Rogers Media Receives CRTC Approval to Launch Citytv Saskatchewan
– New channel expected to launch July 1, securing expanded national
platform for Citytv’s original and acquired programming –
– Commitment to educational content continues with Citytv Saskatchewan’s
commercial-free educational daytime programming block –
– Rogers Media to invest in Saskatchewan-based television and digital
production created exclusively by independent producers –
TORONTO, June 21, 2012 /CNW/ – Rogers Media today received approval from
the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission to
acquire Saskatchewan Communications Network (SCN). The deal is
expected to close later this month, with Citytv Saskatchewan to launch
on July 1.
Citytv Saskatchewan marks the first official expansion for the brand in
recent years, as Citytv moves towards a national footprint for its
premium programming. As previously announced, Citytv will be expanding
to the Montreal market, pending regulatory approval, and Citytv
programming recently became available long-term in three key markets in
Western Canada – Kamloops, B.C., Prince George, B.C., and Medicine Hat,
AB.
By fall 2012, Citytv will be available in eight provinces and reach nine
million homes.
Today’s announcement follows the previous Rogers Media program supply
agreement with SCN, which took effect January 2012, in which SCN airs
Citytv programming from 3 p.m. to 6 a.m. each day.
“This is a vital step in the evolution of the Citytv brand, as we
continue to aggressively pursue national distribution for our
world-class content. In this competitive landscape, it is paramount to
expand Citytv’s reach to better serve Canadians and engage audiences
across the country. We won’t stop until we reach our goal of becoming
a fully national network,” said Scott Moore, President, Broadcast,
Rogers Media. “With its growing economy, Saskatchewan is exactly the
right market for the Citytv brand and we’re excited to grow this
service and become an active and integrated member of this robust
community.”
Maintaining all of SCN’s educational broadcast obligations, Citytv
Saskatchewan will continue to air commercial-free educational content
during the 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. time block. Throughout the remainder of
the day, Citytv Saskatchewan will air original and acquired Citytv
programming, including Cityline, America’s Got Talent, Modern Family, and the upcoming The Bachelor Canada, as well as Saskatchewan productions such as The Neighbors Dog, 15 Minutes of Fame, and The Edge of War.
Rogers Media continues to be a strong supporter of independent producers
and has already begun working with the local Saskatchewan production
community to produce content, giving creators a voice on both a
regional and national platform across Rogers Media’s suite of assets.
In addition, Rogers Media will offer Citytv Saskatchewan in High
Definition to viewers within the coming year.
Citytv Saskatchewan will continue to operate out of Regina with support
from the extended Citytv and Rogers Media family.
About Rogers Media Inc.
Rogers Media Inc., a division of Rogers Communications Inc., (TSX: RCI;
NYSE: RCI), operates Rogers Broadcasting Limited and Rogers
Publishing Limited. Rogers Broadcasting has 55 AM and FM radio
stations across Canada. Television properties include five Citytv
stations, five OMNI multicultural television stations, Sportsnet
(consisting of four regional channels and the nationally-distributed
Sportsnet ONE), and The Shopping Channel, a televised and internet
shopping service. Rogers Publishing produces many well-known consumer
magazines, such as Maclean’s, Chatelaine, Flare, L’actualité, and
Canadian Business, and is the leading publisher of a number of
industry, medical and financial publications. All media properties are
integrated with their own popular websites. Rogers Media Inc. owns
Rogers Centre stadium, a year-round sports and entertainment facility,
and the Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club.