Vice is ready to get sliced (for a price)

A new digital media exit adventure

CNBC @CNBC

Vice Media has hired financial advisors to seek a buyer and may sell itself in pieces, sources told CNBC

cnb.cxVice Media has hired financial advisors to seek a buyer, may sell itself in pieces, sources sayVice is considering selling itself outright or in pieces after failing to go public last year, sources say.

The end may be near for Vice Media as a self-contained entity after initial reports that a sale of its studio business is being explored, partly to pay back a debt of about $1 billion after it failed to go public. Vice’s programming slate narrowed its focus after television efforts that generated a made-in-Canada hit with the wrestling docuseries Dark Side of the Ring.

---

The mayor who won’t leave

John Tory @JohnTory

Today, I registered to run for re-election to continue serving the people and the city I love as mayor. We need leadership that works now more than ever. It’s time to protect our progress and continue our work to make sure Toronto comes out of this pandemic stronger than ever.

Four other names joined John Tory in filing paperwork to run for Toronto mayor on the first day of registration, but there’s no indication of anyone realistically threatening his hat trick. City council candidate sign-ups kicked off with a rivalry, as journalist–turned–John Tory adviser Siri Agrell is looking to win Parkdale–High Park over four-termer Gord Perks.

---

“Anti-abortion activists claim corruption after Tories bar social conservative from leadership race.” Joseph Bourgault, a Saskatchewan businessman endorsed by the Campaign Life Coalition, was touting “truth, freedom and justice.” But he was one of three applicants rejected for various reasons by the Conservative party en route to verifying six.

---

A friend request to Trudeau

Ontario is getting its legislature dissolved one day earlier than required for the election campaign, although the Liberals and NDP already issued platforms while disavowing collaboration. Steven Del Duca got more attention than usual with his “buck-a-ride” transit idea, only to pivot to frustration:

CTV Toronto @CTVToronto

Days before an anticipated provincial election call in Ontario, Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca is suggesting a joint announcement between Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is more of a campaign stop than an act of governing.

toronto.ctvnews.caOntario Liberal leader says Ford was campaigning at announcement with TrudeauDays before an anticipated provincial election call in Ontario, Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca is suggesting a joint announcement between Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is more of a campaign stop than an act of governing.

---

Ottawa funding saves the most successful Canadian musical from homegrown oblivion. Come From Away will get a summer 2024 run at the National Arts Centre before settling back in Toronto at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. It was there that the show closed in December after a one-week comeback.

---

Finally, return of the hype cycle

We is called “petty but preachy” in a Wall Street Journal review reflecting how the Arcade Fire album is getting an old-school Columbia Records rollout that involved letting critics hear it before it drops. The band also reopened the Koko nightclub in London, England, and the couple who lead the act have written what sounds like a song for their son: