Bell Media to Rebrand /A Network as CTV Two

TORONTO: Bell Media is renaming its /A network to CTV Two this fall, coinciding with the launch of a companion HD service.

The move also comes as the channel is expanding its reach into the full Toronto extended market next year. The schedule for the rebranded CTV Two will be unveiled at the CTV Upfront presentation in Toronto on June 2. The CTV Two schedule will feature eight new programs to the network, seven in simulcast, including one major acquisition to anchor the schedule. /A News transitions into CTV News in each market this fall.

“As we stated to the CRTC, we are committed to the viability of the /A stations,” said Kevin Crull, the president of Bell Media. “We are extending CTV, Canada’s strongest television brand, to our second network, so that these channels can resonate deeper with audiences, advertisers, and the communities they serve. Along with our investment in HD and our commitment to local programming, today’s announcement signifies a new beginning for this network.”

“We are committed to building the CTV Two schedule to contend on nearly every night of the week,” added Phil King, the president of CTV programming and sports. “We are confident that we have scheduled franchise programs in key time slots that will appeal to both audiences and advertisers alike.”

“Leveraging the strength of the CTV brand on both networks is a strategic move to more effectively market, program and sell CTV Two,” commented Rick Lewchuk, the senior VP of CTV Creative Agency and Brand Strategy. “Additionally, CTV Two works as a navigational tool, directing viewers to one of two networks where they can find CTV programming.”

“Extending Canada’s most trusted news brand to these local stations demonstrates our commitment to these communities,” remarked Wendy Freeman, the president, CTV News. “We hope that under the CTV News banner, these local stations will ultimately be able to survive on their own.”