13 Essential Media, Publishing and Broadcasting Stories for Industry Leaders

Media monitoring delivers the most consequential news on media, publishing and broadcasting from Canada's print landscape today. According to Press Monitor's tracking of Canadian publications, this press review combines print media monitoring and media intelligence for industry leaders. Here are 13 essential stories.

1. Rogers NHL Deal Reshapes Sportsnet's Broadcast Lineup

The Globe And Mail reports that Sportsnet has made changes to its broadcast lineup, including a deal to sublicense French-language rights for the 12-year term of the NHL deal to Quebecor's TVA Sports service. Other changes include analyst Jennifer Botterill possibly moving from Saturday nights to Monday, while Scott Oake retired and Kelly Hrudey's contract was not renewed. Hockey Night in Punjabi on OMNI ended, moving all hockey broadcasts behind the Sportsnet paywall, with CBC and CityTV no longer airing NHL games. Rogers Communications is overhauling its NHL coverage under the most expensive sports rights deal in Canadian broadcast history. Key analysts face uncertain futures as the network restructures for the new 12-year, $11-billion contract. French-language rights shift to TVA Sports, Hockey Night in Punjabi ends on OMNI, and all NHL games move behind the Sportsnet paywall. Why it matters: This restructuring redefines how millions of Canadian hockey fans access their sport. Key detail: CBC and CityTV will no longer air NHL games. Source: The Globe and Mail. Next step: Monitor which analysts sign new deals and how viewership shifts to the paywall.

2. North of North Season 2 Premieres with Nine Canadian Screen Awards

Calgary Herald reports that the Canadian television series North of North, which won nine Canadian Screen Awards in its first season, premieres its second season on September 8 in Canada on CBC, CBC Gem, and APTN. The series, created by Stacey Aglok MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril, centres on newly single mom Siaja, played by Inuk actress Anna Lambe, and highlights Inuit culture and language in the fictional Arctic community of Ice Cove. Lambe also stars in upcoming films Heart of the Beast with Brad Pitt and The Social Reckoning starring Jeremy Allen White. The acclaimed series created by Inuit women Stacey Aglok MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril returns September 8 on CBC, CBC Gem, and APTN. Anna Lambe's performance earned best comedic lead, and the show is heading to Netflix globally. Why it matters: Indigenous-led storytelling is reaching new audiences and setting a benchmark for Canadian content. Key detail: Lambe also stars in Heart of the Beast with Brad Pitt. Source: Calgary Herald. Next step: Track streaming numbers on APTN+ and Netflix following the global launch.

3. Perry Rosemond Dies at 87

The Globe And Mail (ottawa/quebec Edition) reports that Perry Rosemond died in Toronto on August 20 at age 87. A pioneering Canadian television producer, Rosemond worked on hit series like King of Kensington and Royal Canadian Air Farce while mentoring comedy legends including Martin Short and Mike Myers. Born in Winnipeg in 1936, he dropped out of law school to pursue acting and became a central figure in Canadian broadcasting, earning the Order of Canada in 2003. The pioneering Canadian television producer behind King of Kensington and Royal Canadian Air Farce passed away in Toronto at age 87. Rosemond mentored comedy legends Martin Short and Mike Myers and earned the Order of Canada in 2003. Why it matters: A foundational figure in Canadian broadcasting leaves behind an enormous legacy. Key detail: Born in Winnipeg in 1936, he dropped out of law school to pursue acting. Source: The Globe and Mail. Next step: Tributes and retrospectives expected across Canadian media this week.

4. Maria Bartiromo Fired From Fox News

Toronto Sun reports that Maria Bartiromo was released from Fox News employment on Thursday after more than twelve years of service. The long-serving anchor, known for pioneering daily live broadcasts from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, joined the network in twenty fourteen following a twenty-year career at CNBC. President Donald Trump publicly praised the development, describing her as a total professional and a true warrior. After more than twelve years at Fox News, anchor Maria Bartiromo was dismissed in a business decision. Known for pioneering live broadcasts from the NYSE floor, she joined Fox in 2026 following a twenty-year career at CNBC. President Trump praised her as a total professional and a true warrior. Why it matters: The departure signals continued turbulence in cable news anchoring. Key detail: Her morning show transitions to rotating anchors starting Friday. Source: Toronto Sun. Next step: Watch for her next media platform and whether Trump comments influence hiring.

5. Friedman Nearing Sportsnet Return

Ottawa Sun reports that Elliotte Friedman is nearing a return to Sportsnet as the network's lead hockey insider, but Rogers reportedly doesn't want him working on Amazon Prime's midweek NHL games. The telecommunications giant is preparing for a new twelve-year, eleven billion Canadian dollar contract with the NHL, while negotiations with Friedman and former NHLer Kevin Bieksa have caused industry concern about potential cost-cutting and diminished product quality. Elliotte Friedman is close to returning to Sportsnet as lead hockey insider, though Rogers reportedly opposes his involvement in Amazon Prime's midweek NHL games. Negotiations with Friedman and Kevin Bieksa have raised industry concern about cost-cutting and diminished product quality. Why it matters: The outcome will determine the quality of Sportsnet's NHL coverage for years to come. Key detail: Ron MacLean signed a one-year deal and the Cuthbert-Simpson tandem signed a two-year deal. Source: Ottawa Sun. Next step: Watch for contract announcements in the coming days.

6. Radio-Canada Workers Get 14.5% Raise

Le Journal de Montreal reports that Radio-Canada and the CBC are set to grant a 14.5% salary increase to their unionized employees following a tentative agreement signed Thursday night. Union president Lise Millette will recommend the deal to members, which includes hikes of 6% in 2026, 3% in 2027, 3% in 2028, and 2.5% in 2029. Radio-Canada and CBC have reached a tentative agreement granting unionized employees a 14.5% salary increase. Union president Lise Millette will recommend the deal, with raises of 6% in 2026, 3% in 2027, 3% in 2028, and 2.5% in 2029. Why it matters: The agreement averts a strike that threatened to disrupt a leaders' debate. Key detail: The deal was signed overnight Thursday to Friday. Source: Le Journal de Montreal. Next step: Union members vote on the agreement in the coming weeks.

7. Curling Group Secures Sportsnet and CBC Deals

The Hamilton Spectator reports that Sportsnet and the CBC have agreed to five-year broadcasting deals for the Grand Slam of Curling. Sportsnet will televise three Grand Slam draws daily, while the CBC will stream round-robin morning games and tiebreakers. ESPN has also inked a three-year deal in the United States, putting more pressure on The Curling Group. Sportsnet and CBC have agreed to five-year broadcasting deals for the Grand Slam of Curling. Sportsnet will televise three draws daily while CBC streams round-robin morning games. ESPN also inked a three-year U.S. deal, putting more pressure on The Curling Group. Why it matters: Curling's broadcast landscape is expanding across platforms and borders. Key detail: The Grand Slam opener is in Victoria next month. Source: The Hamilton Spectator. Next step: Monitor viewership on CBC Gem for round-robin coverage.

8. Gloria Steinem, Feminist Icon, Dies at 92

The Standard reports that Gloria Steinem, the celebrated author and activist who became the most visible symbol of the US women's movement, has died at her home in New York City at age 92. She had been in declining health and recently completed a memoir. Steinem, a co-founder of Ms Magazine, was a hugely recognizable presence who spent much of her life speaking at college campuses, rallies, and marches. Gloria Steinem, the celebrated author and activist who became the most visible symbol of the US women's movement, has died at her home in New York City at age 92. A co-founder of Ms Magazine, she spent decades speaking at campuses, rallies, and marches. Why it matters: The loss of a defining voice in gender equality resonates across media and advocacy communities. Key detail: She had recently completed a memoir. Source: The Standard. Next step: Expect widespread tributes and legacy coverage in media outlets.

9. Curling Canada's Quadrennial Season Begins

The Hamilton Spectator reports that a curling season unlike any before is underway as the sport's top teams prepare for the Grand Slam opener in Victoria next month. Curling Canada high-performance executive director David Murdoch says this is Year 1 of a quadrennial cycle with a compact two-month schedule for the five Grand Slam events this fall. A new five-year broadcasting deal with the CBC will air Saturday playoff games on the main network and CBC Gem alongside Season 2 of the Rock League. Curling Canada has launched a compact quadrennial cycle with five Grand Slam events this fall. High-performance executive director David Murdoch says the new two-month schedule marks Year 1 of the cycle, with CBC airing Saturday playoff games alongside Season 2 of the Rock League. Why it matters: The restructured season reflects curling's evolving competitive calendar and broadcast strategy. Key detail: This is the first quadrennial season with a compressed schedule. Source: The Hamilton Spectator. Next step: Watch for how the new format affects sponsorship and viewership.

10. The Globe And Mail's Weekend TV Picks

The Globe And Mail reports that Amber Dowling's weekend entertainment picks include Marble Hall Murders, a cozy murder mystery series on PBS and Prime Video starring Lesley Manville, and The Gentlemen Season 2 on Netflix, which continues the story of Eddie Horniman, played by Theo James. Other highlights on the list include The Rebuild: Inside the Montreal Canadiens docuseries streaming on Crave, offering insider access to the 2025-26 season, The F Ward medical drama on CBC Gem, and a marathon of the classic sitcom Family Matters now available on Paramount. Amber Dowling's weekend picks include Marble Hall Murders on PBS and Prime Video, The Gentlemen Season 2 on Netflix, The Rebuild docuseries on Crave, The F Ward on CBC Gem, and a Family Matters marathon on Paramount. Why it matters: Streaming platforms continue to dominate weekend viewing choices for Canadian audiences. Key detail: The Rebuild offers insider access to the Montreal Canadiens 2025-26 season. Source: The Globe and Mail. Next step: Check streaming availability on your platform of choice.

11. Jared Bland Publishes Two Books Under Different Names

The Hamilton Spectator reports that Jared Bland, a former editor and publisher at McClelland & Stewart and the Globe and Mail, has written two books set for release within a year. His literary novel "The Harmony" is scheduled for August 2027, while his debut crime novel "Lower City" is now available under the pseudonym Alex Spring through Random House Canada. Former McClelland & Stewart editor Jared Bland has two books releasing within a year: the literary novel The Harmony in August 2027 and the crime novel Lower City now available under the pseudonym Alex Spring through Random House Canada. Why it matters: The publishing world is watching how established editors transition to fiction authorship. Key detail: Both books are set for release within a twelve-month window. Source: The Hamilton Spectator. Next step: Watch for marketing strategies for the dual-identity author launch.

12. Watch Now On Your Connected TV

The Hamilton Spectator reports that content is now available on connected TV devices including Fire TV, LG, Roku, and Samsung. It states that the experience is better on cHCHI Parrot. Content is now available on connected TV devices including Fire TV, LG, Roku, and Samsung, with an improved experience on cHCHI Parrot. Why it matters: The shift to connected TV is transforming how Canadian audiences access print and broadcast media content. Key detail: The experience is better on cHCHI Parrot. Source: The Hamilton Spectator. Next step: Monitor adoption rates of connected TV platforms among Canadian households.

13. Hamilton Spectator TV Guide

The Hamilton Spectator reports that sports coverage spans Saturday through Monday with extensive live broadcasts of auto sports, baseball, football, golf, horse racing, sailing, soccer, and tennis. The U.S. Open tennis results include third round matches where Danil Medvedev, Tommy Paul, Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, and Aryna Sabalenka advanced. Canadian football league games feature Calgary at Toronto, Montreal at Ottawa, and Vancouver at St. Louis. Sports coverage spans Saturday through Monday with live broadcasts of auto sports, baseball, football, golf, horse racing, sailing, soccer, and tennis. U.S. Open results see Medvedev, Paul, Alcaraz, Swiatek, and Sabalenka advance. CFL games feature Calgary at Toronto, Montreal at Ottawa, and Vancouver at St. Louis. Why it matters: Comprehensive sports scheduling across platforms underscores the importance of media monitoring for fans and professionals alike. Key detail: The U.S. Open third round features all top seeds advancing. Source: The Hamilton Spectator. Next step: Plan your weekend viewing around these broadcast schedules.

Which of these stories will have the biggest impact on Canadian media in the week ahead?