As part of the AGM, it was an election year this year. I, Tessa Potter, am finishing my three-year term as president and the eligible candidate who had spent two years on the executive whose name in for the hat was Cameron Thomson of Rogers Media. Under Cameron’s leadership the organization has many tasks to get done for this year’s coming conference, including choosing the location and the dates, which the executive is hopeful to start marketing in the new year.
With Cameron’s position vacated of vice president, the membership elected Alex Loewen from Altona, Manitoba to lead WABE connection to our exhibitor sponsors and partners. Alex Loewen, a technical manager at Golden West, has been a great volunteer over the years as well as helping in Manitoba to secure programming for our local meet up. His hard-working Prairie nature is a great addition to this executive.
Our longest serving executive member, Rob Brown, who could serve a maximum term of nine years but has served already seven, allowed that if there was anyone else who would like to join the executive this year in our new structure that he’s willing to allow their nomination to stand, and he was happy to step into the background and continue to support the organization as a volunteer, and become a WABE Chancellor. Howard Chen, formerly of Fairchild TV and now of Bell Media in Vancouver, put his name in the hat and will be looking after the organizational Secretary position. Howard has exceptional technical skills along with great organizational skills which has allowed him to lead the engineering department for years at Fairchild. Bell Media is lucky to now have them on their team in BC.
The current treasurer, Daniel Oong, has successfully put together the most comprehensive two-year financial review the organization has had in a while, and we are so thankful for his hard work which puts us in a position to make decisions, choices, and move on all of the ambitious plans the organization has to keep technical professional professionals connected.
As we transition this executive, I speak on behalf of myself and Rob to say that volunteering at WABE has been fulfilling, a huge learning opportunity, and a very connected community experience. We look forward to helping transitioning this new executive who has all the skills to make this organization thrive. Governance and growth has led my presidency, and this executive is committed to continuing to strengthen the organization and reaching out and making new WABE friends.
You can dig around the WABE website to find our mission and vision and our core values, of which we tried to take a feeling of what this organization is and why it’s successfully been so positive for so many people for over 75 years. While we know it’s rooted in radio and television broadcasting given its name, I’ve spent a lot of time in the last number of years thinking about how to describe to people the connected organization that is WABE. It’s valuable, there’s concrete examples.
The fact that many of us will have career transitions, especially in Western Canada, between different companies and different roles and often work with some of the same people. They may be your boss one day, you may be looking for them for a job the next, you may be their boss next week, and some of them may have transitioned away from conventional television and radio but are still doing the same type of work in a different segment of the industry and you bump into them when technical paths cross in unexpected places like for me at the arena.
The knowledge this group holds, hundreds of hours of working behind the scenes with all kinds of tech, being diverse, supporting 24/7 businesses, working with creators and sales professionals and community members, understanding laws and the CRTC and broadcast acts and hearings, at the same time connecting with engineers and understanding RF principles and audio basics and video streams, basic electronics, as well as project management, just to name just a few of the hundreds of skills this group has and provides in the back end of this country.
A lot of us do it quietly, come when called to your desk, drive out to a transmitter site no one else ever knows, go in behind a rack or hang off the side of a mobile truck trying to find a solution to a problem. A bit nerdy, a bit wizards, but kind, open, and always learning. And now with 80% of Internet traffic being streamed audio and video, these people are needed in the back end of schools, companies with broadcast needs, marketing, AV, staging. There’s opportunity out there for these skills, and while broadcast technicians traditionally have them in spades, it’s often those behind the scenes who are seniors of changing technology who can see what’s coming next.
Congratulations to Alex Loewen, Howard Chen, Cameron Thomson, and Daniel Oong, for putting their hands up as volunteers to lead an organization that those of us who have been members and attended events and been part of the membership for years truly value. I’m looking forward to attending the conference this next coming fall, continuing to be part of the community, and thankful for this opportunity.
]]>Many attendees were impressed with over 60 vendors onsite and by the opportunity to meet sales teams representing different manufacturers. Not everyone travels to large shows like NAB or IBC, so having vendors come to Calgary to meet professionals where they do business meant a lot. It allowed sales teams to see familiar faces, meet new ones, and reconnect with their resellers, all in one place. This is why we still believe in the importance of regional industry shows. We’re growing, and we love showing new friends from outside the traditional broadcast community that they’re welcome to come talk tech alongside those who know the craft deeply.
Declining enrollment in radio, television, and media programs is a topic that comes up often, and it struck me that I’m asked more about the next generation of workers than about AI or automation in media and entertainment.
As an association leader, I know that part of the challenge in our industry is that many of us work long, unpredictable hours. Broadcast technicians, for example, support 24/7 operations and are often on call. While remote monitoring and maintenance help, most of our time is consumed by work, leaving family and personal life to fit into whatever space remains. It’s a dynamic, always-on environment, and it can make it hard to pause, share stories, or connect with others about what we do.
Most of my career has been about teamwork. In live production, television, or radio, no one works alone. Every project relies on people with different skills, personalities, and strengths, and that diversity is what makes it work. That’s also what makes the environment demanding – each team member contributes something unique and irreplaceable.
Hearing that media programs are struggling to attract students is worrying. Behind the scenes, technical roles are critical, and if these programs disappear, the entire industry will feel it. Media and entertainment aren’t like plumbing, where standards stay the same. The tools evolve, but the fundamentals – like editing, sound, storytelling, journalism, and production craft – remain essential. Students still need to learn how to capture, assemble, and tell stories through audio and video. These are timeless skills that power everything from news to streaming to live events.
One of the biggest issues I see in attracting new talent is the lack of junior positions. Companies need to create entry-level jobs, post them publicly, and connect with institutions early so that students can find a path into the industry. Without these roles, the pipeline dries up.
Another issue is that small production houses and corporate environments are building studios and media systems but often don’t know the skill sets they need. Many of these roles end up in IT departments or installers, where staff may not have the background to manage audio, lighting, cameras, or broadcast workflows. IT knowledge is essential, but media and entertainment technology also require creative and technical flexibility that goes beyond standard network administration. Production systems don’t behave like office networks – they involve complex, proprietary tools that need to communicate and adapt dynamically to creative needs.
So, what can we do right now?
If you work in media and entertainment technology, take five minutes to give your alumni a shout-out. Post on LinkedIn, tag your institution, and let them know that the program you took is still valuable and that the fundamentals you learned continue to support your career. Take an afternoon and invite a local school with a media, broadcast, electronics, or film program to tour your business and have staff spend a few minutes talking to students about the work you do.
If you run a business that creates or distributes content, start using job titles the industry already uses – “Broadcast Technician” or “Producer” – and you will see more applications. Even part-time or contract roles can attract skilled people who know how to integrate cameras, lighting, audio, and IT. Don’t make up new job descriptions that miss the mark; use titles that people in the field recognize. There are mid-career professionals with decades of experience ready to take on new challenges, and small businesses can benefit from their expertise and their desire to do something new.
Across Canada, more organizations are building production environments, adopting streaming workflows, and creating content – even for their internal company audience. Yet, many still don’t realize they need someone with a broadcast or media tech background to make it all work. Integrators can help with installation, but long-term support requires in-house expertise.
At WABE this year, we heard from the Fokus Fraunhofer Research Institute that 80% of all internet traffic is streamed media. That statistic alone should make every educator and policymaker pay attention. Content creation, storytelling, and technical skill in audio and video are more relevant than ever.
To educators, if your broadcast or media program is struggling, share this with your dean. We need your students. We need these programs. Technology will change, but fundamentals matter. If you teach storytelling, audio, video, and journalism, your program is still essential.
To students, don’t give up. Reach out directly, send your résumé, and tell people you want to work in this field. Persistence still matters, and going back to dropping off a paper résumé if the HR abyss has you discouraged is still worthwhile. This industry rewards curiosity and determination.
Looking ahead, I’m excited for the next decade. There are incredible projects emerging and workplaces waiting to be built. The industry needs students, mid-career professionals, and senior experts alike, and we all need to support the institutions that teach the fundamentals.
If most of the world’s internet traffic is now video and audio, storytelling isn’t going anywhere. It’s growing, evolving, and becoming more essential every day.
Tessa Potter
President WABE
]]>President, Western Association of Broadcast Engineers
WABE 2025: Calgary, Alberta | September 29–October 1
Learn more and register at wabe.ca
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“Just come” is quickly becoming one of the mottos I use most often when talking about this year’s WABE Media & Entertainment Technology Conference. As we approach our 75th anniversary event in Calgary, Alberta, just under 60 days away, there’s a sense of momentum, reflection, and welcome in the air.
We’re ready to greet old friends and new at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre this fall from September 29 to October 1. As I took my first real holiday in seven years, driving from Winnipeg to Thunder Bay, down to Duluth and back through International Falls, I found myself thinking about technology, the history of our industry, and where I sit in it. Where are my skills most useful? Where is all this going? And how did we get here?
On that long drive, you can still spot some of the old towers from the Trans Canada Microwave System, now reused for modern tech. It’s a striking visual of our history. On July 1, 1958, that network introduced the country to the possibility of live network television and direct long-distance phone services to Canadians coast to coast. With 139 towers spanning over 6,275 km, it was the longest network in the world at the time. The impact on Canadian broadcasting was enormous. CBC, using this infrastructure, could now transmit television programming nationally. From my understanding, this was a defining moment when national broadcasting truly began to take hold in Canada.
Fast forward to today, me in the car, trying to read LinkedIn posts debating the relevance of FM radio, all while having no cell signal on the way to Thunder Bay and regretting not downloading more of my Tidal playlist. My husband and I couldn’t agree on a podcast, so we turned to local radio, got a sniff of something different on SiriusXM, or I read poetry aloud from a library book I brought along.
Yes, we streamed a movie in our Airbnb on a Roku TV. But I still wish I had brought a paper map, Google Maps doesn’t always work when your cell signal drops to SOS. It reminded me that 25% of Canadians still live in areas where constant 5G coverage isn’t available. And when Starlink went down recently, I remembered that even the “perfect” systems have limits. The promise of simple plug-and-play satellite internet is compelling, but no technology is without friction.
Even with my background, I can program video routers, newsroom systems, and navigate and learn new systems easily, but on my trip I couldn’t stop my phone’s microphone from cutting out our music every time I tried to search in Google while it was plugged in. It was one of many tech arguments on our trip. Eventually, we just went analogue, possibly because I’m getting old, but more likely because I didn’t want to be frustrated on holiday.
Travelling through small towns and finding hidden gems reminded me how this hand held cell phone can solve problems, create opportunities, and connect us, but it can also be a pain in the ass. More features don’t always mean less work.
More than anything, it reminded me that people still need breaks. With all the downsizing, small teams, and single-person roles we see now, when someone goes on vacation, the whole project can pause for two weeks.I really appreciate that I work on teams even at WABE where someone can pickup the work and continue the forward motion while you take a break to sample life beyond work with people you love.
And just like that, September is coming. Everyone will come back. The emails will start. Projects need to be finished. New ones need to be started. Promises from spring come due. It’s full force, and it takes a strong team, skilled people, and determination for successful results.
Being a WABE friend, volunteer, or community member is all about this wider industry team. I’m reminded of this every time someone reaches out: “Do you know someone who can fill this job?” or “Do you have advice for a career move?” or “Can you introduce me to someone who can help?” So many of the technical wizards I’ve worked with over the years aren’t on LinkedIn. They don’t post often. They’re modest and busy and effective. But they’re looking, for the right fit, the right work, the right place to be valued.
At WABE, we’ve been working for years to expand beyond broadcast. Our mission has always been to connect the people who work with the tech that creates and distributes content. We know Canada is big and spread out, but the intersection of AV, film, live events, broadcast, and content delivery is where new ideas are born.
Our full program is now live at wabe.ca. You’ll find a little bit of everything: broadcast, audio, video, film tech, AV, and more. Our exhibit hall will feature sales professionals, manufacturers, tech experts, and innovators. It’s the largest gathering in Canada for this type of cross-sector exchange. And we’ve kept the cost low to attend:
● Free to attend the Exhibit Hall
● $175 for a full conference pass
● $15 for our Media Mixer Reunion & 75th Birthday Party on Monday
● Day passes are available for programming sessions
We are only able to do this because of the generous support of our sponsors—companies who understand our mission and have helped volunteers keep WABE going for 75 years.
We rely on vendor support, sponsorship, and exhibit booth bookings to help cover the cost of renting the venue and producing the event. We’ve always done our best to keep prices affordable. But if you or your company don’t have the bandwidth or budget to contribute financially, we still just want you to come. Meet the community & be a part of it.
If you’ve seen the photo of WABE’s founding members, you might not see yourself reflected in that group, and I get it. I don’t either. But when I look at it, I see people who did similar work. They were learners. They believed in the power of gathering and learning from each other to push an industry forward.
Sure, the Trans Canada Microwave System is gone. Maybe FM radio isn’t flashy to the kids. Maybe cinema cameras with reels or POTS telephone systems feel like relics. But this foundation built a Canadian identity and some really amazing technology right here at home. Today’s tech,5G, IP, software, streaming, immersive audio, hybrid workflows, it all stands on that past. And we need a new generation of leaders who understand how this fits together. This is why we picked our theme: Bridging the Past and Building the Future.
There’s no perfect system, only systems in development and aging ones still in use. That’s why gathering in Calgary this fall matters. We care about keeping this space and making room for a community in Canada for tech conversations across sectors.
________________________________________
So just come.
Come to connect. Come to learn. Come to share what you know.
? Explore the full conference program
If you’re a friend of WABE, share our socials. Forward this article. Invite your coworkers. Help us spread the word.
This is the final year of my presidency—and what a way to go out. Our 75th is not just a milestone, it’s a launchpad. We’re looking for new volunteers who understand our vision and mission and want to carry it forward:
● Help with the website
● Connect with next year’s speakers
● Plan the conference
● Offer marketing expertise
● Research new sectors and vendors
● Support the next wave of WABE friends
This is what 75 years of building a media technology community in Canada looks like: people connecting with people about tech!
And the invitation still stands:
Just come.
]]>The fact that there are still creators wanting to create, and students graduating who want to support them from programs across this country, means our industry is still happening, thriving, and growing. Even if it doesn’t look the same as it did 20 years ago, it’s still here.
It is also the season of holiday coverage. Who can be left alone to support stations, offices and AV departments while the main or experienced technical staff member heads off to the cabin or takes a family vacation camping? Will that cell phone ring during the next storm? Will they get the rolling eyes of their partner when they answer a call from work during their holiday time?
One thing I know about summer in Canada: everyone I call from the AV and technical industry is busy. They’re planning for a rollout they probably wish started in January, but someone just pulled the trigger, issued the PO, and now hopes it can be completed before year-end.
If you’re part of one of these summer projects, where you won’t see a holiday but maybe the occasional weekend off, you are understood by so many of us.
This is also the time of year when contracts and RFPs are being sent out and signed, with hopes that next year is a fruitful one. Whether it’s for a project, an install, or gathering a crew for the World Cup, the Olympics, or the next hockey season, nothing in production happens overnight. It takes months of planning, ordering, integrating, drawing specs, following up, receiving, testing, and then finally turning things on. Only after all that can the magic happen, handing it over to the operators and content creators, who can start to tell stories with the tools that were quietly built for them.
If you’ve got a project this year in Canada and have the ability to travel to Calgary, all of the most important people who can help you execute that project will be at our conference this fall. If you want to get into the Canadian market, if you have a product that needs to be in front of the people buying, integrating, and looking for solutions, our 75th conference at the Calgary Telus Convention Centre, from September 29 to October 1, is where the nation gathers.
If your role has changed, a layoff has come your way, or you’re looking for an opportunity, it’s a great place to meet a few people and find out where your next role might be.
There’s a lot on the horizon. Our programming this year, which we’ll announce shortly, is going to inspire you and offer great ideas. We hope you learn something, make a connection, or discover a person or idea that changes everything.
We are also looking for award nominations. If there’s a technical team who’s completed a project in this country that you think deserves recognition, this is a great opportunity to highlight people who are often unrecognized for their hard work.
We are also looking for volunteers to help lead, support, and build WABE’s future. If you’re interested, we’d love to have you as part of our community, helping shape the future of our event and organization.
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June 2025
As we head into a season marked by emergency alerts, states of emergency across the Prairies, and evacuations due to wildfires, we’re reminded just how critical it is to keep our systems running and communication flowing across Canada. Our news departments, broadcast services, and emergency alert systems are in place, working hard, and doing their job.
At the same time, the arrival of summer means that production, film, and content creation can move outdoors—highlighting Canada’s lush green landscapes in everything from corporate marketing to commercial work, television, and film. Meanwhile, teams in arenas and stadiums across the country are working tirelessly to bring us the biggest games in the NHL, MLB, soccer, and CFL—right to our screens and radios, whether we’re at the lake or relaxing in the backyard with friends.
Media makers, content creators, and those connecting them to audiences don’t stop just because the weather is nice.
WABE Media and Entertainment Technology Conference (Sept 29 – Oct 1) at the Calgary Telus Convention Center.
For information on becoming an exhibitor or sponsor.
Book your travel and accommodations now.
WHERE SHOULD WABE GO NEXT?
EDUCATION STATE OF MIND]
If you or someone you know is interested in helping to curate free and premium education resources for our WABE members, please email [email protected]
? Manitoba Day of Caring – June 5, 2025
Over 30 radio stations across Manitoba are coming together for the Manitoba Day of Caring for Wildfire Evacuees. They’ll be united on-air all day to support the Canadian Red Cross, raising crucial funds and awareness for those affected by the 2025 Manitoba wildfires.
How YOU can help:
Donate to the Canadian Red Cross
? Text RADIO to 20222 to donate $10 instantly
? Share this message using hashtags #mbdayofcaring #ManitobaStrong #RadioForRelief
Let’s show evacuees they’re not alone. ?
? Toronto AES EXPO25
When: June 24, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Where: Toronto Metropolitan University, 80 Gould Street, Toronto, ON M5B 2M7
? More info: https://www.torontoaes.org/
This 1-day event brings together audio manufacturers, distributors, retailers, designers, innovators, and evangelists shaping the future of audio technology.
? Wisycom Webinar Series – Hosted by AVL Media Group
WABE friend Rob Poretti, Sales Director at AVL Media Group, is presenting a series of Wisycom training webinars. Each session will be hosted twice per day, with detailed agendas and multiple dates available.
? View the full agenda and register here
? Feeling FOMO from InfoComm 2025?
If all the InfoComm posts have you feeling left out, don’t worry—many of the same vendors will be attending WABE this fall! Sign up today and meet them in Calgary:
? WABE 2025: Sept 29 – Oct 1, 2025
? Calgary TELUS Convention Centre
? Register to attend WABE 2025
? It’s Film Festival Season
Still one of the most comprehensive lists of film festivals out there—perfect for content creators and filmmakers looking to connect and showcase their work:
? Film Festival Guide – University of Toronto Library
? BONUS READ: “Everyone Loves an Underdog Story”
This Broadcast Dialogue column highlights the grit and heart behind great media storytelling.
? Read it here
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From a Winnipeg vantage point, I can tell you that our arena has been full, not only with Jets games moving into the second round, but with American broadcasters like TNT and ESPN alternated their presence in the city, covering our hockey games while True North Sports & Entertainment hosted watch parties and street parties. The playoffs allowed me to see some of the new technology the NHL was using Cosm’s setup for shared reality event viewing. For me, all this hockey is now intertwined with the kickoff of a new basketball season for the Seabears, owned by Izzy Asper and run by the CEBL.
After an exciting Game 7 on Sunday (with double overtime), we hosted a Monday media meet-up the next day for WABE. While the nice weather and the late-night game the night before dwindled our numbers, we still had a group of 25 show up to take in a presentation from MSP Corp. about IT security. I learned from Tyson Choptain that IT security is not just for the IT department to worry about it should now be part of a business plan because it is the President of a company who is going to have to do the interview or answer for a breach or incident. If it’s major enough that it impacts organizations that attract media attention, no one comes looking for the IT team; they ask to speak to the CEO.
We saw some new faces, I was happy to meet the IT team from APTN, and we saw some retirees and old friends like former WABE President Len Virog and our good friend Pat O’Connor, who I haven’t seen in a while since their retirement. Thanks to the Golden West team of Alex Loewen, Corney Unger, and Tom Wiebe, for helping connect us with MSP Corp. The event was made possible because WABE friends like Eric Poppelton from ERP Engineering & Wojciech Kobylinski from D.E.M Allen & Associates sponsored and believe in the community that has been their for their entire careers.
The part I enjoy most, and the part I’ll miss most about being president of WABE, is the connecting and the conversations the organization has allowed me to have. It gives me purpose to reach out, something I don’t intend to stop doing after I’m president. Now that it’s a habit.
In talking with Peter Bernatsky from PBS Integration, who also attended our meet-up this past month, he told me about the project they just finished in Stienbach at the South East Event Centre. When I see a project like his in Steinbach, Manitoba’s third largest city with a population of approximately 20k that supports the surrounding region, come to fruition, I’m reminded of the spark that’s still alive in this industry and the desire of organizations and communities who are building or renovating to have new technology apart of these facilities to leverage the capabilities to showcase their own content or be able to offer this to renters, tenants or community partners using the space.
Across the U.S., there are stories of sporting events now having the kind of presence usually only reserved for broadcast: a national diving meet, a regional highschool playoff game, a college sport that might not have had coverage at all 10 years ago. It’s in the air, and the wind is pushing it north. With each facility that does an upgrade, someone comes to visit, and it plants ideas and possibilities for other facilities to follow. There is also a big undercurrent of soccer in Canada growing and while it is not getting the broadcast coverage on major networks in Canada the leadup to World Cup in North America in 2026 from a fan perspective, is felt even at my house. The Valour Football Club announced their season games on the same flyer of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers this year. To me this shows the aggressive marketing being done by OneSoccer to get infront of Canadians. Maybe will start to see this reflected on the airwaves this next fall, because fans want it at my house.
For those who haven’t yet dabbled in this world of content creation and distribution in their own facilities, who haven’t yet seen the opportunity for regional and local advertising at their facilities or simply for people to enjoy watching their child or grandchild participate in a regional final of the sport they excel at, this ripple is starting to come to Canada.
Of course, nothing here is ever at the scale of the U.S. marketplace. But I see it in, in Protocol Sports partnerships, in leagues that didn’t exist five years ago that now have streaming shows that sometimes attract up to 10,000 viewers. What regional news departments wouldn’t kill for 10,000 viewers these days on their linear feeds?
I’m hoping, technically, that news finds a way in this country to get back on my phone and on my screen in a very present way. I can’t tell if it’ll be a new app, a new regulation, or an over-the-air broadcast technology that’s new. I know I’m still listening to radio in the car, because I’m happy someone’s curating something for me. And it’s easy—a single button push. No update required. No subscription. I will take free right now.
I’m thankful to Broadcast Dialogue these past years for allowing me a voice—to stretch a bit of writing muscle and reach out to the membership. Hopefully, I’ve grabbed the attention of a few people who may remember WABE but haven’t been in a while, to tell them how we’re transforming and trying to make space in Canada for people working in this industry.
Not just for attendees and buyers, but also for businesses to be seen, to be known, and to interact with each other. It’s just as important to have this show for our vendors and manufacturers as it is for our attendees to know what technology is coming.
There’s a tendency in difficult economic times and uncertainty to hold onto doom and gloom. I mean, we’re trying to attract film vendors at a time when someone south of the border is talking about tariffs on film productions that have been so successful here. So many people have invested—governments, creatives—in Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. And it hurts a bit to hear that we’re not “good enough,” that our products aren’t worthy, that we’re not a big enough market, that we don’t hold influence.
But guess what? If working for the Jets has tought me anything it’s that everyone loves an underdog story. Everyone secretly roots for the little guy. And everyone knows that if the small fry wins—we all win. It means things are possible.
That possibility still exists in our industry in Canada. The tech is affordable. It’s out there. The right people in place can make something look really great. And there are still storytellers out there. Of course, you’ve got to get those three magic pieces together—tech, people, and story—which isn’t always easy. Especially because you also need some funding: an executive producer, a bank account, a government grant, a millionaire, a billionaire—somebody to believe in what you’re doing.
I’m just Tessa Potter from Winnipeg, a technician on the ground floor, working to support my family. So I only have so much bandwidth. But in my small way, I do what I can.
I reached out to Tim Truax from the Podcast Summit this past month. This is the second year they’re doing a summit in Calgary, the week before WABE Media & Entertainment Technology Convention. Their vision resonated with me because it is similar: connect, explore, talk about things regionally in hopes that it spurs new collaborations, ideas, and events. Were we also personally connected was talking about the love of technical people running into content people. We’re hoping this year to test these ideas by getting a few more attendees from different areas to come, talk, see us, and tell us what they think and I am hopeful new bridges between the community will be built.
We need to have a place to gather, connect, and learn for the future. Bridging the past—what we’ve learned, the history, the knowledge—and building the future is a kind of ideal dream. But there are smart people out there, just outside the periphery of the big players, fighting every day for their business, trying to make a new connection, sussing out where the next opportunity might be.
At the same time, there’s never been a moment where being open to opportunity, connection, and conversation is more important. Just because someone hasn’t bought something from you this week and you’re discouraged doesn’t mean you should stop finding clients and talking to them. Just because a tariff has been announced doesn’t mean there aren’t possibilities. Just because your business is cutting back, laying off, or being bought and sold doesn’t mean your path ends here.
Reach out. Ask questions. This is an industry of collaboration, collective thought, and community.
If any of what I said resonates, sign up, share, and please pass on the message of what we’re trying to do up here in Canada, in Calgary this fall. If you work for a broadcast manufacturer anywhere in Canada, we should be on your radar. Even if you can’t sponsor or buy a booth, just come and connect. You’re part of our community and our industry.
To all those sales professionals, I appreciate you more than ever. The pounding the pavement, the reaching out, the connecting, the getting told “no,” the calling back again to remind people you exist. Trying to gain contacts and decision-makers in this marketplace while everyone is squeezing tight to their pocketbook—know that I see you, and I understand you. You play a hugely valuable role in our industry. Keep going. We need you.
To all the underdogs out there trying to make a go in this industry—keep going. If the tipping point happens for one of us, it’s a win for us all. We look forward to celebrating alongside of you.
For every Bell Media radio technician who was on our mailing list but has now transitioned their email to Vista, for every person from a company that’s been bought or sold, or whose email has changed, you probably aren’t getting our messages. We want to tell you about the programming we’re planning for this fall so you can decide to come to Calgary, September 29 to October 1, at the Calgary Telus Convention Centre.
Please reach out and get back on our list. We don’t want to lose the connection. We look forward to bridging the past and building the future with you at our 75th Anniversary in Calgary Sept 29-Oct 1 at the Telus Convention Centre.
]]>Next year in live production and sports, it’s going to be a busy one. North America is hosting the World Cup across three countries. The Winter Olympics are happening in Italy. There are countless other regular seasons, new entries into soccer, new deals with Canadian broadcasters, and the NHL—all vying for more eyes and searching for the tech that will give them the edge.
There’s a big shuffle happening in Canadian radio right now too, with new ownerships and station takeovers. For television broadcasters, the looming question is what technologies they’ll adopt next. It’s been 14 years since the DTV rollout. With Roku, FAST channels, and new set-top boxes, the challenge is how to keep Canadian content in front of viewers. Add a tariff-heavy, unpredictable U.S. government into the mix, and it all starts to stir the pot. From my vantage point in the middle of Canada, I see a lot of opportunity.
Many of my production friends have moved out of traditional broadcasters and into organizations where marketing and communications roles have grown. They’re being hired for their production and storytelling experience—and they’re finding competitive wages and more regular schedules. At the same time, for young and ambitious journalists, it’s not a bad time to be graduating. CBC has renewed its focus on local and regional news. Local radio and television stations have postings for reporters across the country. If you love your community, your province, this is a good time to tell those stories. There’s room for innovation, for great personalities, and for more Canadian voices.
Having worked in newsrooms across the country, I can say there’s something really great about the voice of youth—their ability to take risks, try new things, and do something creative. I’m always happy to be on a crew with them. Now in mid-career, I’m working with younger people and interns. I do a lot of teaching and showing and talking. They’ve got lots to learn and reps to get in, but they’re eager, keen, and more flexible than I am—both physically and mentally. They make mistakes, but they’re fun, energetic, and not jaded. They don’t talk about the golden years of media.
When I started at 21 working in a television newsroom, the median age at A-Channel in Winnipeg was probably 27. We didn’t even have enough people over 30 to field an over-30 baseball team to play against the under-30s at our annual picnic. There was always someone to go for a drink after work with. Everyone was marrying everyone. But the ambition, the vibe, the drive to tell great stories—that was infectious. It was the best education I could’ve asked for.
At the time, I remember senior VPs and managers talking about how things used to be. Sometimes it was old engineers talking about the gear they used to service—especially when you were about to toss something that was worth big money back in the day but is now obsolete. While it’s fun to reminisce, I’m excited to dig into what’s coming next. That’s part of why I love volunteering as president to grow the WABE Media & Entertainment Technology Conference.
This year, I’ve talked to Canadians working behind the scenes across the country. They’re excited to see WABE’s growth, and I’m looking forward to meeting many of them in Calgary this year. That’s part of the idea behind our 75th birthday celebration. We’re at a turning point in Canada—not just because of what’s going on south of the border or the renewed focus on Canadian products—but because there are real conversations happening about the Broadcast Act and the CRTC. Newsrooms and media companies across the country are negotiating contracts, forming new relationships, and building a growing appetite for great content.
We’ve got no shortage of skill or experience in Canada. I see it every day at the arena, and I see it when I go overseas for large events. Canadian techs and crew are everywhere—quietly owning their skills, making great team members. Because of the size of our markets, many Canadian workers wear multiple hats, building a wide set of skills, and a resilience that’s hard to teach.
This year, our 75th birthday celebration and our Monday Media Mixer—featuring a reunion for former SAIT Broadcast Systems Technology grads—is an opportunity to bring the entire industry together in Calgary. It’s a chance to reconnect with people you haven’t seen since before the pandemic. You’ll update your contacts list, share a coffee or drink, get face time with a possible mentor, and meet those who entered the industry during the pandemic and are still looking for connections.
If you work in this space—live production, pro AV, broadcast, radio, marketing, freelance, post-production, events and staging, event centres, churches, film —you’re invited. These are your people. We’ve got a large exhibit hall this year, and booths are affordable. The exhibit hall is free to attend, so you can invite your clients, and we can invite new WABE friends to discover and explore.
WABE is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run organization. Our members have full-time jobs, and the challenge is real. We need everyone’s support—everyone’s likes, everyone’s share on social media—to keep this community growing and thriving. We want our business community to do well, because they employ many of our members and friends.
We’re strengthening our marketing this year and we’re excited to release details about programming in June. If you didn’t make it to NAB due to budget or travel limits, or your team could only send one person—take a look at WABE. Our full conference is under $200, and our day passes are affordable. But more than that, you’ll meet people you actually need to know—the people who keep your business running, who share your challenges and your wins, and who want to learn and share alongside you.
Sometimes I come home from WABE with a specific piece of technology I want to recommend to my team. Other times, I come home with a sense of the industry’s temperature—is AI cooling or heating up? Most of the time, I come back with inspiration. The work I’m doing is still worth it. Others are out there doing it, too, and loving it. That kind of energy helps me make it through another year.
If you’re a manager and you’ve got great employees working behind the scenes, send them to WABE. They’ll thank you, and you’ll see the results in their renewed commitment and insight. And if your company won’t pay for you to attend? Call someone in Calgary. Find a couch to crash on. Someone would love to see you this fall.
Everyone in this industry knows someone in Calgary they haven’t seen in a while. If you’re from Calgary—come home. Visit your family. Visit your work family.
We’ve had a strong first few weeks of signups for sponsorship and exhibiting. Companies getting in front of Canadian media tech professionals now are going to be remembered as projects and budgets get approved in the coming year. Reach out this month—we want to put you at the forefront of our marketing.
As everyone returns from NAB and we all assess what’s happening in the broadcast world, we’re also looking ahead to the release of pro AV, film software, and tech that’s going to impact every part of our sector. WABE is going to be a great recap of it all—one event, one place, this fall.
One of the most important parts of WABE has always been students. This year, I’ve been reaching out to universities and post-secondary institutions across Alberta to reestablish connections. These programs have changed names, shuffled courses, hired new staff, and are doing exciting things. The response has been amazing—the best I’ve seen in all my years volunteering. These programs are looking for industry connections, for real opportunities to connect their students with businesses that are hiring. There’s no other place in Canada quite like WABE for that.
We’ve always welcomed students for free. That commitment hasn’t changed. It’s taken phone calls, Zooms, emails, and quick chats on the road. But we’re making those connections. And it’s working.
You know that feeling when you meet someone new professionally, and realize you have a colleague or friend in common? That moment when you know you’ve found someone you can work with, talk tech with, trust on site? That’s what WABE has always been about.
Media and entertainment technology work is happening all across Canada—quietly, behind the scenes—and we can’t wait to hear what you’ve been up to. We’ll see you this fall at the TELUS Convention Centre in Calgary, September 29 to October 1.
]]>WHERE SHOULD WABE GO NEXT?
Keeping with our projected momentum, please follow the link below, and tell WABE where we should hold the 2026 conference!
With the 2025 conference execution well underway, we are already planning for 2026. As a regional Canadian show, The WABE Media and Entertainment Technology Conference has the opportunity to provide a venue for our community anywhere in the country.
We look forward to seeing you THIS YEAR in Calgary, AB to celebrate our 75th Anniversary at the WABE Media & Entertainment Technology Conference – Sept 29 – Oct 1, 2025, hosted at the Calgary Telus Convention Center. Conference updates and Registration details coming soon to WABE.ca
UPDATES!
Role Changes
- In case you missed it, December 3rd marked our 2024 AGM and a shuffling of heads.
- I would like to welcome Rob Brown into the newly created “Secretary” Role. Rob has graciously offered his time to spend another year with us!
- I (Cameron Thomson) have moved from “Secretary Treasurer” into the newly created “Vice President” Role.
- Daniel Oong now joins us as “Treasurer”. Daniel brings a wealth of knowledge having worked directly with NPO’s in the past, and comes with training on how to balance the books! Thank you Daniel for volunteering your time, I truly look forward to taking on WABE with you this year and well into the future!
WABE MEETUP – CALGARY
- Thank you to DEMA and Diversified for sponsoring Lubos Kuzma’s (Blue Warden) presentation on Cyber Security providing advice on protecting our IT Hardware and Software.
- Thank you to Chris Lee, for organizing and facilitating the event, and thank you to Randy Opperman for providing AV equipment and setup time.
- The evening held host to lots of familiar faces and a few new ones. I for one love the post presentation conversations we get into. This world touches so much more than our traditional WABE attendees.
WABE MEETUP – WINNIPEG Monday May 5th
- Details coming soon!!!
Media & Entertainment Technology Excellence
Calgary is getting smarter!
Led by Erin Ruttan and David Basto – Smart Cities, The City of Calgary; the second ATSC 3.0 Transmitter Facility in Canada was turned up under the direction of Willie Parez and Orest Sushko of the Humber College Broadcast-Broadband Convergence B²C Lab. Calgary Smart City and the B²C Lab aim to prove the viability of ATSC 3.0 as an emerging datacasting technology that can provide resources for communities far beyond legacy broadcast systems.
This first experimental broadcast testbed in North America will be dedicated to supporting testing and deployment of NextGen broadcast/datacasting services for a host of municipal stakeholders and surrounding communities – all in support of advanced communications and digital equity services.
To find out more about Calgary Smart City – Smart Cities, The City of Calgary
To learn more about the Broadcast-Broadband Convergence B²C Lab – b2convergence.ca
]]>Over the holidays, I engaged in discussions with friends in and outside the industry about major shifts such as Amazon Prime streaming NHL games, Netflix securing U.S. rights for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the addition of linear channels to Roku. There’s also been a push for Canadian broadcasters to expand their presence across platforms. These changes are creating buzz, particularly within live sports production. One question dominating conversations is how U.S. streaming giants will impact sports distribution and regional contracts in Canada.
Despite the industry’s evolution, the core principles of live television production remain unchanged. The skills and expertise developed over years in broadcasting are still essential, whether you’re producing a podcast, moving a station to a streaming platform, or adapting to new technology. Understanding the fundamentals of audio, compression, and standards is crucial for quality. Similarly, getting the basics right, like proper wiring, is more important than ever, regardless of the type of cable. With today’s high-resolution cameras, having the right tools and preparation is key to ensuring reliability and performance.
Old Lessons for a New Era
The rise of streaming owes much to advancements in video standards, internet bandwidth, and consumer devices. But for those of us with experience, these shifts aren’t entirely new. As one mentor put it, “Everything comes around again.” For example, commercials continue to be a core revenue source. Whether partnering with global brands or regional businesses, the goal remains the same: generate revenue to fund content production. What’s changing is how ads are integrated with live streaming content and how even small businesses can insert ads into streams.
Streaming platforms still have a lot to learn from traditional TV and radio, particularly in areas like technical transitions, frequency and ad placement. If you’re developing a streaming solution, my advice is simple: hire someone with a broadcasting background.
Drawing on History
To anyone working in the media industry—whether you’re in government, regulation, marketing, education, or production—here’s a piece of advice: the answers to many future questions lie in the research, laws, and ideas we’ve already built. Take time to explore these foundational resources and use them as a foundation for what’s next.
Start with the Broadcast Act, which reflects decades of Canadian values on connecting with the public. Delve into the Canadian Association of Broadcasters’ knowledge on industry best practices. Participate in CRTC consultations to help shape Canada’s media landscape. Learn from advertising standards that ensure ethical communication, and engage with publications like Broadcast Dialogue. Understand the CBC/Radio-Canada mandate and the role of public broadcasting in Canada.
A Place to Build Media’s Future
At WABE, we’re embracing change and expanding our reach because the challenges ahead require collaboration. Conferences like ours bring together industry leaders and community voices, shaping a media future that resonates with Canadians. Attending events like WABE provides an opportunity to meet people who understand the unique needs of our communities and industry, offering insights that help us move forward.
This year, as we celebrate 75 years of WABE, we’re committed to connecting professionals shaping media’s future. Our conference is more than just a gathering—it’s a hub of expertise, innovation, and collaboration. Attendees will have the chance to engage with regulators, technical experts, and educators to address the challenges and opportunities facing our industry. The exhibition floor will feature cutting-edge solutions, from wireless transmission to podcasting equipment.
We’ll also explore the role of AI and emerging technologies, celebrating Canadian innovations and offering opportunities for organizations to connect and learn. Whether you’re part of a small production house or a global media leader, WABE is where you’ll find the tools and knowledge to move your projects forward.
Join Us in Calgary
This year’s conference will be held at the Telus Convention Centre in Calgary, Alberta, from September 29 to October 1, 2025. We’re kicking off with a 75th-anniversary celebration, including a reunion for SAIT Broadcast Systems Technology (BXST) alumni.
If you’re a business working with media and entertainment technology, this is your chance to exhibit in Calgary’s marketplace. Sponsorship and exhibit launches begin March 1st.
Free Meetup – Evening with the Blue Warden
Join us on January 27, 2025, from 6:30 PM to 9 PM at Canada Brewhouse in Calgary for an informative evening on IT security, hosted by Blue Warden. This event is open to anyone in the media and entertainment technology industry.
Mark your calendars—we can’t wait to see you in Calgary!
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