CRTC approves Bella TV

The CRTC approved an application Wednesday from 7340362 Canada Inc. to broadcast Bella TV, a national, French-language women’s specialty channel. Astral Broadcasting Group Inc. filed an intervention on the application saying that the channel would duplicate the themes of Astral's Canal Vie channel. But the applicant responded saying that Bella TV would be specific enough not to interfere with Canal Vie’s viewership, noting that Bella TV is directed towards women aged 18-34 and Canal Vie is targeted at women and men. The CRTC agreed with the applicant’s response. The applicant also sought more flexibility on content requirements for long-form documentaries, theatrical films, animated television and films, music video clips and music video programs, but the commission did not grant the exceptions. The CRTC approved Bella TV for a standard, Category 2 specialy channel licence, but placed some conditions on the licence to ensure it does not compete with any must-carry Category 1 services. Bella TV cannot devote more than 10 per cent of its monthly programming to long-form documentaries, drama and comedy, music video clips and music video programs, the CRTC said. It added that a maximum of 15 per cent of the station’s programming can be dedicated to “showbiz” or one of the following genres: fashion, health and well-being, food, travel, and home and garden. The Bella TV licence expires Aug. 31, 2017.

CRTC approves Bella TV

Brief | June 3, 2011

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