The President of 604 Records Jonathan Simkin discusses the label’s comedy albums and Comedy Here Often, their new initiative showcasing Canadian comedy, especially in light of the Just For Laughs & SiriusXM fiasco, with Joseph Planta.
Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:
I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.
In late February, it was announced that the content on SiriusXM’s Canada Laughs, channel 168, would be modified from playing 100% Canadian content, to incorporating some of the Just For Laughs content that would also include performers from outside of Canada. Comedians in this country were naturally upset, as royalties they got from the airing of their work, would likely drop. A day or so later, after the intense furor, Just For Laughs and SiriusXM reversed themselves and said they would continue programming Canadian talent. Jonathan Simkin joins me now. He’s the president of 604 Records, and over the last year on this program, I’ve had on a few of the comedians who’ve put out albums with the label, such as Charlie Demers, Kyle Bottom, and Harris Anderson. I’ll ask Mr. Simkin about what his label has done in fostering the local talents like the three I’ve mentioned, but what they’re committed to do, especially in light of the recent news. I’ll get Jonathan to reflect on the nature of the record business and comedy in this country. We’ll also talk about Comedy Here Often, a worthwhile initiative showcasing comedy through a podcast, YouTube and more. Visit www.comedyhereoften.com [1] as well as www.604records.com [2] for more. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Jonathan Simkin; Mr. Simkin, good morning.
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