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Kelly Townsend

Kelly Townsend is the editor at Playback, with previous experience in B2B and entertainment journalism. Before joining the Playback team in 2018, she worked in the editorial, marketing and communication departments at B2B publisher Dovetail Communications. She has a bachelor's degree in English from York University and is a graduate of Humber College’s journalism program. Her byline has appeared in IndieWire and she spent several years covering Canadian TV as associate editor of The TV Junkies.

Posts by Kelly Townsend

Indie List 2025: Producers mixed on opportunities for screen sector

Canadian producers weigh in on the good, the bad and the AI of it all in the fast-evolving film and TV industry.

12 hours ago

Upfronts ’25: Bell Media expands Crave amid subscriber growth

Bell Media is evolving its strategy behind the streamer, from new commissions to expanding its content portfolio.

4 days ago

Netflix sets creative partnership with Patrick O’Sullivan

The streamer is developing multiple comedies with O’Sullivan, who executive-produced Letterkenny and Bad Blood.

4 days ago

‘Crisis’ in children’s content takes spotlight at CRTC hearing

Day two of the proceedings also examined Indigenous broadcasters, accessibility and the use of AI for Canadian content.

May 16, 2025

Flexibility, incentives talk kicks off CRTC’s Cancon definition hearing

The first day of the proceedings saw proposals on IP ownership models, a Canadian star system and incentives for private equity.

May 15, 2025

Corus seeks younger-skewing content for Home, Flavour

Strategy Spotlight: Rachel Nelson and Jennifer Abrams discuss the commissioning and acquisitions strategy for the Corus lifestyle channels.

February 19, 2025

CBC’s Wild Cards sells globally as U.S. audience grows

Creator Michael Konyves and the CW president Brad Schwartz discuss the strategic and creative elements behind its success south of the border.

February 18, 2025

TIFF forms advisory committee for 2026 content market launch

TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey discusses the strategy behind forming the committee as the organization announces its first seven members.

February 14, 2025

The Roku Channel picks up comedy Bria Mack Gets a Life

The comedy series about a Black woman and her invisible hype girl drops on the AVOD platform on Feb. 14 in multiple territories.

February 12, 2025

Fifth Season hires Muriel Rosilio as director of sales for Canada

EXCLUSIVE: Fifth Season announced the newly created role along with a number of sales to broadcasters and streamers in Canada.

February 11, 2025

CTV’s Children Ruin Everything to end with season four

EXCLUSIVE: Creator Kurt Smeaton and Bell Media’s Justin Stockman discuss ending the series after 50 episodes.

February 11, 2025

Spin Master Entertainment expands global distribution team

The company announced two new hires following the news of a live-action Bakugan film in development with Canadian director Brad Peyton.

February 7, 2025