Blitz Magazine

Chris Powell July 08, 2015 When he departed Bell Media at the end of 2013, seemingly closing the book on a nearly 40-year career in media, Rick Brace admitted he was apprehensive about being bored when he was no longer responsible for the day-to-day operations of a major media company. “When you go from running flat out to stopping, there’s a real fear that it’s too quick a transition and that you’re going to be bored,” said Brace at the time. Just 18 months later, it appears his misgivings were well founded. On Tuesday, Rogers Communications announced that Brace would be the next president of its $1.8 billion media unit, succeeding his former protégé Keith Pelley – who is leaving the company at the end of summer to take a role with the European Tour golf circuit. Brace was not available for interviews, but said in a release that leading Rogers Media is “an opportunity I just couldn’t pass up.” His appointment is effective Aug. 10. The veteran media executive c...

Amusement parks and arcades The amusement parks and arcades industry recorded operating revenue of $465.3 million in 2013. The industry had operating expenses of $438.7 million, which resulted in an operating profit margin of 5.7%. Salaries, wages, commissions and benefits were $150.5 million and accounted for 34.3% of all operating expenses. The next most significant operating expenses were cost of goods sold (13.3%) and amortization and depreciation (10.1%). Other amusement and recreation industries Operating revenue for the other amusement and recreation industries was $8.1 billion in 2013. The industry had operating expenses of $7.7 billion, which resulted in an operating profit margin of 4.9%. Salaries, wages, commissions and benefits were $2.8 billion and accounted for 36.3% of all operating expenses. Other operating expenses included cost of goods sold (10.1%) and rental and leasing (8.6%). Within this industry group, the fitness and recreational sports cen...