VisionTV Sells Channels to ZoomerMedia

June 16, 2009 World Screen

TORONTO: The VisionTV multifaith, multicultural network in Canada, along with sister outlets One: the Body, Mind & Spirit channel and two conventional TV stations are being sold to ZoomerMedia Limited (ZML).

The board of directors of VTV, a registered charity, announced the approval of the deal with ZML yesterday. The VisionTV network is available in 9 million homes across Canada on basic cable. VTV also operates the digital television service One: the Body, Mind & Spirit channel and the conventional TV stations Joytv 10 in Vancouver and Joytv 11 in Winnipeg. The sale is subject to the approval of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).
 
Dale Godsoe, the chair of the board of directors, said of the agreement: "The VisionTV group of channels deliver unique and original programming to the millions of Canadians interested in spirituality, wellness and personal growth. Joining the ZoomerMedia family will ensure that they are able to continue fulfilling this unique mission. It will create new benefits and synergies, and will position the channels to prevail in the face of technological and regulatory change."
 
Bill Roberts, the president and CEO of VisionTV, added: "Viewers over the age of 50 represent VisionTV’s core audience, making it a natural complement to ZoomerMedia’s existing media properties and opening up new opportunities for cross-platform promotion. In addition, ZML and VisionTV share a strong commitment to diversity and high-quality Canadian content."
 
The VTV Charity will remain in the control of the board of directors. "We are excited by this opportunity to explore new strategies for developing and delivering interfaith and diversity-oriented content, and we look forward to re-inventing and re-energizing the VTV Charity for the 21st century," Godsoe said.