Z [zɛd] is a Canadian French language specialty channel owned by Bell Media. Z focuses on programming primarily from the science fiction, fantasy, and technology genres consisting of dramas, films, and documentaries.
 Z logo | |
| Country | Canada |
|---|---|
| Broadcast area | National |
| Headquarters | Montreal, Quebec |
| Programming | |
| Language(s) | French |
| Picture format | 1080i (HDTV) 480i (SDTV) |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Astral Media (2000-2013) Bell Media (2013-Present) |
| Sister channels | Noovo CTV Sci-Fi Channel Canal D Canal Vie |
| History | |
| Launched | January 31, 2000 |
| Former names | Canal Z (2000–2005) Ztélé (2005–2014) |
| Links | |
| Website | Z (in French) |
Founded on January 31, 2000 as Canal Z by Astral Media, the channel was rebranded to Ztélé in 2005 and was acquired by Bell Media in 2013, which by that point becoming aligned with English-language counterpart to Space (renamed to CTV Sci-Fi Channel in 2019), before renaming to its current name in 2014.
History
editIn May 1999, Radiomutuel Inc. was granted approval by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) for a television broadcasting licence for a channel called Canal Z, aux limites du savoir, described as "a national French-language television specialty service that is dedicated entirely to science and technology, the earth and its secrets, space exploration, the paranormal and science fiction, lifestyles and computer science."[1]
Before the channel was launched, in June 1999, Astral Media announced its intention to purchase Radiomutuel,[2] which was approved by the CRTC on January 12, 2000[3] and closed shortly thereafter.
The channel launched on January 31, 2000[4] as Canal Z (often referred to as simply Z). The channel was renamed Ztélé in 2005 and a new logo was introduced. In 2006, an HD feed debuted.
Astral Media was acquired by Bell Media on July 5, 2013, making Ztélé a sister channel to the English-language science-fiction channel Space, while retaining its other sister stations. Disney Junior was sold to DHX Media, and MusiMax and MusiquePlus were sold to V Media Group, both deals occurring the next year.
As of August 25, 2014, the channel has been renamed Z.[5]
On August 16, 2023, Z and Vrak were removed from Vidéotron, a cable service serving most major markets in Quebec.[6]
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Canal Z logo (2000–2005)
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Ztélé logo (2005–2014)
Z HD
editOn October 30, 2006, Astral Media launched "Z HD" (then-known as "Ztélé HD"), a HD simulcast of Z's standard definition feed.[7]
References
edit- ^ "ARCHIVED - Decision CRTC 99-110, Summary". www.crtc.gc.ca. Government of Canada, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). 21 May 1999.
- ^ "Astral bids on Radiomutuel". playbackonline.ca.
- ^ "ARCHIVED - Summary - Transfer of effective control from Radiomutuel inc. to Astral Communications inc". www.crtc.gc.ca. Government of Canada, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).
- ^ "Astral integrates Radiomutuel TV". playbackonline.ca.
- ^ "Bell Media - Details". bellmediapr.ca.
- ^ "Fin des émissions pour Vrak après 23 ans" [Vrak ends broadcasts after 23 years]. www.iheartradio.ca (in French).
- ^ "La haute définition en français". Infopresse. 30 October 2006.
External links
edit- Official website (in French)