Z (TV channel)

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Z
Z logo
CountryCanada
Broadcast areaNational
HeadquartersMontreal, Quebec
Programming
Language(s)French
Picture format1080i (HDTV)
480i (SDTV)
Ownership
OwnerBell Media
Sister channelsNoovo
CTV Sci-Fi Channel
Canal D
Canal Vie
History
LaunchedJanuary 31, 2000 (24 years ago) (2000-01-31)
Former namesCanal Z (2000–2005)
Ztélé (2005–2014)
Links
WebsiteZ (in French)

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.

History[edit]

In 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]

Z HD[edit]

On 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]

  1. ^ (CRTC), Government of Canada, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (21 May 1999). "ARCHIVED - Decision CRTC 99-110, Summary". www.crtc.gc.ca.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ "Astral bids on Radiomutuel". playbackonline.ca.
  3. ^ (CRTC), Government of Canada, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission. "ARCHIVED - Summary - Transfer of effective control from Radiomutuel inc. to Astral Communications inc". www.crtc.gc.ca.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ "Astral integrates Radiomutuel TV". playbackonline.ca.
  5. ^ "Bell Media - Details". bellmediapr.ca.
  6. ^ https://www.iheartradio.ca/rouge-fm/rouge-fm-drummondville/nouvelles/fin-des-emissions-pour-vrak-apres-23-ans-1.20139779
  7. ^ "La haute définition en français". Infopresse. 30 October 2006.

External links[edit]