J-Links for Aug. 8: Media companies against Bell’s Astral acquisition; Magazine readership data released; Cast of Layton biopic announced

In Canadian media:

Media companies against Bell’s Astral takeover, Bell responds

In Canadian media:

Media companies against Bell’s Astral takeover, Bell responds

Large Canadian media companies like Quebecor Inc, Cogeco Cable Inc. and Eastlink are against BCE Inc.’s purchasing of the assets of Astral Media. These companies say that the takeover, valued at $3.5 billion, will end up costing consumers and hurt Canadian culture. Bell has responded to its competitors and says that its understandable its competitors would be against the move, but in the end consumers will benefit. The CRTC has yet to rule on the transaction

North American magazine readership data released

The audit Bureau of Circulations released readership data for magazines in North America and The Globe and Mail’s media reporter Steve Ladurantaye crunches the numbers and tells readers four things that The Globe had learned about Canadian publishing from the data.

CBC radio personality Sook-Yin Lee to play Olivia Chow in upcoming CBC doc

Smilin’ Jack: The Jack Layton Story is a CBC biopic that will retrace the 2011 election where Jack Layton led the NDP to its largest mandate in history as well as the love story between Layton and his wife MP Olivia Chow. CBC radio personality Sook-Yin Lee will play Chow in the film and actor Rick Roberts will play Layton.

In international media:

Radio journalist in Mali beaten, show forced off air

A Malian radio journalist was attacked while hosting a live show by members of an Al-Qaeda Islamist militant group after the station covered local protests. After beating the journalist unconscious, the men dropped him off at a hospital and his radio station was ordered off the air.

Today’s read:

FIFA investigates comments surrounding Olympic women’s soccer team causing uncertainty

A controversial women’s Olympics soccer game between Canada and the United States has left FIFA investigating comments made after the game, worrying Canadian players and fans of either suspensions, fines, or both. FIFA announced a decision won’t be released until after Thursday’s bronze medal game. Team Canada’s captain Christine Sinclair was particularly critical of calls made by the Norwegian referee following the contentious 4-3 loss to the Americans.