The acquisition will align Wattpad and WEBTOON™, two leading comics, entertainment, and storytelling companies, with a combined global monthly audience of 160M people.

The cash and stock transaction valued at more than an estimated USD $600 million will fuel continued global growth for Wattpad. The company will remain headquartered in Canada.

TORONTO & SEOUL, South Korea--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Board of Directors of Wattpad, the global multi-platform entertainment company for original stories and leading social storytelling platform, today announced its unanimous approval of a definitive agreement to be acquired by Naver, South Korea’s internet conglomerate and home of WEBTOON™, a leading global digital comics platform. Naver is expected to acquire Wattpad in a cash and stock transaction valued at more than an estimated USD $600 million, subject to customary adjustments and other terms.

The acquisition will allow Wattpad to continue to accelerate its international growth and success. The company will remain headquartered in Canada under the continued leadership of founders Allen Lau and Ivan Yuen.

As one of Korea’s largest publicly listed companies and a globally recognized technology powerhouse, Naver offers a world-class portfolio of search, e-commerce, fintech, communications / social networking, cloud service, content, and entertainment services and brands including Smart Stores, N Pay, WEBTOON, LINE, BAND, V Live, and Snow, among many others.

The move will align Wattpad, and its global community of more than 90 million people, with Naver’s WEBTOON™, a leading digital comics publisher with an average of 72+ million monthly active users. WEBTOON™ is home to some of the biggest names in webcomics, including Lore Olympus, Rachel Smythe's Eisner Award-nominated series. WEBTOON Studios has worked with The Jim Henson Company; Crunchyroll; Vertigo Entertainment - the production company behind the IT franchise and The Lego Movie; Bound Entertainment - the global studio led by Snowpiercer and Okja producer Samuel Ha.

“Co-founders Allen Lau and Ivan Yuen, and the entire team at Wattpad, have created something special, and we are grateful to have Allen and Ivan continue to lead this fantastic company for us post-acquisition,” said Seong-Sook Han, CEO of Naver. “Wattpad’s vision to entertain and connect the world through stories fits perfectly with our vision for WEBTOON and Naver’s content brand. We’re thrilled to have them join the Naver family,” she added.

“Wattpad joining WEBTOON under the Naver umbrella is a big step towards us becoming a leading global multimedia entertainment company,” said WEBTOON founder and CEO, Jun Koo Kim. “Both Wattpad and WEBTOON care most about helping creators tell their story their way, and both represent world-leading collections of inspired, imaginative storytelling IP.”

“When we started Wattpad in 2006, we understood that technology would democratize storytelling and that stories are the atomic unit of every type of entertainment,” said Allen Lau, CEO & co-founder, Wattpad. “In 2021, when every form of entertainment is being transformed, we’ve built a platform that can fuel hits on screen and bookshelves, empowering and rewarding a new generation of diverse creators all over the world. Today’s news is about continuing Wattpad’s journey and taking our business to the next level. We’re thrilled about the prospect of joining the amazing teams at Naver and WEBTOON to continue our growth, help more writers make money, and bring new voices to screens and bookstores everywhere.”

Wattpad’s global community reached 90 million people in 2020 — including more than five million writers — who spend over 23 billion minutes a month engaged in original stories ranging from science fiction, to romance, fantasy, horror, and everything in between.

Wattpad stories have found enormous success on screens and in bookstores, and to date around 1,500 Wattpad stories have been published as books, or adapted for TV and film. Wattpad Studios, the company’s TV, film, and publishing division, has ushered in a new era of data and audience-driven entertainment all over the world. The company’s approach to finding and developing stories was awarded the prestigious Innovative Producer Award at the 2020 Banff World Media Festival. Wattpad Studios has established entertainment partnerships with some of the most important TV and film studios all over the world, developing TV shows and films across five continents, with companies like Bavaria Fiction (Germany), Mediawan (France), Wise Entertainment (Brazil), CBC (Canada), Picturestart (U.S.), MediaCorp (Singapore), and many others.

In 2019, Wattpad launched Wattpad Books, bringing diverse new voices to bookshelves everywhere. Wattpad Books has published 21 books to date.

Wattpad has previously raised USD $117.8 million from international investors in Asia, the United States, and Canada. The company’s latest round was USD $51 million in 2018 from Tencent Holdings Limited, BDC, Globe Telecom’s Kickstart Ventures, Peterson Group, Canso, and Raine Ventures. Previous investors include OMERS Ventures, August Capital, Union Square Ventures, Golden Venture Partners, Khosla Ventures, AME Cloud Ventures, Northleaf Venture Catalyst Fund and Version One Ventures.

The Raine Group acted as exclusive financial advisor to Wattpad.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Stikeman Elliott LLP are acting as legal advisors to NAVER. Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati are acting as legal advisors to Wattpad.

The acquisition is expected to close in Q2 2021, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

ABOUT WATTPAD

Wattpad’s vision is to entertain and connect the world through stories. Wattpad’s flagship app is a leading social storytelling platform, home to a community of more than 90 million people who spend over 23 billion minutes a month engaged in original stories. Wattpad’s Story DNA Machine Learning technology allows the company to discover stand-out stories among more than one billion uploads written on the platform. Wattpad Studios and Wattpad Books are transforming entertainment and publishing, using data-backed insights to turn Wattpad stories into books, films and TV shows. Wattpad Brand Partnerships help brands build deep engagement with Gen Z consumers. The company is proudly based in Toronto, Canada. Learn more at company.wattpad.com.

ABOUT NAVER

Naver invests in the pursuit of transformation and innovation of technology platforms and is devoted to shared growth by connecting global users and partners. Founded in 1999, Naver is Korea’s largest information technology company. Naver operates Korea’s No.1 search engine and largest e-commerce platform, and is a leading provider of fintech services, digital content and cloud services to a global community. Naver cultivates a culture of ‘Founder-type leaders’ who continue to launch innovative mobile applications, including LINE (Japan’s No.1 messaging app), WEBTOON and SNOW. In 2018, Naver was ranked as the 9th most innovative company by Forbes and top 6th Future 50 company by Fortune magazine.

Wattpad
Kiel Hume, Director of PR & Communications
Kiel@wattpad.com; 1-416-908-3604

Naver
Jungyoon Cha
jungyoon.cha@navercorp.com

WEBTOON
webtoonpress@webtoon.com

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The BlackNorth Initiative is proud to announce that Wes Hall, its Founder and Chairman, has been named to the 2021 Maclean’s Power List, as one of the most influential people in Canada.

“I would like to thank Maclean’s for this recognition. It is an honour to share this acknowledgement with some of Canada’s most dynamic leaders and change-makers,” said Wes Hall, Founder and Chairman, the BlackNorth Initiative. “For too long, the persistent barriers faced by Blacks have been ignored. Systemic anti-Black racism in Canada is real and the BlackNorth Initiative is purpose-built to drive substantive change. I’m proud to help lead this fight, alongside the CEOs of over 400 companies who have signed and committed to The BlackNorth Initiative pledge and our many strategic partners.”

Wes received this recognition for his efforts to end anti-Black systemic racism in Canada by utilizing a business first mindset. The BlackNorth Initiative commits business leaders and their organizations to specific actions and targets that are designed to end anti-Black systemic racism.

“Wes is one of Canada’s strongest voices advocating for human rights. Every day, I witness his commitment towards equity and justice for Black Canadians through his work with BlackNorth Initiative. I am proud to call him our leader and founder and looking forward to working with him in the years ahead,” said Dahabo Ahmed Omer, BlackNorth Initiative Executive Director.

The Maclean’s Power List highlights the top 50 Canadians who are driving transformative change in their respective fields. This recognition follows Wes’ most recent award as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Torontonians by Toronto Life magazine (November 2020) also acknowledging his leadership in the fight to end ant-Black systemic racism.

About the BlackNorth Initiative

The BlackNorth Initiative was created by The Canadian Council of Business Leaders Against Anti-Black Systemic Racism to combat anti-Black systemic racism in Corporate Canada. The initiative challenges senior Canadian business leaders to commit their companies to specific actions and targets designed to end anti-Black systemic racism and create opportunities for all of those in the underrepresented BIPOC community.

Chloe Mills
Hill+Knowlton Strategies
Ph: 416-413-4565
chloe.mills@hkstrategies.ca

Cold chain services and supplies, surveillance equipment, printing services and biodegradable packaging among growth sectors in 2021

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--#ThomasForIndustry--Thomas, the leader in product sourcing, supplier selection, and marketing solutions for industry, today released its ‘2020 Q4 Top Manufacturing Trends,’ identifying the top products and services sourced by North American manufacturers, as well as sharing predictions for 2021 industrial sourcing trends.

The Q4 sourcing data report illustrates the continued reshaping of North American manufacturing, specifically how industry adapted to address urgent needs in the fight against COVID-19 and how sourcing in 2021 will be impacted by the ongoing pandemic and associated vaccine rollout.

“While this past year has brought unprecedented challenges, the manufacturing sector at large continues to be a resilient force as it adapts to overcome rising obstacles – from diversifying its supply chain to combating the skills gap,” said Thomas President and CEO Tony Uphoff. “Our unique data exemplifies how industry has pivoted to adjust to the COVID-19 pandemic as states and businesses forge ahead to implement safe and effective reopenings.”

The complete Q4 Sourcing eBook, which is now available for download, includes all 20 categories which saw the biggest YoY increase in sourcing, outcomes from Q4 industrial sourcing activity, and the latest predictions regarding 2021 sourcing trends. A brief snapshot includes:

Top 5 2020 Q4 Manufacturing Trends:

2021 Q1 Predictions:

COVID-19 Vaccine-related Supplies and Equipment: 30-33% Projected Increase

As COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers like Moderna and Pfizer race through a carefully orchestrated logistics process to distribute their critical vaccines worldwide, Thomas anticipates a steady increase of industrial sourcing in categories essential to this endeavor over the next quarter. These categories include dry ice, ultra-low temperature freezers, and cold storage services.

Security and Surveillance Equipment: 15-18% Projected Increase

With numerous B2B and B2C businesses nationwide closed because of COVID-19-related restrictions, Thomas expects industrial sourcing for security and surveillance related equipment, including security cameras, surveillance systems, and surveillance cameras, to increase over the next three months as business owners look for additional ways to protect their businesses and safeguard their properties during closures.

Printing Services: 12-15% Projected Increase

As demand increases for businesses nationwide in light of residual COVID-19 impacts, industrial printing businesses specializing in various services, including screen printing, digital printing, and commercial printing, will see an uptick in sourcing.

Biodegradable Packaging and Biodegradable Bags: 7-10% Projected Increase

Our Thomasnet.com^® data shows that sourcing activity in 2019 and 2020 reflected substantially increased interest in sustainability. We anticipate that this trend will continue into 2021 with a specific focus on biodegradable packaging and bags, with both categories increasing over the course of Q1.

“At Thomas, we continue to work diligently to provide solutions to better guide industry as it adapts to and navigates new challenges. We encourage businesses to leverage our resources like the daily Thomas Industry Update newsletter and biweekly Thomas Industry Update Podcast, which provide data that can help inform business leaders in making sound business decisions,” added Uphoff.

The platform Thomasnet.com serves 1.18 million active registered users and 14 million industrial professionals who access information for their procurement and marketing needs.

Download the Q4 Sourcing eBook and see the full list.

About Thomas

Thomas provides actionable information, data, analysis, and tools that align with and support today’s industrial buying process. Its solutions include the Thomas Network at Thomasnet.com^®, industry’s largest and most active buyer/supplier network. Through Thomas Marketing Services, the company provides full-service industrial marketing programs and website development. Thomas Product Data Solutions helps manufacturers connect with design engineers through advanced CAD/BIM and data syndication services. Thomas Industrial Data supplies sourcing and supply chain trend data to media, investors, analysts, and researchers to provide market insight and inform decision making. Thomas WebTrax^® provides opportunity intelligence on in-market buyers to help marketing and sales teams track, identify, and engage high-value prospects. Thomas Insights delivers original content to help supply chain professionals and business leaders inform their decision making through leading titles including Inbound Logistics^®, the Thomas Industry Update, Industrial Equipment News^® (IEN^®), and the Thomas Index ™.

Media - Alex Kofsky - alex@rosengrouppr.com
Rita Lieberman - rlieberman@thomasnet.com

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Postmedia Network Canada Corp. (“Postmedia” or the “Company”) today released financial information for the three months ended November 30, 2020.

“With the effects of the global pandemic continuing to weigh on our communities and our people, our focus remains on the safety of our teams, preserving liquidity, constraining costs, maximizing revenue and pursuing government support,” said Andrew MacLeod, President and Chief Executive Officer, Postmedia.

• Safety of Our People – Where possible, our employees are working from home and we expect that to continue into the spring. At operations where on-site work is required, we are vigilant about strict safety measures and keeping in step with the recommendations of health authorities.
• Constraining Costs – In the quarter we realized a 21.4% reduction in operating costs¹, which includes the impact of initiatives implemented in the quarter that are expected to result in approximately $9 million of net annualized cost savings.
• Preserving Liquidity – Cash management, including the impact of cost savings and government assistance, has resulted in an unrestricted cash balance of $47.8 million as at November 30, 2020.
• Maximizing Revenue – First quarter revenue was down 25.4% from the prior quarter and was significantly impacted by the pandemic. We have been working to support local business efforts and have added to our digital acquisition team to expand our reach and grow relationships with new small and medium businesses.
• Government Support – Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (“CEWS”) of $6.6 million recognized and $14.0 million received during the quarter.

First Quarter Operating Results

Three quarters into the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company continued to navigate through the pandemic’s significant business impacts. Revenue for the quarter was $116.9 million as compared to $156.7 million in the same period in the prior year, representing a decrease of $39.7 million or 25.4%. The revenue decline was primarily due to decreases in print advertising revenue of $20.6 million or 32.1% and digital revenue of $10.7 million or 31.1% with digital advertising revenue down 36.0%. Print circulation revenue declined $6.2 million or 12.4% versus the same period in the prior year.

Total operating expenses excluding depreciation, amortization, impairment and restructuring decreased $35.5 million or 26.3% for the quarter, relative to the same period in the prior year. The decrease was a result of lower compensation expense and newspaper circulation volumes as well as the implementation of various cost reduction initiatives. Included in the decrease of operating expenses is the impact of a compensation expense recovery of $6.6 million related to CEWS, partially offset by a decrease in compensation recovery related to journalism tax credits of $0.9 million.

Operating income before depreciation, amortization, impairment and restructuring of $17.2 million in the quarter represents a decrease of $4.2 million relative to the same period in the prior year. The decrease is due to the decrease in total revenue partially offset by decreases in operating expenses. Included in the operating expense decreases is the impact of the compensation expense recoveries related to CEWS and journalism tax credits.

Net earnings in the quarter ended November 30, 2020 was $52.8 million, as compared to a loss of $3.0 million in the same period in the prior year. The change was primarily the result of a non-cash settlement gain related to employee benefit plans of $63.1 million, gains on derivative financial instruments and foreign exchange in the three months ended November 30, 2020, decreases in depreciation, amortization and restructuring expenses partially offset by impairment expense of $13.5 million in the three months ended November 30, 2020, a decrease in operating income depreciation, amortization, impairment, settlement gains and restructuring and an increase in interest expense.

COVID-19 Update

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in governments worldwide enacting emergency measures to combat the spread of the virus including travel bans, self-imposed quarantine periods and social distancing that have caused disruption to businesses resulting in an economic slowdown. The Company is generally exempt from mandates requiring closures of non-essential businesses and therefore has been able to continue operations, however, advertising revenue declines have accelerated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and related government measures. On April 11, 2020, the Government of Canada passed CEWS to support employers facing financial hardship as measured by certain revenue declines as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. CEWS currently provides a reimbursement of compensation expense to June 2021 provided the applicant has met the applicable criteria, which criteria have been established up to March 13, 2021. During the three months ended November 30, 2020, the Company recognized a recovery of compensation expense of $6.6 million and in total has recognized $46.7 million related to CEWS since the program was announced. As at November 30, 2020, the Company has an amount receivable related to CEWS of $5.6 million.

Debt Repayment

During the three months ended November 30, 2020, the Company redeemed $3.3 million of first-lien debt on October 1, 2020 and an additional $5.2 million on November 5, 2020, both from the proceeds of assets sales. In addition, the Company redeemed $6.9 million of first-lien debt on November 13, 2020, as required pursuant to the annual excess cash flow requirement pursuant to the first-lien notes indenture. After these aggregate redemptions of $15.4 million, the Company has $83.8 million of first-lien debt outstanding of the original $225.0 million that was issued in October 2016.

CAAT Pension Plan

On January 29, 2019, the Company entered into an agreement with the Colleges of Applied Arts & Technology Pension Plan (the “CAAT Pension Plan”), a multi-employer defined benefit plan, to merge the Company’s defined benefit pension plans (the “Postmedia Plans”), with the CAAT Pension Plan. Effective July 1, 2019, the Company received approval from members of the Postmedia Plans and the Company became a participating employer under the CAAT Pension Plan and all members of the Postmedia Plans, as well as members of the Company’s defined contribution pension plan, began accruing benefits under the DBplus provisions of the CAAT Pension Plan. On October 8, 2020, the Company received approval from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario to transfer the Postmedia Plans assets to the CAAT Pension Plan, which was completed in November 2020. On completion of the asset transfer, the CAAT Pension Plan assumed defined benefit obligations of the Postmedia Plans and the Company commenced additional cash funding obligations of $11.0 million related to the transferred Postmedia Plans deficits payable over the next ten years and recognized a non-cash gain on settlement of $63.1 million.

Business Transformation Initiatives

During the three months ended November 30, 2020, the Company implemented initiatives including those discussed above related to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as additional compensation expense reductions, real estate rationalization, production efficiencies and other transformation programs, which are expected to result in approximately $9 million of net annualized cost savings.

The Company intends to continue to identify and undertake ongoing cost reduction initiatives in an effort to address revenue declination in the legacy print business.

Additional Information

Additional information, including financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis can be found on the Company’s website at www.postmedia.com or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Note: All dollar amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise specified.

About Postmedia Network Canada Corp.

Postmedia Network Canada Corp. (TSX:PNC.A, PNC.B) is the holding company that owns Postmedia Network Inc., a Canadian newsmedia company representing more than 120 brands across multiple print, online, and mobile platforms. Award-winning journalists and innovative product development teams bring engaging content to millions of people every week whenever and wherever they want it. This exceptional content, reach and scope offers advertisers and marketers compelling solutions to effectively reach target audiences. For more information, visit www.postmedia.com.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release may include information that is “forward-looking information” under applicable Canadian securities laws. The Company has tried, where possible, to identify such information and statements by using words such as “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should” and similar expressions and derivations thereof in connection with any discussion of future events, trends or prospects or future operating or financial performance. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements with respect to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business, the implementation and results of the Company’s transformation initiatives, continued benefits of historical results into future periods, the realization of anticipated cost savings, the completion of asset transfers related to the Company’s pension plans, the receipt of anticipated government assistance and the identification and undertaking of ongoing cost savings initiatives. By their nature, forward-looking information and statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. These risks and uncertainties include, among others: competition from digital and other forms of media; the effect of economic conditions on advertising revenue; the ability of the Company to build out its digital media and online businesses; the failure to maintain current print and online newspaper readership and circulation levels; the realization of anticipated cost savings; possible damage to the reputation of the Company’s brands or trademarks; possible labour disruptions; possible environmental liabilities, litigation and pension plan obligations; fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and the prices of newsprint and other commodities.

In addition, we are subject to the risk and uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has resulted in governments worldwide enacting emergency measures to combat the spread of the virus including travel bans, self-imposed quarantine periods and social distancing that have caused disruption to businesses resulting in an economic slowdown. We are generally exempt from mandates requiring closures of non-essential businesses and therefore have been able to continue operations however, advertising revenues have declined as a result of COVID-19 pandemic and related government measures. The outbreak of contagious illness such as this can impact our operations in a number of ways including quarantined employees, travel restrictions, temporary closure of our facilities, a decrease in demand for advertising, as well as interruptions to our supply chain, including temporary closure of supplier facilities. Given the high level of uncertainty surrounding the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic it is difficult to reliably estimate its potential impact on the financial condition and results of our business. We are continuing to address the current challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic and monitoring these challenges as they evolve so as to minimize this risk however it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flow. For a complete list of our risk factors please refer to the section entitled “Risk Factors” contained in our annual management’s discussion and analysis for the years ended August 31, 2020 and 2019. Although the Company bases such information and statements on assumptions believed to be reasonable when made, they are not guarantees of future performance and actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and developments in the industry in which the Company operates, may differ materially from any such information and statements in this press release. Given these risks and uncertainties, undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of such information or statements. Other than as required by law, the Company does not undertake, and specifically declines, any obligation to update such information or statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any such information or statements.

Postmedia Network Canada Corp.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(UNAUDITED)

Postmedia Network Canada Corp.
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
(UNAUDITED)

Postmedia Network Canada Corp.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(UNAUDITED)

¹ Operating expenses excluding depreciation, amortization and restructuring as adjusted for the impact of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy.

Media Contact
Phyllise Gelfand
Vice President, Communications
(647) 273-9287
pgelfand@postmedia.com

Investor Contact
Brian Bidulka
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(416) 383-2499
bbidulka@postmedia.com

Acquisition brings more than 500 titles used at 400 institutions onto Top Hat’s proven active learning courseware platform

Fountainhead’s high-quality academic content will be fully integrated into Top Hat’s all-in-one teaching platform, enabling educators who adopt these titles to deliver transformative student-centric learning experiences that change the nature of the way students learn

Fountainhead Press is Top Hat’s third traditional publishing acquisition within the last year, following the acquisitions of the Canadian higher ed textbook business from Nelson, Canada’s largest educational publisher, and bluedoor, a press that specializes in educational content for the sciences

Top Hat’s platform enables educators with the flexibility to bring active learning to life for students in both in-person and online classrooms, with tools to take attendance, present slides, live-stream and record presentations, host discussions, give homework, assign interactive readings, and deliver assessments — all in one place

More than 3 million students are enrolled in courses using Top Hat at 750 of the top 1,000 higher ed institutions in North America

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Top Hat, the leading active learning platform for higher education, has acquired Fountainhead Press, an independent press with an expansive portfolio of higher ed content across multiple disciplines. Details of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition, which follows the recent acquisitions of bluedoor and Nelson’s Canadian higher ed textbook business, includes more than 500 titles used at 400 institutions. These materials are being rapidly converted into digital courseware on Top Hat’s platform and infused with interactive elements, enabling educators to easily design and deliver student-centric learning experiences customized to meet the needs of their individual classrooms in any teaching scenario — whether in-person, online, or a combination of both.

Fountainhead Press has been developing high-quality textbooks with authors since 2002, producing personalized, content-rich course materials designed with student success in mind. Built on the principles of innovation and customer partnership, Fountainhead Press brings 250 authors in disciplines spanning communication, composition, and science to Top Hat’s platform. By converting Fountainhead’s content into interactive digital courseware, Top Hat is expanding its broad portfolio of best-in-class content designed to support, engage, and motivate the modern student inside and outside the classroom.

“Over the past 18 months, we’ve worked with Fountainhead Press to produce high-quality, interactive, and affordable course materials on Top Hat’s platform, and have witnessed firsthand their unwavering focus on delivering excellence for their customers,” said Mike Silagadze, founder and CEO, Top Hat. “As we come together as one team, I’m excited about combining our passion to support educators to deliver rewarding learning experiences, both during the pandemic and beyond.”

“Becoming part of the Top Hat team is an exciting evolution of our partnership,” said Scott Timian, co-founder and CEO, Fountainhead Press. “Our textbooks have come to life in the Top Hat platform, allowing us to provide current, interactive, and engaging content suitable to any teaching format. The flexibility afforded by Top Hat expands our mandate to work with faculty and institutions to create personalized, affordable custom content.”

“Fountainhead Press and Top Hat are the most amazing combination I can think of when looking for instructional materials in many academic college-level disciplines,” said Dr. Désiré Baloubi, Professor of English and Linguistics, Norfolk State University. “As faculty and department chair for many years, no book has ever given me more joy and assistance in fulfilling my teaching responsibilities than Fountainhead Press’s public speaking book on the Top Hat active learning platform. The ability to customize content to meet students’ needs and achieve targeted learning outcomes is one of the best features any instructor will appreciate. It makes it possible for both faculty and students to embark together on the same journey to reach a common goal: success.”

Transforming the Higher Ed Learning Experience to Better Serve the Modern Learner

Digital course materials already play a key role in today’s higher ed classrooms, according to a recent survey of 3,412 students in the United States and Canada conducted by Top Hat. In fact, 64 percent of students indicated that at least half of their assigned reading is digital content and 56 percent of students said that at least half of their reading content is digital and interactive. Conversely, only 38 percent of students said that at least half of their assigned reading is print content. Furthermore, 37 percent of students said they prefer to use a digital textbook.

Over the past year, as institutions around the world have shuttered their doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, educators have increasingly turned to Top Hat for help with engaging their students and ensuring they can access high-quality content. In fact, the company has secured 47 percent year-over-year growth in the number of courses that have adopted Top Hat’s digital interactive content, with 175 percent year-over-year growth in student users.

“In the same way Tesla reimagined what the driving experience can be, Top Hat is enabling educators in higher ed to transform the learning experience for students into one that is more engaging and motivating and that drives better outcomes,” said Silagadze. “The way many students are still taught today — with print or PDF content that encourages rote memorization — is not effective. When textbooks are brought to life with Top Hat’s intuitive and easy-to-use technology, they become much more than just the vehicle for educators to deliver information to their students. Instead, they enable a world where all students are fully equipped and motivated to engage with their learning and come to class prepared. In this same world, all educators already know before stepping foot in the classroom, which concepts students struggle with and which students require early intervention. Here at Top Hat, we believe interactive textbooks powered by active learning technology will fundamentally improve the value of higher ed.”

Top Hat’s Student-centric Textbooks Reinforce Learning and Maintain Engagement

When a traditional print textbook is transformed with Top Hat’s active learning platform, educational content becomes an effective tool for learning. Top Hat’s interactive textbooks are:

• Designed for active learning: Student comprehension is supported through engaging, media-rich interactive learning materials, assessment questions, activities, and rollover definitions, among other features.
• Fully customizable: Easy-to-use editing tools let instructors adjust content to fit their curriculum and learning objectives.
• Designed for ongoing feedback: Leveraging an assess-as-you-go model of assessment, students get feedback on their progress and understanding as they go through the textbook. Data points show instructors where students are struggling, enabling them to easily reach out and intervene early.
• Enabling both centralized and community quality controls: Content stays up-to-date and relevant through both author-led review and community-sourced feedback.

To learn more about Top Hat:
Overview
Product video
Schedule a demo

About Top Hat

Top Hat is the only all-in-one courseware platform that enables active learning—a proven student-centred teaching pedagogy that promotes deep understanding, critical thinking, and subject mastery—with interactive content, tools, and activities. Millions of students at 750 leading North American colleges and universities use Top Hat to teach and engage with students before, during, and after class, in both in-person and online education.

Top Hat
Dianna Lai Read
dianna.lairead@tophat.com

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Postmedia Network Canada Corp. (“Postmedia”) welcomes today’s announcement from the Competition Bureau which confirms that the Bureau has closed its investigation into the November 2017 transaction among Postmedia and Torstar and its subsidiary Metroland Media Group.

“From the outset we have adamantly maintained that Postmedia has done nothing wrong and now, more than two years later, the Competition Bureau has closed the investigation,” said Andrew MacLeod, President and CEO, Postmedia. “We are happy to have this matter and the associated pressure and cost behind us and look forward to continuing the important work of keeping Canadians informed with ambitious, trusted and high-quality journalism and delivering high-value and data-driven marketing solutions to businesses and advertisers. We will continue to urge the Bureau to apply its considerable resources to address the impacts of foreign digital monopolies on our industry and others in Canada.”

About Postmedia Network Canada Corp.

Postmedia Network Canada Corp. (TSX:PNC.A, PNC.B) is the holding company that owns Postmedia Network Inc., a Canadian newsmedia company representing more than 120 brands across multiple print, online, and mobile platforms. Award-winning journalists and innovative product development teams bring engaging content to millions of people every week whenever and wherever they want it. This exceptional content, reach and scope offers advertisers and marketers compelling solutions to effectively reach target audiences. For more information, visit www.postmedia.com.

Media Contact
Phyllise Gelfand
Vice President, Communications
(647) 273-9287
pgelfand@postmedia.com

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Messagepoint Inc. has been recognized as a 2020 SPARK Matrix™ Technology Leader by global research and consulting firm, Quadrant Knowledge Solutions, for its SaaS-based customer communications management (CCM) solution that enables organizations to enhance the customer experience with optimized communications. The CCM study from Quadrant Knowledge Solutions evaluated 20 key vendors in the global CCM market, analyzing short-term and long-term growth opportunities, emerging trends in technology and future market outlook. It recognized Messagepoint as a leader in technology excellence and customer impact.

“Messagepoint has secured strong ratings across the performance parameters of technology excellence and customer impact and has been positioned among the technology leaders in the 2020 SPARK Matrix of the customer communication management market,” said Pallavi Bothra, analyst at Quadrant Knowledge Solutions. “Messagepoint’s solutions are differentiated by its AI engine, MARCIE, which powers unique content migration and optimization capabilities; and its advanced content sharing and management capabilities, which provide powerful cross-channel control for complex and highly personalized content.”

Quadrant recognized several unique differentiators of Messagepoint’s CCM solutions that are purpose-built to handle the complexity of regulated, personalized omni-channel customer communications. These include:

• Messagepoint Advanced Rationalization and Content Intelligence Engine (MARCIE), which leverages artificial intelligence, machine learning and natural language processing to enable organizations to intelligently migrate, optimize, author and manage the complex, personalized content that is the foundation of customer communications
• Rationalizer, a solution that leverages MARCIE to simplify content migration by making it easy to get content off legacy systems and into modern environments
• The platform’s advanced content sharing capabilities, including Variation Management and SmartText, which enable the reuse of content fragments through multiple communications and channels while centralizing control and change management

Additionally, Messagepoint seamlessly integrates with existing digital delivery platforms that include Salesforce^® Journey Builder, other CCM tools and other print composition capabilities, enabling the platform to act as an intelligent content hub for complex customer content across all channels.

“We are honored to be cited as a Technology Leader in Quadrant Knowledge Solutions’ SPARK Matrix CCM 2020 report,” said Steve Biancaniello, CEO of Messagepoint. “We recognized early on the impact AI-powered capabilities would have on customer communications and how our AI solutions could vastly enhance content operations and the customer experience. When incorporated into a centralized CCM platform, companies now have the ability to democratize expert knowledge in a meaningful way. As a result, they can manage their content more efficiently, while also optimizing that content to improve everything from reading levels to content sentiment and brand alignment, resulting in not only an improved customer experience, but also an increase in customer trust.”

About Quadrant Knowledge Solutions
Quadrant Knowledge Solutions is a global advisory and consulting firm focused on helping clients in achieving business transformation goals with Strategic Business and Growth advisory services. At Quadrant Knowledge Solutions, our vision is to become an integral part of our client’s business as a strategic knowledge partner. Our research and consulting deliverables are designed to provide comprehensive information and strategic insights for helping clients formulate growth strategies to survive and thrive in ever-changing business environments. For more available research, please visit https://quadrant-solutions.com/market-research/.

About Messagepoint
Messagepoint is a leading provider of customer communications management software. Only Messagepoint harnesses AI-powered Content Intelligence to automate and simplify the process of migrating, optimizing, authoring and managing complex customer communications for non-technical (business) users. Customers rely on its award-winning platform to consistently deliver exceptional, highly personalized customer communications across all platforms and channels. For more information, visit www.messagepoint.com.

Media Contact:
Stephanie Gilmore
Sterling Kilgore
630-964-8500
sgilmore@sterlingkilgore.com

Sellers embracing a digital-first and video-first approach to customer engagement see significant gains in 2020; New video-for-sales training tools help every business ramp up their sales teams to embrace video in new ways in 2021

KITCHENER, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--#sales--As business-to-business (B2B) sellers adapt to a digital-first reality, many have found new ways to not only maintain their performance but to radically improve their sales effectiveness and efficiency. New data from Vidyard, the video platform for businesses, suggests that in response to the shift to digital selling, the use of video for sales–both live video conferencing and personalized video messaging–has grown exponentially in 2020, and so too has its impact on sales performance.

Recent research from Demand Metric reveals a 93% year-over-year increase in the number of businesses using video for sales prospecting and customer engagement. Of those using video, 94% report that it performs as well, if not better, than other outreach forms. Meanwhile, sales teams at #paid, Dynamic Signal, Fresh Relevance, Modus, Woodway UK, and others have reported a staggering 200%+ increase in their response rates and/or close rates since embracing a video-first approach to sales. Whether it be using a personalized ‘unboxing video’ to clearly show The Body Shop how Woodway UK’s packaging solution is superior or hitting the slopes when prospecting into Vail to create an immediate connection–sellers across every market are finding new ways to tap into the power of video to engage, educate, and earn trust in a digital sales world.

“Using personalized videos and custom screen recordings has literally transformed the way we sell,” said Thomas Buchanan, Enterprise Account Executive at Modus. “By creating and sharing custom videos at each stage of the buying process, every stakeholder gets to see me, know me, and learn from me–whether or not I get the chance to meet them on a live call. Since adding video into my sales approach, I’ve seen a huge lift in customer engagement, shorter deal cycles, and a 4x increase in my close rates. It’s all about getting creative and thinking about how buyers want to engage in this new world, not how you want to sell.”

Free Video-for-Sales Training Tools Help Sellers Embrace Video in 2021

While the use of video is not entirely new for many sales teams, very few have learned how to unlock its real potential to engage remote prospects. But as sales teams head into 2021, the importance of embracing video as a new way to sell cannot be understated. In Forrester Research’s Predictions 2021: B2B Sales report, authors Principal Analyst Mary Shea, Ph.D., Vice President and Principal Analyst Laura Ramos, and Principal Analyst Jay McBain state that B2B sellers will become experts at creating and engaging with video in 2021.

“Traditionally limited to email, phone calls, and screen-sharing interactions, sellers will look for more dynamic ways to capture buyers’ attention [in 2021],” said the Forrester report. “Train your sellers to be memorable on synchronous video and to create effective asynchronous videos, and make sure they have access to a user-generated video creation tool.”

To help sales teams adopt video as part of their digital-first selling approach, Vidyard is now offering a complimentary suite of video-for-sales training tools to help sellers learn how to be great on camera, how to prospect with personalized videos, and how to use customized videos to close more business. Available now, new resources include:

• Video Selling Master Class - for Sales Reps: A free virtual sales training class for individual sellers to learn the fundamentals of using video strategically throughout the customer lifecycle.
• Video-for-Remote-Sales Training and SKO Kit - for Sales Teams: A comprehensive resource kit that any business can use to help train their sales reps on how to be great on camera, how to record and send their own custom videos, and how to use video effectively at each stage of the buying process.

Free Video Selling Master Class: Learn How to Use Video for Sales

Vidyard’s new Video Selling Master Class is a free virtual sales training program designed to help sellers improve their selling skills and develop video fundamentals that will help them evolve their sales strategy in 2021. In just 20 minutes, sales reps can learn the fundamentals of how to incorporate video into their sales process to better engage, educate, and earn trust with remote buyers. Each lesson includes additional resources to help sales reps on their video selling journey. In this three-part, self-paced video series, sales reps will learn:

• Lesson 1: Why video is so impactful in modern digital-first selling
• Lesson 2: Where to use video in your sales cycle and what types of videos to use
• Lesson 3: How to create impactful personalized videos proven to convert

Free Video-for-Remote-Sales Training and SKO Kit for Sales Teams

Vidyard has also launched the Video-for-Remote-Sales Training and SKO Kit, a comprehensive resource kit that any business can use to help train their sales reps on how to use video effectively at each stage of the buying process. The kit includes four learning modules as well as recommended exercises to put these learnings into action. Sales reps will learn about:

• Module 1: How to be amazing on camera and transform the way you sell with video
• Module 2: Mastering the art and science of prospecting with personalized video
• Module 3: Using video throughout your sales process to close more deals faster
• Module 4: How to record, share, and track custom videos with ease

The kit also contains resources and exercises that sales reps can start using today to enhance their video selling skills, including sales scripts and templates, a handy script timer, inspiring sales video examples, and group exercises to reinforce ideas.

For more examples of how real sellers are using video to reinvent their sales approach in 2021 and beyond, check out the newly announced winners of the 2020 Video in Business Awards or the new Video Selling Master Class.

More Information:

• Get the free Video-for-Remote-Sales Training and SKO Kit
• Sign up for the free Video Selling Master Class
• Download the State of Video Report - 2020
• Get Inspired by the 2020 Video in Business: Sales Award Winners
• RSVP for Fast Forward: Discover 2021's Top Trends for Remote Selling

About Vidyard

Vidyard helps businesses and professionals connect with their audiences in a whole new way through engaging, personalized, and measurable video experiences. Through its global video hosting and analytics platform, Vidyard empowers businesses like LinkedIn, Zycus, League, Stanley Black & Decker, and others to transform their approach to marketing, sales, and corporate communications. Vidyard helps any business professional create and share custom videos to deliver their message in a more personal and impactful way through its free and pro tools. Thousands of businesses and millions of people around the world rely on Vidyard for their video needs. Sign up for Vidyard for free: https://www.vidyard.com/free-screen-record.

Media:
Sandy Pell, Head of Corporate Communications, Vidyard
press@vidyard.com

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Postmedia Network Canada Corp. (“Postmedia” or the “Company”) today announced that at the expiration of his existing employment agreement on December 31, 2020, Paul Godfrey will transition to the position of non-executive Chair of the Boards of Directors of Postmedia Network Canada Corp. and Postmedia Network Inc.

“Paul Godfrey has been an invaluable and founding member of the Postmedia family since its inception in 2010,” said Andrew MacLeod, President and Chief Executive Officer, Postmedia. “We look forward to Paul’s continued support and guidance as Chair of the Board.”

“It is an honour and privilege to continue to support Postmedia’s vision, to become the most innovative media company in Canada, as its Chair.” said Postmedia Executive Chair, Paul Godfrey. “I along with our entire Board of Directors have great confidence in Andrew MacLeod and his team.”

About Postmedia Network Canada Corp.

Postmedia Network Canada Corp. (TSX:PNC.A, PNC.B) is the holding company that owns Postmedia Network Inc., a Canadian newsmedia company representing more than 120 brands across multiple print, online, and mobile platforms. Award-winning journalists and innovative product development teams bring engaging content to millions of people every week whenever and wherever they want it. This exceptional content, reach and scope offers advertisers and marketers compelling solutions to effectively reach target audiences. For more information, visit www.postmedia.com.

Media Contact
Phyllise Gelfand
Vice President, Communications
(647) 273-9287
pgelfand@postmedia.com

Investor Contact
Brian Bidulka
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(416) 383-2499
bbidulka@postmedia.com

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--From Airdrie to Woodstock, today Postmedia relaunched more than 80 community newspaper websites, bringing loyal readers a richer user experience and closer community connections.

“We know readers come to us for information that matters to them and news about their community and region is their top priority,” said Lucinda Chodan, Senior Vice President Editorial, Postmedia. “This investment in our community websites supports local journalism, and brings our readers, local businesses and communities closer together.”

News Nearby

The first section of the site is local – your local newspaper website’s top stories. The next section is News Nearby – prioritizing news feeds from nearby communities in your region. As you scroll down from your local news, you’ll find a collection of relevant stories from communities near you. If you’re visiting the High River Times, stories from the Cochrane Times, Bow Valley Crag & Canyon and Airdrie Echo are just a click away.

All of Postmedia’s community newspaper websites are getting the same performance makeover recently rolled out to Postmedia’s larger market daily newspaper websites over the past year. Designed and built with both audiences and advertisers in mind, key features include:

• Faster websites that work across desktop, tablet and mobile devices
• A streamlined user experience that makes it easier to consume content
• Improved search effectiveness to find what you’re looking for faster
• New ways to discover content in your region through News Nearby
• New ways to engage including single sign-on, a rich commenting platform that lets readers follow or block users, social sharing options and more
• Powerful editorial tools that enable our newsrooms to ensure you’re always getting the biggest, most relevant stories on the top of our homepage
• Inline advertising relevant to you without disrupting your story experience
• Accessibility improvements including the option of mouse-free navigation and other technical enhancements that will help you navigate our sites with accessibility devices

The initiative is being supported by an integrated advertising campaign produced in-house by Postmedia’s marketing team.

Community Newspaper Websites Launching Today

Chatham-Kent This Week, Clinton News Record, Cornwall Standard-Freeholder, Devon Dispatch, Edmonton Examiner, Exeter Lakeshore Times-Advance, Fairview Post, Fort McMurray Today, Goderich Signal Star, Grande Prairie Daily Herald Tribune, Grey-Bruce This Week, Hanna Herald, Kenora Miner & News, Kingston This Week, Kirkland Lake Northern News This Week, La Nouvelle Beaumont News, Londoner, Nipawin Journal, Norfolk & Tillsonburg News, North Bay Nugget, Peace Country Sun, Pembroke Observer & News, Record-Gazette, Sarnia & Lambton County This Week, Sault This Week, Seaforth Huron Expositor, Shoreline Beacon, Simcoe Reformer, St. Thomas Times-Journal, Strathroy Age Dispatch, The Airdrie Echo, The Belleville Intelligencer, The Bow Valley Crag & Canyon, The Brantford Expositor. The Chatham Daily News, The Cochrane Times, The Cochrane Times-Post, The Cold Lake Sun, The Community Press, The County Weekly News, The Courier Press, The Drayton Valley Western Review, The Fort Saskatchewan Record, The Gananoque Reporter, The Graphic Leader, The Grove Examiner, The High River Times, The Journal, The Kincardine News, The Kingston Whig-Standard, The Leduc Rep, The Leduc-Wetaskiwin County Market, The Lucknow Sentinel, The Mayerthorpe Freelancer, The Mid-North Monitor, The Mitchell Advocate, The Nanton News, The Napanee Guide, The Owen Sound Sun Times, The Paris Star, The Pincher Creek Echo, The Post, The Recorder & Times, The Sarnia Observer, The Sault Ste. Marie Sault Star, The Sherwood Park • Strathcona County News , The Standard, The Stony Plain Reporter, The Stratford Beacon Herald, The Sudbury Star, The Timmins Daily Press, The Trentonian, The Vulcan Advocate, The Wetaskiwin Times, The Whitecourt Star, The Wiarton Echo, Timmins Times, Today's Farmer, Vermilion Standard, West Elgin Chronicle, and Woodstock Sentinel-Review.

About Postmedia Network Inc.

Postmedia Network Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Postmedia Network Canada Corp. (TSX:PNC.A, PNC.B), is a Canadian newsmedia company representing more than 120 brands across multiple print, online, and mobile platforms. Award-winning journalists and innovative product development teams bring engaging content to millions of people every week whenever and wherever they want it. This exceptional content, reach and scope offers advertisers and marketers compelling solutions to effectively reach target audiences. For more information, visit www.postmedia.com or www.postmediasolutions.com.

Phyllise Gelfand
Vice President, Communications
Postmedia
(647) 273-9287
pgelfand@postmedia.com

New Agencies Offer Integrated Creative Marketing and Retail Expertise, Respectively, Servicing Clients Across North America, Driving Growth and Building a Creative Culture

BOULDER, Colo. & TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--#adagency--North American consumer engagement agency Match Marketing Group announced today the launch of two new agencies – Public Label and Match Retail – in a reimagination of how the group will continue to offer high impact creative solutions for clients in today’s evolving marketplace.

The announcement follows an extensive overhaul and modernization of the agency’s unique expertise, offerings and go-to-marketing approaches. Match Marketing Group will remain the organizational unit that will oversee the two new agencies, which will operate independently.

Public Label is a North American independent creative marketing agency. Built upon Match Marketing’s legacy of success in integrated, experiential, shopper and digital marketing, Public Label raises the bar with its investment in talent from all corners of the industry, and with an enhanced offering that combines creative and strategy with data and technology to solve complex business challenges. There is also a renewed focus on understanding the connection between audience motivations and cultural movements to unlock opportunities that matter most to brands. Public Label describes this approach as “using intelligence and creativity to hack cultures.”

“Over the past year we have shifted the way we bring brands to market – connecting brands, cultures, and understanding audience motivations to drive growth,” said Brian Cohen, CEO of Match Marketing Group. “With Public Label, we have invested heavily to create a new mindset of mastering the nuances of human behavior by ‘hacking’ popular cultures, and by understanding what motivates those audiences to take action.”

The new approach has already led to success for existing clients including Progressive, adidas, Fujifilm, Mars Wrigley, Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, OZO and the recently relaunched Ford Bronco.

Eric Moncaleano, who was appointed ECD earlier this year, will oversee creative for Public Label.

“We are thrilled to finally introduce Public Label to the world,” said Moncaleano. “We are made up of thinkers, dreamers and doers who are passionate about creating work that shifts perspective and inspires positive action. Our integrated, idea-led approach is already having an impact – resulting in more meaningful insights for our clients, and fostering a more unified, collaborative, creative culture internally.”

Public Label’s leadership team includes: Eric Moncaleano, ECD; Brian Kittelson, EVP Brand Strategy & Commercialization; Anne Dean, SVP, Marketing Solutions; and Gary Westgate, VP, Creative.

Match Retail emerges in a move that solidifies its reputation as a leading sales, merchandising and branded retail agency for major brands across North America. Match Retail’s expanded capabilities include an increased investment in upfront associate training and data and analytical assessments to further differentiate its offerings in the marketplace.

The agency, which helps brands get “retail ready” and drive conversion in traditional shopping environments, has been operating for over 12 years. Current clients include LG, Rogers Communications, TELUS, Nespresso, Danone and L’Oreal, among others. For Rogers and TELUS, Match created a national wireless kiosk business called WOW! Mobile Boutique that operates within shopping malls across Canada. Match Retail currently runs 83 locations and manages end-to-end retail including kiosk management, sales and productivity, marketing and merchandising, supply chain, HR, operations, training and development.

Match Retail’s leadership team will be co-led by Vanessa Schnekenburger, Managing Director; and Greg Quick, Managing Director.

“Match Marketing has been designing and executing retail-driven services for more than a decade,” said Schnekenburger. “With our proven track record and potential for growth, it made sense to organize and invest in a much larger way. By doing so, we’ve given Match Retail a focused investment strategy that gives us a competitive advantage in the marketplace while also providing our teams the opportunity to step into the spotlight and get the recognition for the amazing work they do.”

Since being acquired by private equity firm Southfield Capital in 2018, Match Marketing Group named new leadership in 2019 with the appointment of Cohen as CEO who was tasked with creating a new vision to grow the agency, building a strong and engaging culture to attract the best talent, and delivering innovative marketing solutions for clients.

As part of this new organizational design, the agencies are streamlining operations between two hubs: Boulder, Colorado and Toronto, Canada. Public Label will be based in Boulder and Toronto, while Match Retail will remain in Toronto where its retail operations have been based.

About Match Marketing Group

Match Marketing Group is the connective tissue that empowers North American marketing agencies Public Label and Match Retail to collaborate and inspire each other. Match Marketing Group is passionate about helping brands have meaningful interactions with audiences, creating a better way to drive desire, create demand and deliver growth for clients. For more information, please visit www.matchmg.com.

About Public Label

Public Label is a North American creative marketing agency. Made up of an inspired group of enthusiasts from all corners of the marketing world, Public Label’s mission is to help brands recognize and align with consumer motivations and cultural movements. Public Label identifies cultural trends, taps into what people already believe in, and builds stronger brand affinity and loyalty. This results in action that drives conversion, ultimately leading to brand growth. For more information, visit www.publiclabelagency.com.

About Match Retail

Match Retail is a leading sales, merchandising and branded retail agency working for major brands across North America. Inspired by an endless desire to help transform brands so they can be retail ready, Match Retail works with tier one clients to drive conversion in traditional shopping environments through enhanced customer experiences. The agency prides itself on top-notch people and best-in-class training to produce unparalleled execution that it measures with pinpoint accuracy. Learn more at www.matchretail.com.

Kristen Bryan, Raven Public Relations
E: kristen@meetraven.com
P: 732-395-7595

Growth and culture benchmark the agency amongst the highest in the region for workplace best-practices

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--$Awards #CanadasTop100--Bounteous has been named to the Greater Toronto's Top 2021 Employers, a snapshot of the most dynamic workplaces in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). For Toronto-area employers, the minimum scores to secure a place on the GTA list routinely rank among the highest in the nation.

The Greater Toronto’s Top Employers competition recognizes companies like Bounteous with the most progressive human resources programs and forward-thinking workplace policies. From industry leaders in finance and software development to world-class healthcare, public sector, and nonprofit organizations, Bounteous was graded on criteria ranging from physical work and social atmosphere to health and financial, vacation and time off, training and skills development, and community involvement.

“The Toronto team has strategically partnered to shape Bounteous into one of the industry’s leading independent digital transformation agencies, recognized for its thought leadership, strategic co-innovation client enablement model, and global award-winning culture,” said Mike Brown, Bounteous Chief Client Officer in Toronto. “We’ve been extremely fortunate to be well-positioned for attracting the city’s best talent, and are on track to have more than 100 team members in the GTA by the end of the year.”

The recognition follows a heavy awards season for Bounteous and its second major win in Canada in the fourth quarter of 2020. Bounteous was designated a Great Place to Work^® Canada, benchmarked against the nation’s top best workplaces.

During an unprecedented year, Greater Toronto’s Top 2021 Employers continue to provide inspiration for how they care for employees and support the community in Canada’s largest metropolis. This year’s winners stand out for their resilience—and for going the extra mile to look after employees and support the community.

“It’s hard not to be impressed by the dynamism of employers that make their home in the GTA, and by the remarkably diversified economy they have created,” said Anthony Meehan, Publisher at Mediacorp. “In a year that will be seared in most of our memories by the pandemic and the difficult social questions it raised, these employers remind us why we choose to make this place our home. The winners are often peerless in their own fields – but this year we also saw how they have placed the welfare of their employees and health of their community at the heart of their organizational purpose.”

The full list of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for 2021 was announced in a special edition of The Globe and Mail. Winners and detailed reasons for selection are featured on the competition homepage here. To join the ranks of a top-rated employer in Toronto, see Bounteous’ openings here.

About Bounteous

Founded in 2003 in Chicago, Bounteous creates big-picture digital solutions that help leading companies deliver transformational digital brand experiences. With expertise in Strategy, Experience Design, Solutions Engineering, Analytics, and Marketing, Bounteous forms co-innovation partnerships with clients to envision, design, and build their digital futures. For more information, please visit www.bounteous.com. For more information about co-innovation, download the Co-Innovation Manifesto at co-innovation.com.

For the most up-to-date news, follow Bounteous on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

About Greater Toronto's Top Employers

Now marking its 15th edition, the Greater Toronto’s Top Employers competition is an editorial project that recognizes employers with exceptional human resources programs and forward-thinking workplace policies. Editors at Mediacorp grade employers on eight criteria, which have remained consistent since the project's inception: (1) Physical Workplace; (2) Work Atmosphere & Social; (3) Health, Financial & Family Benefits; (4) Vacation & Time-Off; (5) Employee Communications; (6) Performance Management; (7) Training & Skills Development; and (8) Community Involvement. Employers are compared to other organizations in their field to determine which offer the most progressive and forward-thinking programs. The annual competition is open to any employer with its head office in the Greater Toronto Area; employers of any size may apply, whether private or public sector.

About Mediacorp

Founded in 1992, Mediacorp Canada Inc. is the nation's largest publisher of employment periodicals. Since 1999, the Toronto-based publisher has managed the Canada's Top 100 Employers project, which includes 18 regional and special-interest editorial competitions that reach over 15 million Canadians annually through a variety of magazine and newspaper partners, including The Globe and Mail. Mediacorp also operates Eluta.ca, one of Canada's largest job search engines, which reaches millions of unique visitors annually and features editorial reviews from the Canada's Top 100 Employers project. The company also publishes The Career Directory, now in its 28th year – a free online guide for recent college and university graduates looking for employers hiring candidates from their educational background.

Bounteous
Sarah Baker
(877) 220-5862
sarah.baker@bounteous.com

• Fiscal Update Announcement a Strong First Step
• Action Needed Now to Avoid US-Style “News Deserts”

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Canada’s news media publishers today applauded the Government of Canada for standing up to giant internet companies in Monday’s Fiscal Update, and renewed their call for the government to take action to level the playing field for Canada’s local newspapers in dealing with the Google and Facebook monopoly.

“The government is taking an important step in applying the same tax rules to these US-based web giants that all other companies operating in Canada must obey,” said Jamie Irving, vice-president of Brunswick News Publishing company BNI and Chair of News Media Canada’s working group.

“We renew our call to them – and all parties in Parliament – to take the next step and adopt the Australian solution – outlined in our October report, Levelling the Digital Playing Field – to curb Facebook and Google’s monopoly abuses against local news.”

The News Media Canada report details the way in which Google and Facebook use their monopoly powers in Canada to scoop up 80% of online advertising revenues and to distribute newspaper content without compensation. The government in Australia – with support from all parties in Parliament – is putting in place a comprehensive solution that resolves the same problems – without resorting to tax increases or user fees. Canadian publishers are calling for the same solution.

Canada’s news publishers pointed to an alarming new United States Senate Report to illustrate the urgency of the situation for local news.

“Unless the government steps in to enforce fair competition, Google and Facebook will do in Canada what they’ve done in the United States,” said Irving. “In October, while we were issuing our report, the United States Senate also issued its own report describing how the two companies – using the exact same tactics that they use in Canada - have helped put more than 2,000 local newspapers – more than a quarter of all papers published in the US – out of business over the last 15 years, creating ‘news deserts’ across wide swaths of America.”

The Government of Canada announced in its Speech from the Throne of September 23rd that, “The government will act to ensure their revenue is shared more fairly with our creators and media, and will also require them to contribute to the creation, production, and distribution of our stories, on screen, in lyrics, in music, and in writing.”

News Media Canada is calling on the government to tackle the web giants and adopt the Australian model in Canada.

The CEO members of the following companies are leading the discussions with the government of Canada including Glacier Media, Black Press, Torstar, Postmedia, Globe and Mail, La Presse, Quebecor and Brunswick News.

About News Media Canada

News Media Canada is the voice of the print and digital news media industry in Canada and represents hundreds of trusted titles in every province and territory. News Media Canada is an advocate in public policy for daily and community media outlets and contributes to the ongoing evolution of the news media industry by raising awareness and promoting the benefits of news media across all platforms. For more information, visit our website at www.newsmediacanada.ca or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

John Hinds, President and CEO
jhinds@newsmediacanada.ca

The integration enables Slack’s users to ‘show’ instead of ‘tell’ by creating and sharing videos with teammates with just a couple of clicks–and it’s all free

KITCHENER, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--#collaboration--Video creation, hosting, and sharing platform for business provider, Vidyard, today announced an integration with Slack to bring Vidyard’s free, asynchronous video messaging functionality to Slack. Slack is the leading channel-based messaging platform, used by millions to align their teams, unify their systems, and drive their businesses forward. With this integration, their users can further enhance team collaboration by recording videos and sending them directly as messages within Slack using Vidyard’s tools.

The integration with Slack brings Vidyard’s free application to a massive global audience of business users at a time when it’s more important than ever for sellers, marketers, and business leaders to find more personal and engaging ways to deliver their messages remotely. Vidyard is the fastest way to create, host, and share video updates and screen recordings within Slack that are timely and authentic–plus, video messages help humanize day-to-day communications between remote employees. It’s also the ideal application for times when it’s easier to quickly explain an idea on video instead of writing it out in a long, wordy, hard-to-follow email.

“Use screen recordings to improve collaboration and engagement between teams by showing instead of telling,” said Michael Litt, co-founder, and CEO of Vidyard. “The demand for asynchronous video communication that is both easy and accessible is skyrocketing. Millions of business professionals are already intimately familiar with how impactful video has been while working remotely. By integrating with Slack, Vidyard enables these users with an option to use video to communicate more effectively without the burden of needing real-time availability.”

With Vidyard’s latest integration, Slack users can:

• Start a recording or add an existing video in seconds right from Slack with a simple /vidyard command
• Share the video recording to a Slack channel or DM without copy-and-pasting a link
• Access their entire Vidyard Video Library from within Slack, wherever they are
• Get instant feedback from the audience they’re connecting with inside Slack

Vidyard and Slack are particularly imperative during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has transformed the nature of work and normalized chat and video as the premier business communications tools. More people are working remotely, Vidyard makes it easier to supplement Slack messages as it becomes a more commonplace mode of communication in the absence of in-office meetings. Vidyard also helps replace casual office conversations. Instead of swinging by someone’s desk, people can send them a video or screen recording over Slack.

According to The 2020 State of Video in Remote Work report from Vidyard and Demand Metric, 94% of study participants now use video-conferencing for work, while more than 50% report they’re creating more pre-recorded videos than ever before.

“Vidyard helps business professionals work from anywhere, fight remote work fatigue, and potentially avoid their next online meeting,” said Tyler Lessard, Vidyard’s Chief Video Strategist. “By using Slack and Vidyard together, those possibilities expand. When you have more to say to a co-worker than can be easily written and want to avoid a lengthy virtual meeting that can be a hassle to coordinate, send a video message with a screen recording using the Vidyard integration within Slack instead.”

This year has been transformative for Vidyard and its customers. Since January, Vidyard has:

• Unveiled a new suite of video creation and collaboration tools
• Integrated with Zoom video conferencing
• Completed a significant redesign of its online video hosting and enterprise video platform services
• Launched its new Android mobile application and enhanced iOS mobile application
• Opened up access to secure video messaging to enhance internal communications during the pandemic

More Information:

• Install the Vidyard App for Slack: https://www.vidyard.com/integrations/slack/
• Sign up for Vidyard for free: www.vidyard.com/free-screen-record/

About Vidyard

Vidyard helps businesses and professionals connect with their audiences in a whole new way through engaging, personalized, and measurable video experiences. Through its global video hosting and analytics platform, Vidyard empowers businesses like LinkedIn, Zycus, League, Stanley Black & Decker, and others to transform their approach to marketing, sales, and corporate communications. Through its free and pro tools, Vidyard helps any business professional create and share custom videos to deliver their message in a more personal and impactful way. Thousands of businesses and millions of people around the world rely on Vidyard for their video needs. Sign up for Vidyard for free: https://www.vidyard.com/free-screen-record

Media:
Sandy Pell, Head of Corporate Communications, Vidyard
press@vidyard.com

Dave Reddy, Big Valley Marketing
dreddy@bigvalley.co
650-868-4659

Announcement follows partnership of SI and The Hockey News

NEW YORK & TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Curling News and Sports Illustrated media have launched The Curling News on SI, a dynamic, in-depth experience for fans of the “Roaring Game.”

“For more than 60 years of print and recent digital publishing, The Curling News has been the independent, global voice of curling coverage,” said W. Graeme Roustan, chairman, owner and publisher of Roustan Media, which owns The Curling News. “Today marks the start of another new era, as The Curling News becomes Sports Illustrated’s exclusive content partner, operating on Maven’s digital publishing platform.”

The Curling News has suspended its print publication due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the digital destination is now co-branded within SI.com, as the exclusive source of curling content for SI.com.

The Curling News’ team of journalists and contributors will continue to deliver comprehensive coverage to fans – breaking news, exclusive storytelling, insights, commentary, photos, videos and podcasts – and will now gain increased worldwide distribution through Sports Illustrated and Maven’s combined 175 million monthly users.

“SI’s partnership strategy is consistent with Maven’s focus, to partner with the most authentic and respected content leaders in each field, and The Curling News fits that description perfectly,” said Sports Illustrated co-editor-in-chief Ryan Hunt.

“The Curling News brings an authentic voice and trusted storytelling to the table, creating a dynamic experience for Olympic and winter sport fans,” he added.

The announcement comes just months after The Hockey News, also owned by Roustan Media, partnered with SI.com to launch SI Hockey.

“This partnership brings together the best of curling and hockey for an all-around, multi-dimensional experience for sports fans,” added Roustan. “All of us at Roustan Media are excited to provide incredible winter sport content to millions of new readers around the world.”

About The Curling News

The Curling News was founded in Calgary, Canada in 1957 and was acquired by Roustan Media in 2019. Led by former owner and Editor-In-Chief George Karrys, The Curling News has been producing the best curling industry content for the past 63 years.

About Sports Illustrated

Sports Illustrated is an award-winning media enterprise and cultural touchstone that captures moments in sports and turns them into history. Offering the most relevant and innovative content in real-time, SI is the authoritative voice of the sports world and the source that connects audiences to athletes and teams across every touchpoint spanning entertainment, editorial, and digital platforms to live events and brand extensions. The Sports Illustrated network includes the iconic Magazine and SI Kids and marquee franchises Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, Sportsperson of the Year, and Fashionable 50.

For more information, visit SI.com. Follow Sports Illustrated on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

About Maven

Maven (maven.io) is a best-in-class technology platform empowering premium publishers who impact, inform, educate and entertain. Maven operates the media businesses for Sports Illustrated and TheStreet, and powers over 250 brands including History, Maxim, Ski Magazine, and Biography. Maven is publicly traded under the ticker symbol MVEN.

Greg Witter press@maven.io

George Karrys
The Curling News
contact@roustan.media

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BBTV Holdings Inc. (TSX: BBTV), a media tech company that uses technology enabled solutions to help content owners become more successful, provides the following updates:

• BBTV signs new international gaming partners L'étoile Noire, Acenix, Games EduUu, Mustafa GAME OVER, and VinhMC, who collectively achieve 217 million monthly YouTube views and over 23 million YouTube subscribers.
• L'étoile Noire is 6th largest YouTube gaming creator in France, Games EduUu is the 12th largest gaming creator in Brazil. In addition, BBTV has partnerships in place with three of the top 10 Gaming channels on YouTube, and five of the top 20 Gaming channels on YouTube, based on total subscribers¹.
• BBTV’s gaming content has achieved 78 Billion views LTM September 2020, with the most consumable formats like eSports (such as Fortnite and League of Legends), Casual Games (such as Minecraft, Roblox), GTA² and PUBG³ generating significant viewership and engagement from audiences.
• According to a report released this year, the global gaming market will generate $159.3 billion in revenue in 2020. Newzoo projects the industry to surpass $200 billion in revenue in 2023⁴.

"Global TAM⁵ for gaming revenues is forecasted to reach nearly $160 billion in 2020, surpassing books, music and movies,” comments Shahrzad Rafati, Chairperson and CEO, BBTV. “We are proud to grow our diversity of content, including this dynamic group of international content owners in the gaming vertical. BBTV’s Gaming content partners command some of the largest audiences globally, and we're poised to benefit from this as advertisers continue to shift their advertising dollars to this highly sought after segment.”

BBTV has partnered with L'étoile Noire (1.24M YouTube subscribers, 16.8M monthly YouTube views, 203k Instagram followers), the sixth largest gaming creator in France, and a prolific thought leader on the cult game, Fortnite. He regularly publishes thoughts and insights to his engaged community on the latest Fortnite news, Fortnite games updates, and its merch store.

Acenix (4.2M YouTube subscribers, 50.02M monthly YouTube views, 268k Instagram followers, 66k Twitter followers) is one of the most charismatic, entertaining, and fastest growing gamers in the Spanish speaking world and is the 19th largest YouTube gaming creator in Spain.

A finalist for the 2020 iBest award in the Game Content category by IGN Brazil, Games EduUu (8.75M YouTube subscribers, 54.6M monthly YouTube views, and 567k Facebook followers) one of the most dynamic, passionate and entertaining Brazilian influencers, the 12th largest gaming creator in the country, and one of the fastest growing in the category.

“International expansion is an important driver of BBTV’s overarching growth strategy and these latest partnerships demonstrate our ability to deliver value to content owners around the globe in one of the largest, and most engaging content verticals,” comments Ali Adab, VP Content and Partnerships, BBTV.

Mustafa Jamal is the largest Minecraft gaming channel in the MENA region with an average of more than 1M views per video (8.13M YouTube subscribers, 81.2M monthly YouTube views, 483k Instagram followers), with Mustafa GAME OVER. Finally, BBTV welcomes VinhMC, a popular gamer from Vietnam, known for his humorous Minecraft walkthroughs and commentary (853k YouTube subscribers, 14.09M monthly YouTube views and 3.6M TikTok followers).

Gaming is just one of a number of popular and high growth content verticals at BBTV, others include: entertainment, music, kids and family, and sports.

For more information please visit: www.bbtv.com

Footnotes

• ¹ Source SocialBlade Nov 23rd 2020, most subscribed categories; gaming: https://socialblade.com/youtube/top/category/games/mostsubscribed
• ² Grand Theft Auto
• ³ PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds
• ⁴ Source Reuters May 2020, Newzoo report: https://ca.reuters.com/article/idUSFLM8jkJMl
• ⁵ TAM = Total Addressable Market

References/sources:

• Global and Country specific ranking are from: Tubular Labs - October 2020
• YouTube Monthly Views Source: SocialBlade - November 29th, 2020
• YouTube Subs Source: YouTube - November 29th, 2020
• Instagram Followers Source: Instagram - November 29th, 2020
• Twitter Followers Source: Twitter - November 29th, 2020
• Facebook Followers Source: Facebook - November 29th, 2020

About BBTV

BBTV is a media and technology company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. BBTV is an enabling platform with a stated mission of advancing the world through the democratization of content. From individual content creators to global media companies, BBTV monetizes the media of content owners through end-to-end management, distribution and monetization solutions, powered by its innovative VISO Platform, including related proprietary technology, while allowing content owners to focus on their core competency – content creation. In August 2020, BBTV had the second most unique monthly viewers among digital platforms with 615 million globally, who consumed more than 55 billion minutes of video content, the most among media companies^*. www.bbtv.com

*Calculations and classifications made by BBTV based on data from Comscore contained in Comscore’s “Top 12 Countries = August 2020 comScore Video Metrix Media Trend - Multi-Platform - Top 100 Video Properties Report”.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects the Company’s current expectations regarding future events including the expected continuation of content consumption and continued expansion of multiple partnerships from Base to Plus solutions. Forward looking information is based on a number of assumptions, including but not limited to assumptions regarding the changes and trends in our industry or the global economy, that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, and which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in the final prospectus of the Company dated October 22, 2020. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update such forward looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.

BBTV-C

Dan Gamble
Head of PR & Corporate Communications
dgamble@bbtv.com
+1778 873 0422

Ashley Buck
PR and Corporate Communications Specialist
abuck@bbtv.com
+17788751346