Canadian Magazine Industry News
15 June 2009, TORONTO
Moses adds TV channels to Zoomer empire
Moses Znaimer is moving back into the medium he knows best. Zoomer Media, Znaimer's media empire built around products catering to the 50+ demographic, including Zoomer magazine, announced today the acquisiton of VisionTV, ONE: The Body Mind and Spirit Channel, and two Winnipeg Joytv channels. The deal, subject to CRTC approval, is worth $25 million ($14 million in cash, with another $11 million over 10 years.)
Vistion TV is a multi-faith specialty television service available on basic cable. It attracts 1.6 million viewers each week and generally skews toward the 45-plus demographic. ONE offers programs on exercise, meditation, yoga, natural health, and living a planet-friendly lifestyle, while Joytv are conventional stations.
The deal is being financed by the sale of 176 common shares, or 28% of Zoomer Media, to Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited.
"VisionTV has been broadcasting for 20 years and we believe that this network as well as the Joytv stations and One: the Body, Mind & Spirit channel will add tremendous value to ZoomerMedia," Znaimer said in a release. "These acquisitions will enrich Zoomer's media assets to include radio and television broadcasting, as well as video production. In addition to being attractive businesses in their own right, we expect their complementary nature to Zoomer's magazine and on-line/web holdings will further facilitate the expansion of the Zoomer concept, and will assist CARP significantly in expanding its membership base. It also puts me back into TV, where I have a little experience, and a few ideas that should grow shareholder value."
"This value transaction is in the best interests of our viewers, our stakeholders and the VisionTV Charity - and at a time of consolidation in the media industry, it represents a bold and affirming commitment to diversity and independent Canadian broadcasting," stated VisionTV President and CEO Bill Roberts. "Our respective brands share complementary audience demographics and a common commitment to high-quality, award-winning Canadian content, and we welcome the opportunity to pursue exciting new opportunities together. We are also pleased that this business arrangement will re-energize the VisionTV Charity, providing the ample resources it needs to re-invent itself for the 21st century."
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Zoomer magazine is published nine times a year and has a paid circulation of approximately 180,000.
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The deal is being financed by the sale of 176 common shares, or 28% of Zoomer Media, to Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited.
"VisionTV has been broadcasting for 20 years and we believe that this network as well as the Joytv stations and One: the Body, Mind & Spirit channel will add tremendous value to ZoomerMedia," Znaimer said in a release. "These acquisitions will enrich Zoomer's media assets to include radio and television broadcasting, as well as video production. In addition to being attractive businesses in their own right, we expect their complementary nature to Zoomer's magazine and on-line/web holdings will further facilitate the expansion of the Zoomer concept, and will assist CARP significantly in expanding its membership base. It also puts me back into TV, where I have a little experience, and a few ideas that should grow shareholder value."
"This value transaction is in the best interests of our viewers, our stakeholders and the VisionTV Charity - and at a time of consolidation in the media industry, it represents a bold and affirming commitment to diversity and independent Canadian broadcasting," stated VisionTV President and CEO Bill Roberts. "Our respective brands share complementary audience demographics and a common commitment to high-quality, award-winning Canadian content, and we welcome the opportunity to pursue exciting new opportunities together. We are also pleased that this business arrangement will re-energize the VisionTV Charity, providing the ample resources it needs to re-invent itself for the 21st century."
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Wow, Torstar really seems to be on a mission to bankrupt one magazine after another.... |
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