OTTAWA – The CRTC approved three new additions to the list of non-Canadian programming services authorized for distribution, on Wednesday.
The new channels include:
– third-language service Mexicanal, sponsored by Lewis Birnberg Hanet LLP, a Spanish-language general interest service that provides regional programming from across the Republic of Mexico. Programming consists of regional news and information programming, live music performances, lifestyle programming focusing on regional culture (e.g., regional cuisine, regional artisans), Mexican cinema, satirical Mexican comedy programs, a small amount of regional sports, and reality television programs. The service’s target audience is a general audience of Spanish-speaking individuals, predominantly those who have family ties to, or have emigrated from Mexico;
– PeopleTV, sponsored by Ethnic Channels Group, is an English-language television service devoted to programming in the pop culture genre, including celebrity news, celebrity gossip, celebrity interviews, exclusive stories, red carpet events, style and updates from the world of entertainment. The target audience of the service is women aged 18 to 54 who are interested in celebrity news, culture and lifestyle, and the service originates from the U.S.
– ES1, backed by THEMA Canada, is a French-language niche service offering programming dedicated to eSports and video games. The applicant indicated that the service would mainly target youth aged 12 to 40 who are passionate about video games competitions. The service originates from France.
The revised list of non-Canadian programming services and stations authorized for distribution is available here.
