logo-bellmedia-en

Bell-Media-EN-sans-fond

Crave

iHeartRadio

Noovo

CTV News

USA Network

Oxygen

MasterChef Canada

The Traitors Canada

High Potential

Boston Blue

Drag Brunch Saved My Life

Late Bloomer

The Last of Us

linkedin

twitter

instagram

TheLede_Logo_Black

TheLede_Logo_Reverse

Interested in advertising with Bell Media ? Contact us today.

Don't miss The Lede's exclusive content

A Canadian media conglomerate that is the mass media subsidiary of BCE Inc.

Subscribe to our media lists to receive official press releases and alerts from Bell Media PR.

Get the latest announcements from Bell Media

TORONTO (September 22, 2025) – In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, hundreds of broadcasters in Canada are coming together for the fifth year in a row to amplify Indigenous voices with A DAY TO LISTEN 2025. Produced by the Gord Downie &amp; Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) in partnership with Orbyt Media, the 12-hour broadcast airs on radio stations throughout Canada on Tuesday, September 30, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (local time).

Poet and media producer January Rogers and former reality TV star and motivational speaker Kiefer Collison take the lead as the hosts of A DAY TO LISTEN. They are joined by JUNO Award-winning singer-songwriter William Prince. Together, they will share stories and interviews with Indigenous community leaders, experts, artists, creators, Elders, and more. A full list of interviewees and participating radio stations is available at ADayToListen.ca.

This year's theme is The Path Here | The Path Ahead. It's been a decade since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada released its Final Report and 94 Calls to Action, challenging all of us—Indigenous and non-Indigenous—to confront the past and work toward a better future. The special guests will reflect on 10 years of reconciliation, sharing powerful insights on what brought us to this moment and where we can go from here.

"We are honoured to bring people across Canada together for the fifth year of A DAY TO LISTEN," said Sarah Midanik, President &amp; CEO of the Gord Downie &amp; Chanie Wenjack Fund. "With hundreds of stations uniting to share Indigenous stories, this year's theme, The Path Here | The Path Ahead, reflects on a decade of reconciliation—its progress and challenges. We're proud to work with our hosts and featured leaders to ensure Indigenous voices are heard, honoured, and amplified."

"It is an honour to continue our partnership with the Gord Downie &amp; Chanie Wenjack Fund as we collaborate on A DAY TO LISTEN," said Heidi Baiden, Senior Manager at Orbyt Media. "For the fifth year in a row, radio stations of all sizes and formats are coming together to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and bringing these important stories and interviews to listeners across Canada."

Listeners are encouraged to visit downiewenjack.ca throughout the day to explore their educational programming, such as the Legacy Schools program, which provides schools and educators with free tools and resources for teaching about not only the true history of residential schools and other colonial policies,  but also the richness, strength, and diversity of Indigenous cultures. DWF is an Indigenous-led national charity working to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Listeners can learn how they can Do Something to move reconciliation forward by visiting downiewenjack.ca.

In addition to the 12-hour radio broadcast, extended interviews and conversations will be available through the A DAY TO LISTEN podcast on all major podcast platforms, including iHeart.com and the iHeartRadio Canada app and Spotify. Plus, a 1-hour radio program will be heard on news and talk stations throughout the country.

The inaugural collaboration in 2021 followed the public announcement that the remains of 215 children were buried at the site of the former Kamloops Residential School, with the number of confirmed and suspected burial sites at former residential schools throughout Canada continuing to rise.

Radio Broadcasters Across Canada Unite for the 5th Year for A DAY TO LISTEN 2025 to Amplify Indigenous Voices on September 30

TORONTO (September 22, 2025) – In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, hundreds of broadcasters in Canada are coming together...

Tags: @CTV_PR, @TheLede_CA, @CTV, @MasterChefCDA, #MasterChefCanada
TORONTO (September 18, 2025) – CTV plates a multi-course feast of new episodes of its hit cooking competition series MASTERCHEF CANADA, beginning with a special premiere Thursday, Oct. 2 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app, and streaming next day on Crave. The 11-episode eighth season features an all-new panel of judges that includes Canadian Screen Award-winning host, cookbook author, and Season 3 winner, Mary Berg, who returns to the MASTERCHEF CANADA kitchen alongside internationally acclaimed chef and cookbook author Hugh Acheson, and chef and restauranteur Craig Wong. Together, the judges mentor and challenge the home cooks week to week, critique their dishes, and ultimately declare the winner of MASTERCHEF CANADA. The deal for the new season was brokered by Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment.

Following the Oct. 2 special premiere, MASTERCHEF CANADA moves to Tuesday nights, with a second helping of the Season 8 premiere, Oct 7 at 7 p.m. ET/PT, and new episodes beginning Oct. 14 on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app, and streaming next day on Crave.

Season 8 welcomes 15 everyday Canadians from across the country who step into the MasterChef Kitchen to face off in a series of thrilling challenges designed to put their skills to the test in hopes of impressing the judges and winning the MASTERCHEF CANADA title.

The 15 home cooks competing for culinary glory are:






 	Andres Araneda, 39
 	Hometown: Regina
 	Occupation: French Immersion Teacher







 	Ashley Treadway, 37
 	Hometown: London, Ont.
 	Occupation: Nurse Practitioner







 	Ayda Asgari, 23
 	Hometown: Montréal
 	Occupation: Civil Engineering Student







 	Bhu Chana, 29
 	Hometown: Calgary
 	Occupation: High School Teacher







 	Cindy Ward, 57
 	Hometown: Kitchener, Ont.
 	Occupation: Serial Entrepreneur







 	Daniel Ebanks, 38
 	Hometown: Winnipeg
 	Occupation: IT Sales







 	Daniel Hébert, 34
 	Hometown: Falmouth, N.S.
 	Occupation: Tech Company Founder







 	Koichi Sato, 36
 	Hometown: Fredericton
 	Occupation: Web Development Project Manager







 	Liz Worndl, 33
 	Hometown: Toronto
 	Occupation: Dentist







 	Marianne Smeaton, 36
 	Hometown: Fort St. John, B.C.
 	Occupation: Mom &amp; Cattle Rancher







 	Paul Harper, 53
 	Hometown: St. Catharines, Ont.
 	Occupation: Pharma Marketing







 	Raynie Stubbs, 34
 	Hometown: Toronto
 	Occupation: Bank Change Consultant







 	Sung Kang, 51
 	Hometown: Burlington, Ont.
 	Occupation: Marketing Consultant







 	Veronica McRae, 45
 	Hometown: Edmonton
 	Occupation: Founder of The Good Place







 	Veronica Wu, 30
 	Hometown: Toronto
 	Occupation: Senior Data Engineering Manager





In the Season 8 premiere, titled “Black Apron Battle” (airing Thursday, Oct. 2 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app, and streaming next day on Crave), the 15 home cooks enter the kitchen for a high-stakes Pressure Test. Those who can handle the heat will secure a white apron, but for the home cooks who don’t manage the pressure, they’ll have to rely on their Signature Dish to secure the remaining coveted white aprons to advance to the next round.

All previous seasons of MASTERCHEF CANADA are available for streaming on CTV.ca, the CTV app, and Crave, with previous seasons of the MASTERCHEF franchise also available on CTV.ca and the CTV app.

CIBC is helping the winner of MASTERCHEF CANADA realize their dreams with $100,000 dollars. Dempster’s® and Chicken Farmers of Canada join the mix as Challenge Partners for the new season.

Represented internationally by Banijay Entertainment, MASTERCHEF is the world’s most successful cookery television format (Guinness World Records) and was crowned Spin-Off Superstar in last year’s K7 report. Now commissioned across 71 markets, the life-changing show has aired over 750 seasons and more than 16,000 episodes to-date. Created by Franc Roddam and first launched in 1990, the super-brand is known and enjoyed across the globe.

MASTERCHEF CANADA is produced by MEM in association with CTV. For MEM, Scott McGillivray is CEO, Nanci MacLean is COO, and Marike Emery is Executive Producer. For Bell Media, Rachel Goldstein-Couto is Head of Development, Original Programming; Kelsey-Ann Maria is Production Executive; Danielle Pearson is Senior Production Executive, Original Programming; Sarah Fowlie is Head of Production, Original Programming; Carlyn Klebuc is General Manager, Original Programming; Justin Stockman is Vice-President, Content Development &amp; Programming, Bell Media.

CTV’s Beloved Culinary Competition Series MASTERCHEF CANADA Fires Up a New Season with a Special Premiere, October 2

Tags: @CTV_PR, @TheLede_CA, @CTV, @MasterChefCDA, #MasterChefCanada TORONTO (September 18, 2025) – CTV plates a multi-course feast of new episodes of...

Thursday Night Football 

 	1:30 p.m. ET – NFL GameDay: Week 1 (TSN1/3) 
 	4 p.m. ET – NFL Live (TSN1/3/5) 
 	7 p.m. ET – TNF Tonight (TSN1/3/4) 
 	8:15 p.m. ET – Miami @ Buffalo 

 	TSN1/3/4, CTV Network, and RDS 



Friday Programming 

 	2:30 p.m. ET – NFL GameDay: Week 1 (TSN3/5) 
 	4 p.m. ET – NFL Live (TSN1/3) 

Sunday Programming 

 	10 a.m. ET – NFL Countdown (TSN1)
 	10 a.m. ET – NFL Fantasy Football Now (TSN+)
 	1 p.m. ET – NFL RedZone (TSN+, RDS.ca) 
 	1 p.m. ET – FanDuel Sunday (TSN1/3) 
 	7 p.m. ET – Football Night in America (TSN1/3/5) 
 	7:30 p.m. ET – NFL on CTV Live (CTV) 

Sunday 1 p.m. ET 

 	Pittsburgh @ New England 

 	CTV Toronto, CTV Montreal, CTV Ottawa, CTV Kitchener, CTV Northern Ontario, CTV Atlantic, CTV2 BC, and CTV2 Alberta 


 	Cincinnati @ Minnesota  

 	CTV Winnipeg 


 	Los Angeles Rams @ Philadelphia  

 	TSN1/3, CTV BC, CTV Alberta, CTV Saskatchewan, and RDS 


 	New York Jets @ Tampa Bay  

 	CTV2 Toronto, CTV2 Ottawa, CTV2 London, CTV2 Windsor, and CTV2 Atlantic 


 	Green Bay @ Cleveland  

 	TSN+ 



Sunday 4 p.m. ET 

 	Denver @ Los Angeles Chargers – Kickoff at 4:05 p.m. ET 

 	TSN1 and CTV Northern Ontario 


 	New Orleans @ Seattle – Kickoff at 4:05 p.m. ET  

 	CTV BC and CTV Alberta 


 	Dallas @ Chicago – Kickoff at 4:25 p.m. ET  

 	CTV Toronto, CTV Montreal, CTV Ottawa, CTV Kitchener, CTV Saskatchewan, CTV Winnipeg, CTV Atlantic, and RDS 



Sunday Night Football 

 	8:15 p.m. ET – Kansas City @ New York Giants  

 	TSN 1/3/5, CTV Network, and RDS 



Monday Programming 

 	3 p.m. ET – NFL Live (TSN1/3/5) 
 	6 p.m. ET – NFL Monday Night Countdown (TSN1/3) 
 	8:15 p.m. ET – Detroit @ Baltimore  

 	TSN, CTV2 Toronto, CTV2 BC, CTV2 Alberta, CTV2 Ottawa, CTV2 London, CTV2 Windsor, CTV Atlantic, and RDS2 



This page will be updated as any changes to NFL programming on CTV, TSN, and RDS are confirmed. 

NFL on TSN, TSN+, CTV, and RDS – Week 3: Dolphins Visit Bills in Primetime for Thursday Night Football, Lions and Ravens Meet for Monday Night Football, and more

Thursday Night Football  1:30 p.m. ET – NFL GameDay: Week 1 (TSN1/3)  4 p.m. ET – NFL Live (TSN1/3/5)  7 p.m. ET – TNF Tonight (TSN1/3/4)  8:15 p.m. E...

SEPTEMBER 18 – HBO Original THE CASE AGAINST ADNAN SYED 

 	A new episode of the acclaimed HBO Original documentary series THE CASE AGAINST ADNAN SYED, titled “Part Five: The Tree Grew,” chronicles Adnan’s personal journey from incarceration to freedom, and his eventual reunion with family after 23 years behind bars. During the year-long investigation led by his new lawyer Erica J. Suter and supported by Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby, new information is unearthed, exposing flaws in the original investigation and prosecution, including undisclosed evidence pointing to other potential suspects, suppressed witness testimony, and DNA from the crime scene that has remained untested. The special episode debuts on Thursday, Sept. 18 at 9 p.m. ET, while the first four parts of the HBO documentary series are also available for streaming on Crave beginning September 18.

SEPTEMBER 19 – SUPERMAN *Movie Premiere*

 	In his signature style, James Gunn takes on the original superhero in the newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humour and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind. Starring David Corenswet in the dual role of Superman/Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult. A version of SUPERMAN with American Sign Language (ASL) will also be available on Crave, interpreted by Deaf ASL Interpreter Giovanni Maucere and directed by Leila Hanaumi.

&nbsp;

SEPTEMBER 19 – BEVERLY HILLS, 90210 *Complete Series*

 	In celebration of the iconic series’ 35th anniversary, all seasons and episodes of BEVERLY HILLS, 90210, including all six episodes of the 90210: REUNION, land on Crave beginning Friday, September 19. One of the definitive shows of the ‘90s, the series follows the lives of a group of friends living in Beverly Hills, California, as they transition from high school to college and into the adult world.

&nbsp;

SEPTEMBER 19 – HBO Comedy Special CALEB HEARON: MODEL COMEDIAN

 	In his debut stand-up special, filmed in front of a sold-out crowd at Constellation in Chicago, CALEB HEARON: MODEL COMEDIAN showcases Hearon’s ability to unpack life’s most absurd contradictions with his signature charm and razor-sharp wit. Taking audiences back to his roots in Kansas Cit, where it all started, newly 30-year-old Hearon deploys his generational Midwestern wisdom to solve most of the world’s problems: politics, internet trolls, learning we’re not that different from our parents, and more. The special premieres on Friday, Sept. 19 at 9 p.m. ET.

 

SEPTEMBER 19 – THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR *Season 2 Premiere*

 	In Season 2, heart surgeon Charlotte Roberts (Annabel Scholey) and her husband, consultant anesthetist Jacob (Sam Palladio), take centre stage, alongside their mysterious new colleague, Mia (Aggy K. Adams), and Charlotte's old flame, Leo (Sendhil Ramamurthy). Leo's return sparks a change in Charlotte, and Mia seizes the opportunity to work her way into Jacob and Charlotte's confidence, their street and, eventually, even their bed, befriending cul-de-sac outcast Alan (Hugh Dennis), along the way. But it's not long before Mia's past comes back to haunt her, leading Charlotte and Jacob to question who she really is, especially when patients at the hospital start mysteriously dying.

 

SEPTEMBER 23 – HBO Original THE DEVIL IS BUSY *Documentary Premiere*

 	Premiering Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 9 p.m. ET, the HBO Original documentary short, THE DEVIL IS BUSY, takes viewers behind the scenes of a women’s healthcare clinic in Atlanta, Georgia as the employees, including Tracii, the head of security, carry out their daily work of securing the safety of their patients while providing medical services where clinics face daily threats of danger.

 

***Media Note: Assets for Crave programming are available at the Bell Media press site, The Lede, here

Programming Premieres and Key Finales for the week of September 18-24

*All Programming Subject to Change*

&nbsp;

HBO and HBO Max

September 19 – HBO Original CALEB HEARON: MODEL COMEDIAN (Comedy Special)

September 23 – HBO Original THE DEVIL IS BUSY (Documentary Premiere)

&nbsp;

Movies

September 19 – SUPERMAN 

September 19 – LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

September 19 – THE CRAFT

September 19 – CATS &amp; DOGS 2: THE REVENGE OF KITTY GALORE

September 19 – THE OUTFIT

September 19 – FLIGHT RISK 

September 19 – THE GODFATHER

September 19 – THE GODFATHER PART II

September 19 – ELLI AND HER MONSTER TEAM *Canadian Title*

September 20 – CONSTANTINE

 

STARZ 

September 18 – THE WITCH

September 19 – THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR, Season 2

September 19 – SHADOW FORCE

September 19 – THE CRAFT

September 19 – CATS &amp; DOGS 2: THE REVENGE OF KITTY GALORE

September 19 – STEP DOGS 

September 19 – DANGEROUS (2021)

&nbsp;

Additional Highlights

September 19 – BEVERLY HILLS, 90210, Season 1-10

September 19 – 90210: REUNION, Episode 1-6

September 20 – LOVE ISLAND GAMES: AFTERSUN, Season 2, Episode 1 (Premiere)

September 22 – MIGHTY CRUISE SHIPS, Season 4

September 23 – Crave Original INTO THE VOID, Season 1

September 24 – Crave Original TOUJOURS CANADIENS, Season 1 *Canadian Title*

September 24 – LAST STOP GARAGE, Season 1-2

&nbsp;

Next Day on Crave

September 23 – THE VOICE, Season 23 *following CTV

September 23 – THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON *following CTV

September 23 – LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MYERS *following CTV

September 18-24: Crave Weekly Streaming Overview

SEPTEMBER 18 – HBO Original THE CASE AGAINST ADNAN SYED A new episode of the acclaimed HBO Original documentary series THE CASE AGAINST ADNAN SYED, ti...

Bell Media

TORONTO (September 17, 2025) – Bell Media announced today an expansion of its digital offerings through a groundbreaking collaboration with Ticker Take, the new creator-driven financial news platform created by veteran financial journalist Jon Erlichman. 

Erlichman, who spent much of his 25-year media career as a BNN Bloomberg anchor, stepped away from the desk last year to launch Ticker Take, which focuses on making investing and financial news simple and accessible. 

As part of the new partnership, Ticker Take content will be distributed across Bell Media’s digital platforms, including BNN Bloomberg’s YouTube channel, as well as TikTok and the iHeartRadio Canada website and app, allowing audiences to access financial insights in new formats. Erlichman also continues as a regular contributor to BNN Bloomberg, both as a financial commentator and fill-in anchor. Additionally, Erlichman shares his insights on financial literacy and investing in weekly articles on BNN Bloomberg’s website. 

"Ticker Take has always been about making finance simple and accessible, and this partnership with Bell Media allows us to bring that mission to a broader audience," said Erlichman. "Working together across platforms shows the power of combining a leading media company with new media innovation." 

"Jon has been a remarkable presence in Canadian business journalism for more than 25 years," said Richard Gray, VP News, Bell Media. "This continued collaboration with him allows us to leverage both his expertise and his growing digital presence to reach audiences in new ways." 

Since launching in October 2024, Ticker Take has generated more than 2 billion views across platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Ticker Take recently expanded further to podcast platforms, including iHeartRadio Canada, with support from Bell Media.  

“Jon Erlichman’s approach to financial content on his @TickerTakewithJonErlichman YouTube channel demonstrates how creators can educate and inspire audiences at scale,” said Stephanie Wilson Chapin, News, Sports &amp; TV Lead for YouTube in Canada. “We’re excited to see Bell Media create new types of content in partnership with creators to engage the huge audience in Canada and around the world on YouTube across all devices.” 

Bell Media and Jon Erlichman Announce Innovative Cross-Platform Partnership

TORONTO (September 17, 2025) – Bell Media announced today an expansion of its digital offerings through a groundbreaking collaboration with Ticker Tak...

By BILL HARRIS
Special to The Lede

&nbsp;

From scaling silos and jet-surfing, to delivering cupcakes and bobbing for apples, the Season 11 finale of CTV’s THE AMAZING RACE CANADA put the four remaining teams through a daunting combination of physical and mental challenges before a worthy champion was crowned.

Heading into the last episode, underdog married couple Skylene and Blair (a.k.a. Nipîy and Magoo) were in first place, followed by siblings Grace and Joe, best friends Jesse and Jonathon, and brothers EB and Blake. The entire finale took place in and around Collingwood, Ont., which provided a picturesque backdrop for one triumphant team.

&nbsp;

SPOILER ALERT: Details about what happened are going to be discussed.

Arguably the biggest turning point of the competition was a groundbreaking, worldwide franchise-first Double Roadblock, in which each team was forced to decide, “who will go up, and who will go down?”

One team member had to descend into the dark depths at the abandoned Collingwood Grain Terminals, armed with a black light, looking for numbers and shapes written in invisible ink on the walls. Then, the second team member had to remember those numbers while climbing the massive silos, and retrieving the corresponding grain bags up top.

Jonathon emerged from the shadows with the right combination quicker than anyone else, and Jesse did his part by deftly scooting up the silo, which propelled their team to the next challenge in first place. Jesse and Jonathon were still in first place when they arrived at the final challenge, which was a memory puzzle involving 50 giant road signs and 10 posts, each representing a leg of the race.

Nipîy and Magoo had struggled at the Grain Terminals, which essentially took them out of the running. But even though Jesse and Jonathon got to the final challenge first, they were joined in short order by Grace and Joe, and then EB and Blake, making for some tense moments with all three teams simultaneously trying to figure out the visual puzzle.

Finally, Jesse and Jonathon thought they had cracked it, and called for a check. “Let’s not look, let’s hope,” said a nervous Jesse, as he and Jonathon turned their heads. Then they heard the fateful words: “congratulations, guys. Here’s your next clue.”

There was still some travelling to do, but Jesse and Jonathon stayed the course and maintained their lead on the way to the final mat at Osler Bluff Ski Club, where they were greeted with the news from host Jon Montgomery that they had been waiting for all season: Jesse and Jonathon were the winners of Season 11 of THE AMAZING RACE CANADA. Grace and Joe came in second, followed by EB and Blake in third, and Nipîy and Magoo in fourth.

Here’s what Jesse Harink and Jonathon Braun had to say about their experience:

Q: Can you still remember your specific numbers from the grain silos?

JONATHON: “Oh gosh, was it 104, 87, and 35?”

&nbsp;

Q: It was actually 103, 84, and 25.

JESSE: “I literally forgot those numbers the second we left the grain terminal, because that was incredibly stressful and hard to do. So yes, as soon as Jonathon emerged from the murky below, and gave me those numbers, I blocked that from my memory, with excitement.”

&nbsp;

Q: Maybe Jesse had the hardest job, remembering those numbers as he climbed the ladder?

JESSE: “When I was climbing up there, I think the hardest part of remembering during that moment was it started to become clear that we could actually win that day. We were the first ones out. We were scaling that building. So it wasn't a fear of heights that was getting me distracted, it was the overwhelming feeling that this could actually turn out okay.”

&nbsp;

Q: As often is the case on THE AMAZING RACE CANADA, it came down to a memory challenge at the end. Even though you had arrived first, the three top teams wound up at the puzzle together.

JONATHON: “Throughout the season, we had seen EB and Blake taking notes and being so studious of the game. When they showed up, I was just worried that they were going to blitz right through the puzzle.”

JESSE: “As we saw in Season 10, the complete lineup can change in that last puzzle, so we were quite fearful that was going to happen. We did take notes at the end of each leg, and we'd often talk about what happened, but we weren't as tied to our notebooks as some other teams were. We would see other teams taking notes, and me and Jonathon were just like, ‘I'm sure we can rely on our memory here.’ So we were really relying on our ‘lived experience’ rather than written notes.”

&nbsp;

Q: After staring at that puzzle for so long, what did it feel like to finally unlock it?

JONATHON: “The adrenaline was overwhelming. It was unreal. I think the only thing to match it was getting the granny square challenge in the leg before, because we were thinking we were going home! But yeah, it was one of the highlights of my life.”

JESSE: “When we got that last clue and we ran out of there first, the tension in that car on the drive to Blue Mountain was so high. Me and Jonathon were not talking. It was just dead quiet. We knew that it could all go away just getting there. But there was incredible relief when we got out of the car, and we got there first. This has been Jonathon's dream ever since he saw the first season of the American franchise. And so to be on this journey, watching your friend’s dream come true, it’s a dream come true in itself.”

&nbsp;

Q: You were one of the top teams this season right from the start, which kind of put a target on your backs. It wasn’t an easy path.

JONATHON: “While we came in with confidence, I don't think we ever could have imagined how well we were going to do in the first half of the season. That was an amazing surprise. But I don't think it was within either of us not to try as hard as we could. Even in those early legs, we were like, ‘this is our one chance to do this, and we're going to go full tilt.’ It kind of destroyed our strategy of trying to maybe play it low-key, and make friends with people, and avoid the U-Turn votes, and avoid the Passes. The fact that we got both U-Turns, and both Passes, and still came out on top is something that I think we're both really proud of, and it just makes the experience that much more cool and satisfying. We had to overcome so many obstacles to get there. It just feels really good. But yeah, the strategy of playing it low-key was out the window, you know, very fast.”

JESSE: “We've never been the type to blend into the background. We're not known as being the quietest people that hide in the corner. So, I think any dream of playing it cool was out the window when I screamed the first time. But whenever we got those U-Turns and Passes, we honestly thought, ‘I would have done the same thing if I were in anyone else's position. I would have voted for us. I would have passed us. I would have tried to get us out any way I could.’ So it never really felt like, ‘oh, why are people targeting us?’ It was like, ‘this makes sense. They're coming after us. Let's just get through it.’ And honestly, when we were targeted, I feel like those were some of our best legs. Sometimes it was the fire we needed to really push through.”

&nbsp;

Q: What are you going to do with the $250,000?

JONATHON: “I'm going to take my parents on a trip, and then I'm going to put some money towards a place in Vancouver. Those are my two things.”

JESSE: “Honestly, what's so amazing about winning this amount of money is just having that opportunity to breathe for a moment. You can take your next adventure without the fear of failing, because you have a cushion there. I just turned 34, so I really just want to take a look and decide what I want to be doing for this next part of my life, whether that's starting a business, or leaning into some other things. I can take a few more risks, because I feel a little bit more secure in taking them.”

&nbsp;

Q: Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to anyone thinking of applying for THE AMAZING RACE CANADA?

JONATHON: “First, do it, apply. It’s so much fun. It’s so worth it. And second, read your clue. Read it carefully. You saw how we made some mistakes early on because we didn't read the clue properly. Luckily, those mistakes weren't fatal, but read your clue.”

JESSE: “The application process was actually one of our favourite parts. You get to make a video, talking about why you love your race partner, and what you appreciate about them. The application process is so much fun. Then when it comes to the race, take a dance class. It will only benefit you in the long run. And maybe we are biased in this thinking, but do it with your friend, not with your romantic partner. For example, Jonathon is the biggest backseat driver in the world. He's the most annoying backseat driver. I could accept that for the run of the race, because I'm like, ‘I don't have to live with that when I get home.’ So when it comes to those pet peeves and wild behaviours, I think a friend is sometimes an easier person to run with than a romantic partner.”

&nbsp;

THE AMAZING RACE CANADA is set to return in 2026 on CTV. The series has been renewed for Season 12 with casting details to be announced soon.

&nbsp;

billharristv@gmail.com
@billharris_tv

Season 11 of THE AMAZING RACE CANADA Hits The Heights With a Frenzied Finale

By BILL HARRIS Special to The Lede &nbsp; From scaling silos and jet-surfing, to delivering cupcakes and bobbing for apples, the Season 11 finale of C...

MONTREAL (September 15, 2025) – CTV News Montreal announced today the debut of an all-new virtual reality set for CTV News broadcasts. The new studio will be utilized for each of the station’s local newscasts beginning today, including CTV NEWS AT 5 with anchor Maya Johnson; CTV NEWS AT 6 with anchor Mutsumi Takahashi; and CTV NEWS AT 11:30 with anchor Caroline Van Vlaardingen, as well as the 6 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. weekend newscasts. 

The newly modernized virtual studio environment reinforces CTV News Montreal’s commitment to delivering the most dynamic daily newscasts, with multiple modular screens to provide high-quality news graphics, video footage, live interviews, and more. The move to a virtual set is a first for CTV News and follows Noovo Info which went virtual in 2024. 

“This innovative new virtual reality studio not only delivers a visually striking news environment for our viewers, it also allows us to tell stories in dynamic new ways,” said Jean-Philippe Pineault, General Manager, Quebec News, Bell Media. “Building on the success following Noovo Info’s transition to a virtual set, and thanks to the technological advances offered by this state-of-the-art studio, we will continue to evolve our newscasts for years to come.” 

CTV Montreal is Quebec’s most-watched English-language station, and CTV News delivers the biggest stories of the day to viewers across the province through its daily newscasts, as well as on CTVNews.ca and the CTV News app. 

CTV News Montreal Launches New Virtual Reality Set

MONTREAL (September 15, 2025) – CTV News Montreal announced today the debut of an all-new virtual reality set for CTV News broadcasts. The new studio...

HBO and HBO Max received 30 Emmy® awards across 12 original programs for the 77th annual Emmy Awards.

HBO and HBO Max’s 30 Emmy wins this year include:

 	9 wins for THE PENGUIN including Outstanding Actress in a Limited Series or Movie (Cristin Milioti) and Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup
 	5 wins for THE PITT including Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (Noah Wyle), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Katherine LaNasa), Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series (Shawn Hatosy), and Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series
 	3 wins for HACKS including Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Jean Smart), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Hannah Einbinder), and Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series (Julianne Nicholson)
 	3 wins for PEE-WEE AS HIMSELF including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special and Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program
 	2 wins for LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER including Outstanding Scripted Variety Series and Outstanding Writing for a Scripted Variety Series
 	2 wins for 100 FOOT WAVE including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series
 	1 win for SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Jeff Hiller)
 	1 win for CONAN O'BRIEN MUST GO for Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special
 	1 win for THE WHITE LOTUS for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music
 	1 win for THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES for Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Comedy Series
 	1 win for HOUSE OF THE DRAGON for Outstanding Period or Fantasy/Sci-Fi Makeup (Non-Prosthetic)
 	1 win for THE LAST OF US for Outstanding Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour)

All HBO and Max Original Emmy-winning programs are available to stream on Crave.

HBO and HBO Max Receive 30 EMMY Awards, Tied for The Most Wins of Any Network or Platform

HBO and HBO Max received 30 Emmy® awards across 12 original programs for the 77th annual Emmy Awards. HBO and HBO Max’s 30 Emmy wins this year include...

Kelowna, BC (September 13, 2025) - Tonight, the Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®) marked Canada’s biggest night in country music; the 43nd annual CCMA Awards presented by TD. Taking over Prospera Place in Kelowna for the first time, the 2025 CCMA Awards presented by TD showcased a powerhouse line-up of performers and presenters, celebrating the achievements of Canada’s country music community.

Josh Ross was honored as Entertainer of the Year and rounded out the night with a win for Single of the Year for Single Again, while MacKenzie Porter earned the title of Female Artist of the Year. The coveted Fans’ Choice Award presented by Bud Light went to Cameron Whitcomb, and the rising star also captured Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year presented by Birkenstock. Jade Eagleson claimed Male Artist of the Year, and James Barker Band took home Group or Duo of the Year, while Owen Riegling was recognized with the Ford F-150 Album of the Year for Bruce County (From The Beginning).

MEDIA NOTE: The most up-to-date list of 2025 CCMA Award winners can be found at ccma.org throughout Country Music Week 2025. Photos can be found via the folder HERE and winner graphics can be found HERE.

&nbsp;
OFFICIAL 2025 CCMA AWARDS PRESENTED BY TD WINNERS
Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year presented by Birkenstock 
Cameron Whitcomb
Single of the Year
Josh Ross - Single Again
Group or Duo of the Year
James Barker Band
Female Artist of the Year
MacKenzie Porter
Male Artist of the Year
Jade Eagleson
Entertainer of the Year
Josh Ross
Fans’ Choice Award presented by Bud Light
Cameron Whitcomb
Ford F-150 Album of the Year
Owen Riegling - Bruce County (From The Beginning)

Canadian Country Music Talent Shines Bright as Winners Announced at the 2025 CCMA Awards Presented by TD

Kelowna, BC (September 13, 2025) - Tonight, the Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®) marked Canada’s biggest night in country music; the 43nd a...

TORONTO (September 12, 2025) – Bell Media and iHeartMedia announced today a long-term extension of their exclusive partnership, solidifying a commitment to deliver unparalleled audio entertainment experiences to audiences across Canada through iHeartRadio Canada. This renewed agreement builds upon nearly a decade of collaboration, which has seen iHeartRadio Canada become a leading digital audio platform, offering a wide range of content including more than 360 licensed Canadian radio stations across 170 markets, hundreds of thousands of podcasts, playlists, and on demand content. 

As part of the partnership extension, Bell Media receives Canadian representation of iHeartRadio’s extensive podcast portfolio, creating new opportunities for advertisers to reach Canadian listeners. 

Since the initial launch of iHeartRadio Canada in 2016, the partnership has brought the iHeartRadio brand to audiences across the nation through multiple digital platforms, including web, app, and auto dashboards, making the iHeartRadio Canada app the first choice for radio listeners across the country. 

“The creation of iHeartRadio Canada has been instrumental in evolving the digital audio landscape in Canada, greatly expanding the choice of incredible content available to listeners,” said Dave Daigle, VP, Local TV, Radio, and Bell Media Studios. “The renewal of this successful partnership ensures iHeartRadio Canada continues to deliver exceptional content and innovative listening experiences to our audiences, further solidifying our position as a leader in the Canadian media industry." 

“This renewed agreement with Bell Media reflects our shared commitment to delivering the best in audio entertainment to Canadian listeners and advertisers,” said Michael Biondo, President of Business Development &amp; Strategic Partnerships, iHeartMedia. “In the years to come, we’ll continue expanding iHeartRadio Canada with innovative features, exclusive content, and unique opportunities for brands to connect and engage with audiences across the country.” 

The extended partnership ensures Canadian listeners have access to the best in audio entertainment. It also signifies continued support for iHeartRadio-branded events in Canada, bringing live music and entertainment experiences to fans. 

Additionally, beginning today, the fan-favourite iHeartRadio Canada app debuts a slate of enhanced features, delivering a seamless and simplified listening experience tailored to the needs of listeners. The new features include: 

 	Presets: In an audio industry first, and inspired by the car radio dashboard, new custom presets allow listeners to save up to 15 of their favourite radio stations, playlists, podcasts, and artist radio stations 
 	Scan Button: A brand new way for listeners to discover new stations, by scanning and seamlessly sampling nationwide radio stations, or filtering by city or genre 
 	Live Radio Dial: A new feature mimicking the same car radio experience that listeners know and love, enabling listeners to easily explore the best live stations across the country 
 	What’s Trending Rankers: An innovative discovery feature that allows listeners to see what’s trending at the current moment across Top Podcasts, Top Playlists, and Top Artist Radio stations 
 	Lyrics: The most requested new listener feature, iHeartRadio Canada is now the only digital radio app to offer lyrics for the song currently playing on live radio, as well as for tracks on artist radio stations and playlists 

The free iHeartRadio app is currently available across Canada on web, iOS, Android, Google Assistant, automobiles, and more. 

Source: Comscore Mobile Metrix. Sept. 2024-March 2025. Monthly average; Mobile universe 13+; Total Canada; Radio attributed mobile apps. 

Bell Media and iHeartMedia Expand Partnership with New Long-Term Agreement

TORONTO (September 12, 2025) – Bell Media and iHeartMedia announced today a long-term extension of their exclusive partnership, solidifying a commitme...