TORONTO – Programming from CTV and its specialty channels The Comedy Network and MTV are now available for sale on the iTunes Store in Canada (www.itunes.ca).
The addition of Canadian TV shows to the iTunes Canada lineup comes two years after such programming has been available in the U.S. and U.K. It’s been on so long Stateside, that NBC has decided making its shows available on iTunes is not for them and they have pulled their programming from the Apple service.
iTunes becomes the latest digital platform for CTV’s Canadian series, in addition to The CTV Broadband Network and Rogers’ CTV On Demand service.
iTunes’ CTV content will allow viewers to catch up to previously-aired episodes and purchase just-broadcast episodes the day after their television premieres.
CTV programs for purchase include Corner Gas, Degrassi: The Next Generation, Robson Arms and Instant Star. Some American programming is available too such as The Comedy Network’s South Park, The Sarah Silverman Program and Drawn Together along with MTV’s The Hills.
“More platforms ultimately means more viewers,” said Susanne Boyce, president, creative, content and channels, CTV, in a release. “Following our initiatives in broadband and VOD, this content on iTunes raises awareness of these great Canadian series and specialty properties to different audiences. Additionally, it allows CTV viewers to play catch up as well, delivering CTV content on their own terms.”
"I’m very excited about Corner Gas being on iTunes,” said Brent Butt, star of Corner Gas, in the same statement. “Initially I was excited because I thought it meant Corner Gas was going to be turned into a musical. But it turns out I was confused. The show will be available on iTunes just the way we made it, which is also awesome."
Previously-aired episodes from season 4 and the current season 5 of Corner Gas are available today. New episodes from season 5 will be available the day following their television premiere on The Comedy Network. The complete second season of Robson Arms is available immediately. New episodes from season 3 will be available the day following their television premiere on CTV. The complete sixth season of Degrassi is available immediately. New episodes from season 7 will be available the day following their television premiere. The complete third season of Instant Star is available immediately while new episodes from season 4 will be available the day following their television premiere on CTV.
For more, go to www.ctv.ca, or www.itunes.ca.
