is ridiculous, and she's funnier than I thought. And a shout out to Catherine, who handled our one technical mistake with aplomb- underscoring how comfortable she is in this new environment."

Over at the Global  Morning News, there was a significant new development. Co-anchor Richard Dagenais wore a tie for I believe the first time since the show went on the air last January. He was rejoined at the desk by Camille Ross, who looked smashing and rested  in a red dress following a brief holiday. Noticeably absent is  weather specialist and correspondent Jessica Laventure, who returns from holiday September 3.

 

Ross, Dagenais and Laventure

My recommendation to the anglophone television viewing community is to watch both shows like I do. Give them your support. At a time when the minority Parti-Québecois government is preaching intolerance and threatening the rights of the anglophone community, we should consider ourselves lucky that not one but two national networks have decided to grace us with local morning shows. Turn the TV on at breakfast. In the case of City, you can even watch BT streamed live on your computer. Global Montreal posts highlights of its show online.

If the Global Morning News team wants to do something cool, bring Montreal favorite Leslie Roberts back to broadcast his new 30 minute (9 a.m.) morning show from his old stomping grounds. And of course, have him join Richard, Camille and Jessica for a few hours.

Everyone in the media will tell you that competition is good. That is why it will be fun to watch these two shows square off against each other.

 

City Montreal set to debut its new Breakfast Television Program

Jeffrey Feldman and Jordan Schwartz

 The folks at City Montreal unveiled their gorgeous new downtown studio today for their much anticipated Breakfast Television launch on Monday, August 26 at 6 a.m. This 2,800 square-foot studio is located in the heart of city at Rogers Media's Montreal headquarters on McGill College, with a great backdrop. PLEASE SEE MY VERY FUN VIDEO WITH THE CAST AT THE END OF THIS BLOG.

Executive Producer and Local Content Manager for Montreal Bob Babinski introduced his on-air personalities: The co-anchors are Olympic diving legend Alexandre Despatie and Joanne Vrakas; the charismatic Catherine Verdon Diamond handles weather and traffic; Laura Casella, formerly of CJAD, is the on site news reporter; Wilder Weir will be the " live eye" host, on remote each morning; and Elias Makos is the new media commentator.

Laura Casella, Alexandre Despatie and Catherine Verdon Diamond

Jordan Schwartz, vice-president of in-house productions for Rogers Media,  was in the house. He is responsible for the BT brand across Canada and was no doubt chiefly responsible for bringing in one of the most connected men in Montreal, Jeffrey Feldman, as supervising producer of the show. "Breakfast Television is already the dominant brand in morning television in Canada," Schwartz said. "Launching the Montreal edition built on this successful format will serve to enhance the Breakfast Television brand nationally."

The show will  streamed live online, a pretty impressive option for viewers and one I took advantage of for fun this morning by checking out the BT Toronto show.

Wilder Weir and Joanne Vrakas

This Montreal studio is quite extraordinary:

-A stunning video wall features nine state-of-the-art flat screen monitors to visually bring Montrealers the news. "Viewers will really notice this when Joanne goes to Laura or Wilder at a location," says Babinski. 

-Makos will control a 65 inch interactive touch-screen monitor  that will show viewers a unique perspective of what's happening around the world through social media,.

-A granite counter, with stovetop burners, hardwood flooring, on-set lighting and contemporary furniture, will highlight multiple set options for the show to feature trendsetting cooking and fashion segments, design vignettes, interviews and musical performances.

For the past week the team has been reporting for work at 4 a.m. and doing complete shows (for practice of course). Babinski said he is very pleased with what he has seen. "I think we have one of the most exciting on air teams in television," he says.

 Here is my video interview with the team.

Youthful Pierrefonds Dollard riding chief hopes Liberals can bounce back

In the last federal election, the NDP wave  scored surprising victories in many ridings across Quebec, including long time Liberal stronghold Pierrefonds-Dollard when Lysane Blanchette-Lamothe's upset veteran Liberal Bernard Patry.   With the next vote about two years away, riding associations are starting to prepare themselves.

 

Jordan Gentile

In  Pierrefonds-Dollard, the future is being entrusted in an energetic 21 year old Concordia University Political  Science student. Jordan Gentile has been on the job for a little more than a year now.  He worked on present Liberal leader Justin Trudeau’s Papineau riding election in 2011 and decided  to pursue the helm of his own local riding when their president, Jean Raymond, stepped down. As if he is not busy enough, Gentile also works as a supervisor of customer service at the head office of the Aldo Group.

Gentile told me that Pierrefonds-Dollard was one of the few ridings in the country not to be affected by redistribution. “Once all of the riding boundaries in the country are formally announced, we will go about picking our candidate,” he says. “We know it will not be easy as the NDP MP has done a lot of work in the riding.”

Who would my star Liberal candidate be? Former Lester B. Pearson School Board president Marcus Tabachnick did not dismiss the possibility when I raised it with him recently. 

Suggestions for new TSN 690 Program Director Chris Bury

Chris Bury says he is excited to get to work on his new project as program director for TSN 690 Radio, while retaining his role as brand and news director for CJAD.  I have known Chris since he was a young reseacher  for Jim Duff on CJAD. He moved on to 940 News for a number of years, then to Q92 (now The Beat)  before returning to NewsTalk 800 AM.

Having Bury oversee the programming duties at another station is a huge task, on top of his already heavy load. "It kind of makes sense as there will be a lot of synergy between the two stations," he told me. "There is a logical connection and a lot of opportunity for cross promotions. I can't wait to get going on this!"

Bury said at this point he wants to begin a discussion and evaluation process. He did not dismiss the possibility that some changes could be implemented in time for Montreal Canadiens broadcasts. TSN 690 will soon vacate their Greene Avenue facility in Westmount and join CJAD, CHOM and Virgin Radio at the corner of René-Levesque and Papineau. They are also across the street from CTV Montreal and RDS.

Bury was not ready to speculate on any potential programming changes. Well, here are some lucky guesses and suggestions.

Jess Rusnak

HABS BROADCASTS: Everyone agrees that play by play man John Bartlett and colour commentator  Sergio Mommesso are a dynamic team. But will  CJAD sports director Rick Moffat and Abe Hefter find their way back into the mix?  The pre and post game shows are definite possibilities. Jess Rusnak does a fabulous job covering the Habs and could be a valued asset for CJAD as well. Connor McKenna has also come into his own with the Delmar Post Game  Show.  UPDATE- Clearly Bury has been listening as Conor McKenna became the first TSN 690 personality to cross the floor. On Friday, August 16 he was chosen to fill in for Rick Moffat to handle morning show sportscasts with guest host Barry Morgan and he did not sound out of place. A good omen for McKenna?

Connor McKenna

MORNING SHOW: While Ted Bird clearly seems to adore his gig on TSN 690 mornings, will we see him cross the hall to CHOM FM and rejoin his pal Terry DiMonte for some sportscasts? And how about Moffat or whomever  is doing the sports on CJAD handling the same duties on TSN 690 with Shaun Starr and Elliott Price? I would love to hear Michael Farber and Dave Stubbs on both stations.

Tony Marinaro

THE MONTREAL FORUM: Tony Marinaro has a loyal following and provides good radio. If anything, Bury should strengthen his show The Montreal Forum and continue to use him on Habs broadcasts. Just look at the man`s Twitter followers! Not since the late Ted Tevan have we had a more opinionated and well liked talkshow host. Marinaro is also a walking encyclopedia on international soccer and the dad of a young boy who is already so prolific at the sport that many say he is destined for the pros.

Barry Morgan

OFF THE CUFF: Will Chris Nilan remain as co-host with Marinaro for the Intermission and host of Off The Cuff from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m or will someone like Barry Morgan or Hefter be offered that slot? Nilan is still a rookie at doing his own show and continues to approve. He also has a huge list of "A" level contacts.  Perhaps Morgan and Nilan?

MELNICK IN THE AFTERNOON: Mitch Melnick is already a legend in this city. He spent many years on CJAD. He is definitely an "untouchable." Hopefully he can access the likes of Farber, Stubbs and others.

Matthew Ross

EVENINGS: When the Habs are not on, TSN 690 airs a variety of programming weekday evenings. Bury would be well advised to take a long look at Matthew Ross and Dave Kaufman in particular, two talents who could be plucked up by the soon to debut AM 600 English station.

ALOUETTES AND IMPACT: It makes sense to move these broadcasts over to TSN 690, reverting back to CJAD in the case of  a conflict. That means the great Noel Butler could return to the Impact broadcast team.

MANAGEMENT: There must be a place for Wayne Bews, who has played a critical role in keeping Montreal's all-sports station alive. Wayne has done it all: sales, programming, promotions. He is an amazing fellow who gets out there in the community. His experience could be a benefit to the new Bell Media English radio group here.

To be continued...

A tough loss for the Als, but memorable experience for one young fan and his parents

The August 8, 2013 game at Percival Molson Stadium pitting the host Montreal Alouettes against the defending Grey Cup champion Toronto Argonauts had so many things going in its favor.

-An original forecast of rain and thundershowers turned out to be one of the nicest evenings we have seen all summer;

-Als general manager Jim Popp was the new head coach, taking over from the over matched Dan Hawkins;

-The Als did win their last  game and with a 2-3 record a win would place them in a tie with the 3-2 Argos.

Well the Als lost 38-13, falling behind   28-0 at one point. Nonetheless,   family members who saw the game with me from the 10 yard line behind the visitors bench (their first visit ever to the refurbished stadium) had only good things to say. Of course the final score was a disappointment, but there is such  a warm ambiance in this place it is fun to be there. It is fitting that just before the opening kickoff they play the song  Beautiful Day by U2. As I explained to my family, if it were not for a U2 concert at Olympic Stadium many years ago, forcing the Als to switch a game to Percival Molson, we probably would not even have a CFL team now.

Mark Weightman

The Big O  was not working for the Als, a team which had already folded once before. They were brought back to life when the Baltimore Stallions needed a new home. The U2 fix showed that a smaller stadium in the downtown area was just what they needed. After countless years with capacity crowds, the  provincial and municipal governments teamed up with Als owner Robert Wetenhall to invest nearly $30-million in the stadium on the McGill campus. This  included 19 new luxury boxes and 5,000 additional permanent seats, including an upper deck on the south side of the stadium, bringing capacity to 25,012. There is a diamond vision scoreboard, proper concession stands and bathrooms, a good sound system and plenty of in-between the whistle promotions.

Chief Operating Officer Mark Weightman is doing all of the right things, with staffers like community relations manager Denburk Reid making sure the Alouettes branding is strong year-round. Weightman is responsible for the business side of things. Popp must deal with the on field product. The season is only six games old; there are 12 regular season matches to go. Give Popp some time and the Als will be back in the playoffs.

Bernie Lebovits, Natalie Castiel, Daniel Lebovits and Charles-André  Marchand.

When I visited the Als press box at half time, the happiest people in the stadium were probably the father and son team of Bernie and Daniel Lebovits. At the Cummings Centre for Seniors Foundation Sports Celebrity Breakfast last April, Bernie outbid everyone in the room for a chance to sit in the French language radio broadcast booth of 98.5 FM with Charles-André Marchand and Bruno Heppell for a  regular season game.  This was the game. Bernie's wife and Daniel's mom Natalie took in the experience as well. Daniel, wearing a set of earphones and wearing the shirt of his favorite Al ever - the now retired Etienne Boulay - was leaning over the ledge of the broadcast booth breathing in the entire experience.

"Even though the Als lost, Daniel, Nat and myself had a great time being in the booth of 98.5," Bernie told me after the game. "Our wonderful hosts Charles-André Marchand and former Al  Bruno Heppell made it a night to remember. Seeing how a game is called, was thrilling. Along the way, we also met former Al, Anwar Stewart and Danny Deriveaux. These are memories that Daniel will remember for a long time. Most importantly, the donation we made to enjoy this football evening went to help the seniors at the Cummings Centre."

Don't despair Als fans! Suport your team and win or lose you will enjoy the experience of attending a home game.

Auditions set for WISTA's How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

WISTA, the West Island Student Theatre Association, is a non-profit organization founded in December 2006 as a way to allow post-secondary students to interact and perform in the wonderful world of musical theatre. I have seen them in action and this is one well oiled machine.

Well it is already that time of year again! Auditions for the first of the upcoming season's two musicals, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, slated for an opening night in January 2014, are happening. Originally appearing as a movie, it has been revived twice since then as a Broadway musical featuring Matthew Broderick and Daniel Radcliffe as the leading man. WISTA is now looking for the cast of business go-getters to support their  leading man.

Individual auditions are going to be held over two days, August 4 and 11 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Church of the Resurrection (99 Mount Pleasant) in  Pointe-Claire.  Call-backs will take place on August 18 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the same location.

To book your audition, e-mail info@WISTA.ca. Upon receipt of your request they will be in touch to give you the exact time of your individualized audition time.

This is a non-Equity and non-paying production. You must be a student enrolled in a post-secondary institution and be between the ages of 17 to 29. Here is a clip from the Broadway show.