Bell Media Invests in Canadian Digital Startup

TORONTO: Bell Media has made an investment in the Toronto-based digital startup Hubub, a personal interest multimedia channel.

Bell Media invested $5 million in cash and committed millions more to market Hubub.com and the Hubub mobile app, a new digital platform for exploring and discussing interests, across its leading media properties. In addition to acquiring an equity stake in the company, Bell has obtained the exclusive rights to monetize Hubub in Canada.

“Hubub is a core part of our strategy to grow our digital reach in Canada,” said Kevin Crull, the president of Bell Media. “We see Hubub at the intersection of social and search, the two digital categories that continue to see significant growth. It’s also the perfect social complement to our media properties and talent, leveraging the significant conversation around news, sports, and entertainment that originate with our brands.”
 
“We are honored to partner with Bell Media, Canada’s gold standard in news, sports and entertainment,” added Peter L. Corsell, Hubub's founder and CEO. “Our team has pioneered the concept of personal interest channels to provide a deeper level of engagement and collaboration around interests, and we are thrilled that Bell Media will greatly increase Hubub's exposure in Canada.”