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Brownstein: Montreal media doing things differently during coronavirus crisis – Montreal Gazette

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TV is proving to be problematic these days. Particularly for those hosts with guests and live studio audiences.

Live from his Griffintown condo — wearing, among other eclectic outfits, a Montreal Expos uniform — comes CJAD’s Aaron Rand.

Call it tele-broadcasting.

In Rand’s case, it’s not a question of not wishing to deal with traffic or people in not going to the CJAD studio on René-Lévesque Blvd. E. He is in self-imposed, 14-day isolation, having just returned from Mexico last weekend. So for the next two weeks, he will be broadcasting from home.

But Rand is the exception at CJAD.

McGill University’s campus station, CKUT, is being operated completely by announcers remotely. CKUT was locked down Monday night and will remain closed for at least two weeks.

Like just about every other facet of daily life these days, the media world is also having to deal with operating in this new coronavirus-impacted universe.

Many members of the print media are still able to perform daily duties by working out of our homes. It’s not ideal, but it’s at least doable. It’s far more complex to operate remotely in radio, and pretty much impossible to do on TV.


Selfie by Aaron Rand in his Expos garb. He just came back from Mexico on the weekend with a cold and is self-isolating for 14 days. He’ll be broadcasting from home for two weeks.

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“But it’s going surprisingly well,” Rand said. “I thought it might be limiting. Anyway, the station already decided not to have guests come into the studio because of the coronavirus issue.

“Otherwise, it’s been business as usual from home. The first show went off without a hitch. OK, not entirely.”

Turns out Rand’s significant other, Val, had unwittingly knocked him off the air briefly, merely by turning on a light in the room.

“It was my fault. I had to hardwire my internet connection to my computer, instead of doing it wirelessly. It’s apparently a more robust connection when you hardwire it. So the light switch triggered the problem.”

Rand has many qualities. Wiring on any level is not one of them.

“The best part of working like this is that I don’t have to get dressed and don’t have to fight with other drivers on the road. And the coffee is much better at my place.”

Rand is also being cautious because he had the flu before heading to Mexico, and he’s still feeling the after-effects now. But he’s not planning to get tested for COVID-19 because he doesn’t have any symptoms.

“By not getting tested, you’re making a test kit available for someone else who might be a lot sicker than you are. I felt good enough to go to the gym in my building on Monday, but that will be the last time. They since decided to shut that down. Don’t think it was because of me.”

CKUT management didn’t want to take any chances, since its announcers, show hosts and their guests may travel all corners of the planet. Those with a capacity to upload material from home are now doing so and sending producers, also operating remotely, pre-recorded content.

“Our news team left with a bunch of portable recorders and will be uploading their stories remotely,” CKUT’s Louise Burns said. “Basically, the station runs 24/7, all with volunteers and with a lot of human traffic. We have no means of supervising where they’ve all been, so we just can’t keep the doors open.

“We tried a really diligent cleaning schedule, but we just don’t have the money or resources to do that by ourselves, and there are so many vulnerable people who are part of our community. Kids, older people, those with disabilities. We decided it would be better to be overprotective than not. So now the studio is locked.”

Incidentally, fret not for CHOM morningman Terry DiMonte, who posted a tweet noting he was in self-isolation in B.C. That’s not because of fears of COVID-19. As the accompanying picture indicated, DiMonte is in isolated honeymoon mode with his bride, CJAD/CHOM/TSN promotions director Jessica Dionne. They were married last Thursday.

They had initially planned to head to California for their honeymoon, but decided against that because of health concerns and ended up in Whistler instead.

“Then the ski hills got closed here, so we’ve ended up in virtual isolation,” DiMonte said. “It’s like a ghost town. It’s been good in terms of keeping away from crowds. But this is a bit much. No one is here. The good news is we’re both fine.

“The situation is otherwise so fluid in B.C. It ramps up every day. We’re being extra cautious. It’s a different world than it was when we got married last week. Now we’re really looking forward to coming home Thursday.

TV is proving to be problematic these days. Particularly for those hosts with guests and live studio audiences. Pretty much all the late-night and many daytime shows in this category are off the air, thanks to coronavirus concerns. Which makes sense, but which is also unfortunate because we could use the guffaws.

Stephen Colbert went as far as doing a monologue … from his bubbled-filled bathtub Monday night. John Oliver did a show from gosh knows where Sunday night. But it could be weeks, maybe months, until all these shows are back on track.

CTV anchor Mutsumi Takahashi doesn’t have the luxury of working remotely. But she is now impeded by the fact she can’t bring outside guests into the studio or get too close to colleagues there.

“We’re trying to do as many interviews as possible via Skype,” Takahashi said. “It’s very tough on our reporters who are going out everywhere. They’re taking a lot of precautions, but there’s only so much we can do because we obviously can’t work from home.

“Our newsroom has been under crisis situations before — 9/11, the ice storm. But this is our job. If anything, it’s a good reminder that we do perform a public service.”

bbrownstein@postmedia.com

Twitter/com/billbrownstein

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Note to readers: We know the speed and volume of coronavirus-related news is overwhelming and a little frightening. To help with that, we are synthesizing the most important coronavirus-related news, especially as it relates to life in Montreal and Quebec, in real time. Follow our live updates for March 17, 2020 here. All our coronavirus-related news can always be found here: montrealgazette.com/tag/coronavirus

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What to stream this weekend: ‘Civil War,’ Snow Patrol, ‘How to Die Alone,’ ‘Tulsa King’ and ‘Uglies’

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Hallmark launching a streaming service with two new original series, and Bill Skarsgård out for revenge in “Boy Kills World” are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also among the streaming offerings worth your time as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Alex Garland’s “Civil War” starring Kirsten Dunst, Natasha Rothwell’s heartfelt comedy for Hulu called “How to Die Alone” and Sylvester Stallone’s second season of “Tulsa King” debuts.

NEW MOVIES TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15

Alex Garland’s “Civil War” is finally making its debut on MAX on Friday. The film stars Kirsten Dunst as a veteran photojournalist covering a violent war that’s divided America; She reluctantly allows an aspiring photographer, played by Cailee Spaeny, to tag along as she, an editor (Stephen McKinley Henderson) and a reporter (Wagner Moura) make the dangerous journey to Washington, D.C., to interview the president (Nick Offerman), a blustery, rising despot who has given himself a third term, taken to attacking his citizens and shut himself off from the press. In my review, I called it a bellowing and haunting experience; Smart and thought-provoking with great performances. It’s well worth a watch.

— Joey King stars in Netflix’s adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s “Uglies,” about a future society in which everyone is required to have beautifying cosmetic surgery at age 16. Streaming on Friday, McG directed the film, in which King’s character inadvertently finds herself in the midst of an uprising against the status quo. “Outer Banks” star Chase Stokes plays King’s best friend.

— Bill Skarsgård is out for revenge against the woman (Famke Janssen) who killed his family in “Boy Kills World,” coming to Hulu on Friday. Moritz Mohr directed the ultra-violent film, of which Variety critic Owen Gleiberman wrote: “It’s a depraved vision, yet I got caught up in its kick-ass revenge-horror pizzazz, its disreputable commitment to what it was doing.”

AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr

NEW MUSIC TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15

— The year was 2006. Snow Patrol, the Northern Irish-Scottish alternative rock band, released an album, “Eyes Open,” producing the biggest hit of their career: “Chasing Cars.” A lot has happened in the time since — three, soon to be four quality full-length albums, to be exact. On Friday, the band will release “The Forest Is the Path,” their first new album in seven years. Anthemic pop-rock is the name of the game across songs of love and loss, like “All,”“The Beginning” and “This Is the Sound Of Your Voice.”

— For fans of raucous guitar music, Jordan Peele’s 2022 sci-fi thriller, “NOPE,” provided a surprising, if tiny, thrill. One of the leads, Emerald “Em” Haywood portrayed by Keke Palmer, rocks a Jesus Lizard shirt. (Also featured through the film: Rage Against the Machine, Wipers, Mr Bungle, Butthole Surfers and Earth band shirts.) The Austin noise rock band are a less than obvious pick, having been signed to the legendary Touch and Go Records and having stopped releasing new albums in 1998. That changes on Friday the 13th, when “Rack” arrives. And for those curious: The Jesus Lizard’s intensity never went away.

AP Music Writer Maria Sherman

NEW SHOWS TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15

— Hallmark launched a streaming service called Hallmark+ on Tuesday with two new original series, the scripted drama “The Chicken Sisters” and unscripted series “Celebrations with Lacey Chabert.” If you’re a Hallmark holiday movies fan, you know Chabert. She’s starred in more than 30 of their films and many are holiday themed. Off camera, Chabert has a passion for throwing parties and entertaining. In “Celebrations,” deserving people are surprised with a bash in their honor — planned with Chabert’s help. “The Chicken Sisters” stars Schuyler Fisk, Wendie Malick and Lea Thompson in a show about employees at rival chicken restaurants in a small town. The eight-episode series is based on a novel of the same name.

Natasha Rothwell of “Insecure” and “The White Lotus” fame created and stars in a new heartfelt comedy for Hulu called “How to Die Alone.” She plays Mel, a broke, go-along-to-get-along, single, airport employee who, after a near-death experience, makes the conscious decision to take risks and pursue her dreams. Rothwell has been working on the series for the past eight years and described it to The AP as “the most vulnerable piece of art I’ve ever put into the world.” Like Mel, Rothwell had to learn to bet on herself to make the show she wanted to make. “In the Venn diagram of me and Mel, there’s significant overlap,” said Rothwell. It premieres Friday on Hulu.

— Shailene Woodley, DeWanda Wise and Betty Gilpin star in a new drama for Starz called “Three Women,” about entrepreneur Sloane, homemaker Lina and student Maggie who are each stepping into their power and making life-changing decisions. They’re interviewed by a writer named Gia (Woodley.) The series is based on a 2019 best-selling book of the same name by Lisa Taddeo. “Three Women” premieres Friday on Starz.

— Sylvester Stallone’s second season of “Tulsa King” debuts Sunday on Paramount+. Stallone plays Dwight Manfredi, a mafia boss who was recently released from prison after serving 25 years. He’s sent to Tulsa to set up a new crime syndicate. The series is created by Taylor Sheridan of “Yellowstone” fame.

Alicia Rancilio

NEW VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

— One thing about the title of Focus Entertainment’s Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 — you know exactly what you’re in for. You are Demetrian Titus, a genetically enhanced brute sent into battle against the Tyranids, an insectoid species with an insatiable craving for human flesh. You have a rocket-powered suit of armor and an arsenal of ridiculous weapons like the “Chainsword,” the “Thunderhammer” and the “Melta Rifle,” so what could go wrong? Besides the squishy single-player mode, there are cooperative missions and six-vs.-six free-for-alls. You can suit up now on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S or PC.

— Likewise, Wild Bastards isn’t exactly the kind of title that’s going to attract fans of, say, Animal Crossing. It’s another sci-fi shooter, but the protagonists are a gang of 13 varmints — aliens and androids included — who are on the run from the law. Each outlaw has a distinctive set of weapons and special powers: Sarge, for example, is a robot with horse genes, while Billy the Squid is … well, you get the idea. Australian studio Blue Manchu developed the 2019 cult hit Void Bastards, and this Wild-West-in-space spinoff has the same snarky humor and vibrant, neon-drenched cartoon look. Saddle up on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch or PC.

Lou Kesten

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Trump could cash out his DJT stock within weeks. Here’s what happens if he sells

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Former President Donald Trump is on the brink of a significant financial decision that could have far-reaching implications for both his personal wealth and the future of his fledgling social media company, Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG). As the lockup period on his shares in TMTG, which owns Truth Social, nears its end, Trump could soon be free to sell his substantial stake in the company. However, the potential payday, which makes up a large portion of his net worth, comes with considerable risks for Trump and his supporters.

Trump’s stake in TMTG comprises nearly 59% of the company, amounting to 114,750,000 shares. As of now, this holding is valued at approximately $2.6 billion. These shares are currently under a lockup agreement, a common feature of initial public offerings (IPOs), designed to prevent company insiders from immediately selling their shares and potentially destabilizing the stock. The lockup, which began after TMTG’s merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), is set to expire on September 25, though it could end earlier if certain conditions are met.

Should Trump decide to sell his shares after the lockup expires, the market could respond in unpredictable ways. The sale of a substantial number of shares by a major stakeholder like Trump could flood the market, potentially driving down the stock price. Daniel Bradley, a finance professor at the University of South Florida, suggests that the market might react negatively to such a large sale, particularly if there aren’t enough buyers to absorb the supply. This could lead to a sharp decline in the stock’s value, impacting both Trump’s personal wealth and the company’s market standing.

Moreover, Trump’s involvement in Truth Social has been a key driver of investor interest. The platform, marketed as a free speech alternative to mainstream social media, has attracted a loyal user base largely due to Trump’s presence. If Trump were to sell his stake, it might signal a lack of confidence in the company, potentially shaking investor confidence and further depressing the stock price.

Trump’s decision is also influenced by his ongoing legal battles, which have already cost him over $100 million in legal fees. Selling his shares could provide a significant financial boost, helping him cover these mounting expenses. However, this move could also have political ramifications, especially as he continues his bid for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential race.

Trump Media’s success is closely tied to Trump’s political fortunes. The company’s stock has shown volatility in response to developments in the presidential race, with Trump’s chances of winning having a direct impact on the stock’s value. If Trump sells his stake, it could be interpreted as a lack of confidence in his own political future, potentially undermining both his campaign and the company’s prospects.

Truth Social, the flagship product of TMTG, has faced challenges in generating traffic and advertising revenue, especially compared to established social media giants like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Despite this, the company’s valuation has remained high, fueled by investor speculation on Trump’s political future. If Trump remains in the race and manages to secure the presidency, the value of his shares could increase. Conversely, any missteps on the campaign trail could have the opposite effect, further destabilizing the stock.

As the lockup period comes to an end, Trump faces a critical decision that could shape the future of both his personal finances and Truth Social. Whether he chooses to hold onto his shares or cash out, the outcome will likely have significant consequences for the company, its investors, and Trump’s political aspirations.

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Arizona man accused of social media threats to Trump is arrested

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Cochise County, AZ — Law enforcement officials in Arizona have apprehended Ronald Lee Syvrud, a 66-year-old resident of Cochise County, after a manhunt was launched following alleged death threats he made against former President Donald Trump. The threats reportedly surfaced in social media posts over the past two weeks, as Trump visited the US-Mexico border in Cochise County on Thursday.

Syvrud, who hails from Benson, Arizona, located about 50 miles southeast of Tucson, was captured by the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday afternoon. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed his arrest, stating, “This subject has been taken into custody without incident.”

In addition to the alleged threats against Trump, Syvrud is wanted for multiple offences, including failure to register as a sex offender. He also faces several warrants in both Wisconsin and Arizona, including charges for driving under the influence and a felony hit-and-run.

The timing of the arrest coincided with Trump’s visit to Cochise County, where he toured the US-Mexico border. During his visit, Trump addressed the ongoing border issues and criticized his political rival, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, for what he described as lax immigration policies. When asked by reporters about the ongoing manhunt for Syvrud, Trump responded, “No, I have not heard that, but I am not that surprised and the reason is because I want to do things that are very bad for the bad guys.”

This incident marks the latest in a series of threats against political figures during the current election cycle. Just earlier this month, a 66-year-old Virginia man was arrested on suspicion of making death threats against Vice President Kamala Harris and other public officials.

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