TORONTO – Blue Ant Media announced today it will launch the Cottage Life specialty TV channel this fall. The new HD channel is an extension of Cottage Life Magazine, which Blue Ant took over last November when it acquired the magazine’s parent company, Cottage Life Media Inc.
The new Cottage Life television channel will feature new programming focusing on DIY, food, makeovers and outdoor themes that celebrate the people, places and activities closest to the heart of Canada, says the company. “Cottage Life has always been a trusted source for engaging weekend living content,” said Al Zikovitz, CEO and president, Cottage Life Media, in a release. “It’s a natural evolution to see the brand expand into television, where the depth of our content can continue to flourish.”
Some in the industry speculate that Blue Ant may have set the stage for its Cottage Life TV launch as a rebrand of its earlier acquisition of the specialty channel Bold from CBC for $10 million. Bold’s original condition of license stated that its programming had to reflect the living realities of rural Canadians, a condition which Blue Ant agreed it would uphold when it applied for CRTC approval of its purchase of Bold.
Cartt.ca asked Blue Ant if the company plans to rebrand Bold as Cottage Life TV. “There are no specific plans for Bold as of yet,” said Jennifer Mason, Blue Ant’s marketing and communications director. “We are in the process of solidifying carriage and distribution packaging for Cottage Life with our BDU partners. More details will be announced as they become available.”
Fans in the Toronto-area can celebrate the launch at the upcoming Spring Cottage Life Show this April 5-7, 2013 at the International Centre. Visitors to the show will get a chance to learn more about the channel and contribute to the Video Diary. For those with a special affinity for the spotlight, producers will also be on site at the show to cast for upcoming programs on Cottage Life.
Cottage Life joins Blue Ant Media’s specialty television channels Travel+Escape, Bite and AUX as well as its four commercial-free channels Oasis HD, HIFI, eqHD and radX.
