GATINEAU – The CRTC is considering requests from Videotron and Rogers Cable to add more foreign channels to the list of eligible satellite non-Canadian services that can be carried here on digital.
The commission is calling for comments on the proposed addition of seven services, described below from the cablecos’ proposals.
From Videotron:
* XXL, a service from France, entirely in the French language and offering adult content, mainly erotic films, series, and magazine programs programmed in a four-hour block that is repeated throughout the broadcast day, seven days a week.
From Rogers:
* De Pelicula Channel, a niche service featuring Spanish-language films of different genres and epochs. Its programming includes contemporary and classic Spanish-language movies from all eras, including films from the Golden Age of Mexican filmmaking and from the new generation of producers and directors of Spanish-speaking films. The service does not have any French- or English-language subtitles or secondary audio programming.
* Ritmoson Latino Channel is a Spanish-language niche service featuring Latin music programming. The service features the rhythms, dance and passions of the Latin culture and focuses on the music genres closest to the Latin soul from Boleros, Merengue, Salsa, and Cumbia to Pop and Reggaeton. The service does not have any French- or English-language subtitles or secondary audio programming.
* TL Novelas Channel is a Spanish-language niche service dedicated to the famous “telenovelas” produced by Televisa. Viewers experience all the drama, romance, scandal and intrigue of Mexican soap operas 24 hours a day. The service does not have any French- or English-language subtitles or secondary audio programming.
* Headlines Today Channel is an English-language headline news service based in India operating on a 30-minute wheel that runs 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. The service provides a unique perspective on India and world events.
* BabyFirstTV is a 24-hour-per-day commercial-free television channel that provides programming created specifically for the unique needs and abilities of viewers between six months and 3 years old. Eighty percent of the programming is original, designed by leading experts in child development, education and psychology. BabyFirstTV offers a safe and positive learning environment with an emphasis on enriching baby-parent interaction.
* Aaj Tak Channel is a 24 hours/day, 7 days/week Hindi-language programming service providing news and information on world events, current affairs, and financial developments. None of the programming offered on the service is accompanied by English- or French-language subtitles or secondary audio programming.
The deadline for the commission to receive comments is Oct. 10, 2006.
