(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) —
CTV Inc and MTV Networks have entered into a new strategic alliance to build and grow the MTV brand in Canada. The announcement was made by Ivan Fecan, President and CEO of Bell Globemedia and CEO of CTV Inc. together with Bill Roedy, Vice Chairman, MTV Networks & President, MTV Networks International. The multi-layered CTV-led venture partners Canada's No. 1 television brand with the world's most valuable media brand, to create a vibrant platform for MTV in Canada, including:
- An MTV branded analogue channel available to 4.4 million households;
- A commitment between CTV and MTV to create original Canadian
programming, destined for airplay in Canada across numerous CTV
platforms and on MTV channels around the world;
- Exclusive access for CTV to the MTV brand and library of programming
for use in Canada across CTV's conventional, and specialty services; and
- Exclusive access for CTV to MTV's array of digital media assets in
Canada, including online, wireless, interactive and Video On Demand
as well as development of new digital media content for Canadians.
Canadians will be able to access the true MTV experience in 360 degrees with customized content not just across digital, specialty and conventional television platforms, but for the first time across a comprehensive assortment of interactive assets as outlined above. The MTV brand is not only back in Canada, but it has returned in a broader, deeper way than ever before.
CTV's talktv, an analogue specialty service currently available in 4.4 million Canadian households, will be re-born as a Canadian programmed and managed MTV channel, filled with dynamic, interactive, lifestyle, talk and documentary programming. The channel will continue to be fully compliant with its license condition of 68 per cent Canadian programming (71 per cent in prime time), representing one of the highest Canadian-content requirements of any Canadian service.
Additionally, CTV confirmed it has filed an application with the CRTC for a new Category-2 Digital Television Service — Canada's next music television station. This new digital television service, along with the new MTV analogue channel, will provide alternate high quality entertainment options to all Canadians, and represent a great boost to local production and culture.
Finally, MTV programming will continue to air across Canada inside a newly created MTV branded block of programming on CTV.
Today's announcement underscores CTV's strategic commitment to finding new opportunities for growth and success," said Ivan Fecan, President and CEO of Bell Globemedia. "Around the world, MTV is a brand that extends beyond television and we're thrilled with the opportunity to work with our new partner and worldwide innovators at MTV to build a successful business that delivers fresh, honest and relevant content to Canadians."
"Canada is a very important market to MTV. As a source of dynamic debate, diversity and culture, MTV in Canada will reflect a uniquely Canadian perspective to enrich our global operation," said Bill Roedy, Vice Chairman, MTV Networks & President, MTV Networks International. "This is a tremendous milestone in our global expansion, and it's terrific to be partnering with CTV — their passion, expertise, and credibility are inspiring. We are going to do great things together."
Returning to Toronto to oversee the MTV business is Canadian Brad Schwartz, newly named general manager and senior vice president. In his previous position, Schwartz was director, International Marketing Partnerships for MTV Networks International based in New York and responsible for worldwide marketing and sponsorship initiatives.
"Our focus is to build a clearly Canadian interpretation of the MTV brand–one that will engage and excite all Canadians," said Schwartz. "With the array of resources and expertise available from both the CTV and MTV families, we're going to rapidly establish our presence in Canada, and become a vital and valued member of Canada's creative and production communities."
"Canadians have come to know MTV as both a leading lifestyle and entertainment brand," said Susanne Boyce, CTV president of Programming and Chair of the CTV Media Group, "The MTV philosophy has won the following of millions around the world for its leadership and vision in current affairs, offering an alternative voice and engaging viewers that the traditional mainstream media just don't reach. It's no secret that millions of Canadians–especially young Canadians–are yearning for new ways to become involved in issues that are important to them. They're ready to be challenged by the bold, unorthodox approach that MTV has pioneered."
"MTV's commitment to bold, innovative and entertaining programming reflects CTV's philosophy toward building successful schedules," added Boyce. "With nation-builders like Live 8, The Juno Awards and Canadian Idol, and star vehicles like eTalk Daily to showcase them, CTV has demonstrated its commitment to developing Canadian stars. A partnership with MTV is an exciting and ideal extension of our overall program strategy."
