Bell Media Acquires Gusto Brand

TORONTO: Bell Media is purchasing the Gusto brand, with plans to launch a new food-centric cooking and lifestyle network later this year.

The network’s programming roster will feature a mix of creative cooking and food programming, along with home design, fashion, travel and lifestyle shows. Gusto will also feature homegrown programming, all in 4K, as well as first-run food and lifestyle series from around the globe.

In addition to launching the new channel, Bell Media secured a production arrangement with Chris Knight to supply exclusive programming for the network through Gusto Worldwide Media. This includes One World Kitchen.

“We’re delighted to enter the food and lifestyle television space with Gusto,” said Tracey Pearce, the senior VP of specialty and pay networks at Bell Media. “We look forward to showcasing this brand to Canadians via the Bell Media megaphone, and working with Chris Knight on developing new, highly stylized, culinary and lifestyle Canadian programming that appeals to both viewers and advertisers.”

“Gusto’s unique blend of experiential and creative programming will provide new opportunities to develop dynamic and innovative partnerships with brands, especially those that target both female and Millennial viewers,” said Darryl Coburn, the VP for national television sales at Bell Media. “We are looking forward to presenting this entertaining channel to long-time clients as well as new potential advertisers.”

“We are thrilled to be working with Bell Media to ramp up production on a new slate of creative and engaging lifestyle and culinary programming—all in stunning 4K,” said Knight, the president and CEO of Gusto Worldwide Media. “Our team includes some of the best nonfiction producers in this country, and we look forward to crafting Canada’s next favorite lifestyle show!”