Gonez Media Goes National in Bold Challenge to Canadian Media Landscape

TORONTO, ON – April 23, 2026 – In a move signaling a significant shift in the Canadian media ecosystem, Gonez Media has announced a major national expansion, launching two new platforms, Now Canada and Now Vancouver, this summer. The announcement, made during the company's fifth-anniversary celebration, positions the digital-first upstart as a formidable independent force, directly challenging the dominance of legacy media institutions with a model built for a new generation of consumers.

This expansion is not a speculative leap but a calculated scale-up, fueled by the explosive growth of Now Toronto. Since its relaunch under Gonez Media, the platform has become a case study in modern media success, proving that a focus on authentic, community-driven content can capture massive audiences and create a viable business in a notoriously difficult market.

A Digital-First Blueprint for Success

The foundation of Gonez Media's national ambition is the remarkable performance of Now Toronto. Over the past year, the platform has averaged over 40 million monthly video views, seen its website readership surge by 65 percent, and cultivated a TikTok following approaching 400,000. These are not just vanity metrics; they represent deep engagement with an audience that often feels overlooked by traditional outlets.

Under the leadership of Founder and CEO Brandon Gonez, a former reporter for national broadcasters, the company has reimagined the legacy Now brand with a relentless digital-first strategy. The approach prioritizes short-form video and rapid social media distribution, delivering stories that are fast, accessible, and culturally resonant. This strategy directly taps into the habits of younger Canadians, who increasingly consume news and culture through platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Research shows that video content is the largest revenue driver in Canada's burgeoning digital media market, a trend Gonez Media has expertly capitalized on.

"What we have proven in Toronto is that audiences are looking for media that feels relevant, local, and authentic," said Brandon Gonez. "Now Canada and Now Vancouver allow us to take that model nationwide, creating new opportunities, amplifying Canadian voices, and telling our stories on a much larger scale."

Confronting the Media Establishment

Gonez Media's expansion arrives at a critical juncture for the Canadian media industry. While legacy giants like Postmedia are navigating painful transitions, shifting some publications to digital-only formats and implementing staff reductions, Gonez Media is actively hiring. Even the national public broadcaster, CBC/Radio-Canada, is undergoing its own aggressive digital transformation, aiming to meet audiences on their preferred platforms and strengthen its local presence.

Within this competitive landscape, Gonez Media's model stands out. It is not simply about moving print online; it is about building a media company natively designed for the digital age. By integrating publications, content production, and an in-house agency, the company offers a holistic solution that is agile and responsive to both audience interests and advertiser needs. This independent, Canadian-owned structure allows it to pivot quickly and maintain a distinct voice, free from the constraints of older corporate structures.

Vancouver and Beyond: A National Vision

The expansion strategy is twofold. Now Canada will serve as a national platform, aiming to capture the stories and cultural trends that unite communities from coast to coast. Simultaneously, Now Vancouver will mark the company's first foray into a new local market, a deliberate and strategic choice.

Vancouver was selected for its vibrant cultural scene, strong creative community, and a digital media market ripe for a new voice. While the city is already served by digital players like Daily Hive and The Tyee, Gonez Media sees an opportunity to introduce its unique brand of storytelling, focusing on culture, food, entertainment, and local personalities. The move reflects a belief that the company's successful Toronto blueprint can be replicated to serve distinct urban communities across the country.

This expansion is not just about planting a flag in a new city; it's the first step in a broader national strategy. The company is betting that the demand for its brand of mobile-first, culturally connected content already exists nationwide.

Capturing Ad Dollars and Creating Jobs

Beyond audience growth, the expansion is a direct response to increasing demand from advertisers. As Canada's digital advertising market continues its explosive growth—projected to climb past $18 billion—brands are desperately seeking effective ways to connect with engaged Canadian audiences. Traditional advertising methods are proving less effective, particularly with younger demographics.

Gonez Media's platforms offer a compelling alternative. "We are seeing strong interest from brands that want to collaborate with platforms that truly understand Canadian culture," said Kristal Shankaran, Head of Partnerships. "This expansion allows us to meet that demand while remaining proudly Canadian owned and focused on authentic audience engagement."

Crucially, this growth is fueling job creation. At a time when headlines are dominated by news of layoffs in the media sector, Gonez Media is creating new roles in editorial, production, partnerships, and creative services. The company is actively recruiting for positions from account executives to producers, reinforcing its commitment to investing in Canadian talent and building a sustainable future for local journalism and content creation.

In just five years, Gonez Media has evolved from a startup into a standout success story. Its national expansion is a testament to its vision and a bold declaration about the future of media in the country. As Gonez himself stated, "Canadian stories deserve strong Canadian platforms. We are building something ambitious, independent, and designed for the future."