Montreal's beloved Just for Laughs festival, a major annual event in the world of comedy, has canceled its 2024 edition and laid off around 70% of its staff.
The festival organizer, Groupe Juste pour rire inc. (JPR), is facing financial difficulties and has sought legal measures to avoid bankruptcy. JPR said the decision is aimed at finding new investors or potential buyers to keep the festival alive. Challenges leading to this point include financial pressure from the pandemic and other industry hurdles, including rising costs and media mergers. Despite the difficult times, organizers hope to come back stronger in 2025.
“The decision to initiate restructuring procedures was made after a thorough consideration of all options available to the company,” it states in a press release, “taking into account its very difficult financial situation given the significant changes in our business landscape in recent years.” – Rosie Long Decter
Billboard Women In Music expands to Canada in 2024
This June, Billboard Women In Music expands to Canada, shining a light on the influential women and gender-diverse talent shaping the country's music scene. With this extension, Billboard Canada aims to honor those making major strides in the industry, from production to live performances.
The music community is invited to participate, with nominations now open. It offers a platform to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals to the Canadian music industry, while fostering a more inclusive and diverse music landscape.
Canadian strain Golnar Khosrowshahi, the founder/CEO of Reservoir Media, one of the largest independent music companies in the world, is the hall of famer's Executive of the Year. This year, he offered this advice: “Turn to a path that allows for growth in both your professional and personal life. You must not compromise, but rather have the power to find the path that allows the multitudes within you.” – Richard Trapunsky
Music Canada's Game-Changing Update: Video Streams Now Count for Gold and Platinum Certifications
Earlier this week, Toronto-based Music Canada announced a major update to its Gold/Platinum Program for Single Awards: It will now incorporate official video streams into its certification calculations.
The change celebrates the evolving ways fans engage with music, particularly through video. With this update, video streams from platforms such as YouTube, Vevo and Apple Music from 1 January 2020 onwards will contribute towards the criteria for Gold, Platinum and Diamond certifications, ensuring that artists who engage fans through music videos receive recognition for the certifications. – David Farrell
