Canadian Pay-TV and Specialty Channel History
Cable television began to be more widely deployed in many Canadian cities during the 1960s. Early cable systems primarily carried local stations and, in some cases, distant television signals. Pay television and specialty channels were launched nationwide in February 1983; however, there were regional examples of pay-TV and specialty services that dated back as early as the 1960s.
Pre National Pay-TV & Specialty Channel Launch
Telemeter
Telemeter was one of Canada’s earliest experiments with pay television, operating on a limited basis in the early 1960s, most notably in the Toronto area. The service used a coin-operated decoder attached to the television set, allowing viewers to pay to unlock individual programs, primarily recent theatrical films supplied by major studios. Delivered over closed-circuit or early cable-style systems, Telemeter represented a significant departure from advertiser-supported broadcasting and demonstrated early Canadian interest in subscription-based television. Despite modest uptake and considerable public curiosity, the service faced high operating costs, limited programming availability, and regulatory uncertainty, and it was discontinued by the mid-1960s.
Cooperative Programming Network (CPN)
The Cooperative Programming Network (CPN) was a Saskatchewan-based cooperative programming service that operated in the late 1970s, providing shared television services to cable systems across the province, including Regina and Saskatoon. Its lineup included movies, general entertainment, children’s programming, and informational content, reflecting Saskatchewan’s cooperative approach to broadcasting. CPN was eventually discontinued and replaced by another regional experimental pay-TV service, Teletheatre.
CPN channels included:
- HBO: Feature films and special programming
- Variety Fare: General entertainment programming
- Just for Kids: Children’s programming
- News/Music Channel: Continuous news readout accompanied by music
Teletheatre
Teletheatre was a regional experimental pay-television service that operated in Saskatchewan in the early 1980s, following the discontinuation of the Cooperative Programming Network (CPN). Delivered to cable subscribers across the province, Teletheatre offered a selection of feature films and special programming on a subscription basis, marking one of the first commercially structured pay-TV experiments in the region. Teletheatre was replaced by a conventional pay-TV service by January 1984.
Réseau Inter‑Vision
Réseau Inter‑Vision was an early French‑language cable television service in Québec that launched around 1980. Operated as a consortium of local cable companies, the service provided a group of themed specialty channels to subscribers across the province, offering content that complemented existing broadcast television. It represented one of the first efforts in Québec to deliver multiple cable-only channels on a subscription basis, paving the way for the later development of nationally licensed specialty networks.
Réseau Inter‑Vision channels included
- TVFQ99: Télévision française du Québec - Operated from 1980-1988. Replaced by TV5 Québec Canada
- TVJQ: Télévision des jeunes du Québec - Operated from 1980-1988. Repalced by Le Canal Famille
- TVSQ: Télévision des sports du Québec - Operated from 1980-1989. Replaced by Réseau des sports
- TVCQ: Télévision des cours universitaires et collégiaux du Québec - Operated from 1980-1986. Later replaced by CFTU Montréal
- TVEQ: Télévision de l’éducation et des sciences du Québec - Operated from 1980-1983
- TVIQ: Télévision de l’information et de l’emploi du Québec - Operated from 1980-1983
- TVAQ: Télévision des arts et spectacles du Québec - Operated from 1980-1983
- TVRQ: Télévision des reportages du Québec - Operated from 1980-1983
There was also a multicultural public access service called TEQ that operated as early as 1980. It is unclear if this channel was operated by Réseau Inter‑Vision in its early years. By 1990 CTEQ Television Inc was established to opearate the ethnic service. CTEQ was eventually granted a license in 1995 to operate the service as a terestrial broadcast channel. TEQ was replaced by CJNT Montréal in 1997
Canadian Pay-TV and Specialty Channel Timeline
The first regional and nationally licensed pay-TV channels launched in February 1983, followed by additional Canadian and American pay-TV services the next year. Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, the availability of pay-TV and specialty channels in Canada expanded continuously, reflecting the growing demand for subscription-based and niche programming.
June 1979
The CRTC decision 79-xxx* granted a temporary license to operate an English and French channel to broadcast House of Commons proceedngs.
September 1979
CBC Parliamentary Television Network signs-on with an English and French language feed.
October 1980
CRTC decision 80-xxx* grants CBC a permanent license to operate an English and French feed for house of commons proceedings.
April 14, 1981
The CRTC decision 81-253 approved an application by Atlantic Television Systems Ltd to operate a satellite-to-cable regional service for the Maritime provinces, Newfoundland and Eastern Arctic.
January 12, 1981
Knowledge Network launches as an educational service for BC only. Knowledge Network would not obtain a formal license until later in the 1980s/1990s.
March 18, 1982
The CRTC decision 82-240 granted licenses to the first regional and national Pay-TV services in Canada. The following services were licensed in this decision
- First Choice Canadian Communications Corporation: A national general interest service, consisting of two distinct, 24-hour English and French services.
- C Channel: A national specialty service focusing on culture and the arts.
- Allarcom Limited: A regional general interest service for Alberta.
- Ontario Independent Pay Television Ltd: A regional general interest service for Ontario.
- Star Channel Services Ltd: A regional general interest service for Atlantic Canada.
- World View Television Ltd: A regional multilingual service for British Columbia
November 23, 1982
The CRTC decision 82-1023 granted two additional regional pay-tv licences. The following services were licensed in this decision
- Télévision de l'Est du Canada (TVEC): A regional French-language general interest service serving Quebec, Ontario, and the Atlantic region
- Aim Satellite Broadcasting Corporation: A regional English-language general interest service serving British Columbia and the Yukon Territory
February 1, 1983
The following channels were launched
- First Choice: Available nationally
- Premier Choix: French language, available nationally though carriage was largely in Eastern Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada
- C Channel: Available nationally
- Star Channel: Available in Atlantic Canada
- TVEC Télévision de l'Est du Canada (TVEC): French language, available mainly in Quebec
- Superchannel: Available in Ontario and Alberta
- World View: Multilingual service available in BC only
May 29, 1983
ASN (Atlantic Satellite network) launches
June 30, 1983
C Channel ceased operations due to financial difficulties
July 27, 1983
CRTC Decision 83-576 amended Allarcom Limited's regional license (Superchannel) to include Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Northwest Territories.
November 1983
Star Channel ceases operations temporarily though the service never returned to air
January 5, 1984
CRTC decision 84-2 approved the transfer of effective control of AIM Satellite Broadcasting Corporation to Allarcom Limited.
January 24, 1984
CRTC decision 84-32 approved the merger of Premier Choix and TVEC into one channel; Premier Choix: TVEC
February 1, 1984
Premier Choix and TVEC merge into a single Pay-TV channel; Premier Choix: TVEC
April 1984
Superchannel expands to BC, Yukon, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Northwest Territories.
April 2, 1984
CRTC decision 84-81 approved the distribution of non-Canadian specialty channels. This decision had linkage conditions which required a maximum of five non-Canadian channels linked to a single Canadian Pay-TV channel. In descritionary tiers cable systems could link up to two non-Canadian channels for every Canadian channel up to a maximum of 5 channels.
Below is a list of non-Canadian stations approved.
- Arts & Entertainment (A&E)
- Cable News Network (CNN)
- CNN Headline News
- Country Music Television
- Financial News Network (FNN)
- The Learning Channel
- The Nashville Network
NOTE: The intial list of non-Canadian services included up to 17 channels. Several online sources indicate that this list may have been published in June 1984.
CRTC decision 84-338 approved an application by CHUM Limited to launch a 24 hour specialty music service which would later launch as MuchMusic.
CRTC decision 84-339 approved an application by Action Canada Sports Network (ACSN) to launch a 24 hour specialty sports service which would later launch as The Sports Network
May 24, 1984
CRTC decision 84-444 approved an application to launch a service known as Latinovision. The channel would feature Spanish and Italian language programming. The service would later launch as Telelatino Network
CRTC decision 84-445 approved an application by Chinavision Canada Corporation to launch a Chinese language channel. The service had a condition of license that it not be carried in BC due to World View operating in that province
August 16, 1984
CRTC decision 84-654 approved the consolidation of Allarcom Limited, AIM Satellite Broadcasting Corporation and Ontario Independent Pay Television Limited into a single Pay-TV license; Allarcom Pay Television Limited. This decision granted Allarcom Pay Television Limited (Superchannel) to operate in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon and the Northwest Territories. First Choice was granted permission to only operate in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada
August 31, 1984
MuchMusic launched.
September 1, 1984
The Sports Network (TSN) launched.
First Choice and Superchannel become regional Pay-TV channels with First Choice serving Ontario and east and Superchannel servicing Manitoba and west (included the territories). This also marks the beginning of the co-branded service First Choice Superchannel
Non-Canadian specialty channels are made available for the first time. This included channels like Arts & Entertainment, Cable News Network and The Nashville Network
October 1984
Telelatino Network and Chinavision launch.
Premier Choix: TVEC rebrands as Super Écran
March 14, 1985
CRTC decision 85-141 approved an applicatoin by Life Channel Inc to launch a health and lifestyle specialty channel
April 4, 1985
CRTC public notice 1985-72 established a list of optional Canadian and non-Canadian services. Non-Canadian eligible services where listed in Part B.
Part B non-Canadian eligible services
- Cable News Network
- CNN Headline News
- The Nashville Network
- Arts and Entertairment
- Financial News Network
- The Weather Channel
- The Learning Channel
- Biznet
- Country Music Television
- C-SPAN
- The Silent Network
- The Professional Education Network
- AP Newscable
- Dow Jones Cable News
- Reuters News View
- UPI Custom Cable
- Black Entertairment Television
- Satellite Program Network
- Modern Satellite Network
- Genesis Storytime**
- WTBS (Ind. - Atlanta)
- WGN (Ind. - Chicago)
- WOR (Ind. - New York)
- WPIX (Ind. - New York)
**NOTE: Genesis Storytime was headquartered in Canada although its service was primarly marketed to American cable systems.
August 1, 1985
CRTC decision 85-628 approved an applicatoin by Cathay International Telvision to acquire the assets of World View Television Limited. Additionally Cathay was granted approval to broadcast 96% of its schedule in Chinese and 4% in English
September 1985
Cathay International Television replaces World View. The channel continued to be restriced to just British Columbia
October 18, 1985
Life Channel lanches
March 13, 1986
CRTC decision 86-215 approved an application by CHUM Limited to amended their MuchMusic license to allow a part time French language service operating in Eastern Canada. Cable systems were permitted to offer the service on a dedicated channel (when operating), shared channel or replace the English MuchMusic service during opearting hours.
June 23, 1986
CRTC decision 86-596 grants Ontario Education Communications Authority a licence to broadcast proceedings for the Ontario Legislative Assembly
August 1, 1986
CRTC public notice 1986-192 was a major overhaul of the Cable Television Regulations under the Broadcasting Act. It replaced the old 1978 regulations and introduced a new regulatory framework for cable (broadcasting receiving undertakings) in Canada. It established a regulatory philsophy shift in which the CRTC would establish a supervisory approach, established direct authorization of most services, carriage priorities and Canadian content, updated distribution of non-Canadian eligible services, basic cable rates and fee changes, discretionary (tiered) carriage rules and treatment of Non-Programming services.
CRTC public notice 1986-193 was issued alongside public notice 1986-192 and established an updated list of eligible services. Non-Canadian eligible services were now listed under part III b.
- Cable News Network
- CNN Headline News
- The Nashville Network
- Arts and Entertairment
- Financial News Network
- The Weather Channel
- The Learning Channel
- Biznet
- Country Music Television
- C-SPAN
- The Silent Network
- The Professional Education Network
- AP Newscable
- Dow Jones Cable News
- Reuters News View
- UPI Custom Cable
- Black Entertairment Television
- Satellite Program Network***
- Modern Satellite Network***
- Genesis Storytime**
- WTBS (Ind. - Atlanta)
- WGN (Ind. - Chicago)
- WOR (Ind. - New York)
- WPIX (Ind. - New York)
Non-Canadian channels in Part III b were authorized to be carried on a discretionary basis as part of section 24 of the cable telvision regulations. There was also a part II list that included Canadian and Non-Canadian channels. These authorizations were based off of section 10 of the cable television regulations.
***NOTE: Although still listed as Satellite Programming Network, the network changed it's name to Tempo Television in March 1986. This would not get reflected until the April 1988 revision (CRTC public notice 1988-58). Modern Satellite Network ceased operations in early 1986. This was reflected on the April 1988 revision (CRTC public notice 1988-58)
September 1, 1986
MusiquePlus signs-on for the first time. Initially operating as a part-time service sharing space with TVJQ on most cable systems in Quebec.
November 30, 1986
Life Channel ceases operations
December 3, 1986
CRTC decision 86-1176 grants Ontario Education Communications Authority a licence to operate a French language education television network.
January 1, 1987
La Chaîne française (TVO French) launches
January 15, 1987
Canadian Home Shopping Channel launches as an exempt service.
January 30, 1987
CRTC decision 87-74 approved an application by Chinavision to extend their license to include British Columbia. Previously Chinavision was restricted from operating in British Columbia.
November 30, 1987
CRTC public notice 1987-261 published a revised list of eligible non-Canadian services. The following channels were added to part 3 eligible non-Canadian satellite services.
- USA Network
A note was added for Financial News Network that stipulated carriage of FNN did not include the programming of SCORE. WOR changed its calls to WWOR on April 29, 1987. This would not get reflected until later revisions of this list.
This notice also updated the framework for carriage of non-Canadian services, allowing providers to offer up to eight non-Canadian services on a descretionary basis.
December 1, 1987
CRTC decision 87-895 approved an application by Consortium de télévision Québec Canada to operate a French language specialty programming service. The channel would later launch as TV5 Québec
CRTC decision 87-896 approved an application by Premier Choix: TVEC Inc to operate a French language specialty programming service targeting children and youth. The channel would later launch as Le Canal Famille
CRTC decision 87-897 approved an application by CHUM Limited and Radiomutuel to operate a full-time French language music service. This license would replace the part-time MusiquePlus operating under MuchMusic's license. This also meant that cable systems were no longer required to carry MuchMusic in order to carry MusiquePlus.
CRTC decision 87-898 approved an application by Le Réseau des sports to operate a French language sports specialty programming service. The channel would later launch as RDS Réseau des sports
CRTC decision 87-899 approved an application by MeteoMedia Inc to operate an English and French language to provide a national weather specialty programming service. The English language service would launch as Weather Now and the French language service would launch as MétéoMédia
CRTC decision 87-900 approved an application by Canadian Interfaith Network to launch an English language specialty service devoted to interfaith and multicultural programming. The channel would later launch as Vision TV
CRTC decision 87-901 approved an application by TSN to amend their license so that it can be carried on either basic cable or as a discretionary service.
CRTC decision 87-902 approved an application by CHUM Limited to amend their MuchMusic license so that it can be carried on either basic or as a discretionary service
CRTC decision 87-903 approved an application by YTV Canada Inc for a national specialty service targetting children and youth.
CRTC decision 87-904 approved an application by CBC to operate an English language national news specialty programming service.
CRTC decision 87-905 approved an application by Allarcom Pay Television Limited and First Choice Canadian Communications Corporation to operate a descritionary English language service targeting children, youth and families. The channel would later launch as Family Channel.
February 1, 1988
CRTC decision 88-67 revokes the license for Life Channel.
April 13, 1988
CRTC public notice 1988-58 published a revised list of elgible services. This updated list relfected the rebranding of Satellite Programming Network to Tempo Television (March 1986). Modern Satellite Network was removed as it ceased operations in early 1986.
September 1, 1988
Vision TV, Weather Now and YTV sign-on for the first time
MuchMusic and TSN can be offered on basic cable for the first time.
Family Channel signs-on as a descretionary Pay-TV service.
MétéoMédia signs-on for the first time.
MusiquePlus becomes a full-time service and can also be offered on basic cable for the first time.
Le Canal Famille signs-on replacing TVJQ
TV5 Québec signs-on replacing TVFQ 99
First Choice Superchannel co-branding ended with Superchannel operating in Western Canada and First Choice operating in Eastern Canada
April 10, 1989
CRTC public notice 1989-29 published a revised list of elgible services. This list removed all of the alpha numeric services as these no longer required authorization due to secion 3 of the cable television regulations. This included the following channels
- Biznet
- AP Newscable
- Dow Jones Cable News
- Reuters News View
- UPI Custom Cable
- Genesis Storytime
Tempo Television was also removed as it ceased operations on February 17, 1989
July 31, 1989
CBC Newsworld signs-on for the first time.
September 1, 1989
RDS (Réseau des sports) signs-on for the first time, replacing TVSQ.
January 31, 1990
CRTC public notice 1990-10 created a new framework for Pay-TV services in Canada. This laid the foundation for Pay-TV services to operate multiplex/multi-channel services.
February 5, 1990
CRTC decision 90-78 approved an application by Allarcom Pay Television Limited for an experimental Pay-Per-View license tied to Superchannel. This service was restriced to three Saskatchewan locations; Regina, Saskatoon and Yorkton. The service would later sign-on as Home Theatre Pay-Per-View.
September 1990
Super Écran begins operating a second part-time evening only feed sharing space with Le Canal Famille
Home Theatre Pay-Per-View launches as an experimental Pay-Per-View service in Regina, Saskatoon and Yorkton.
December 28, 1990
CRTC public notice 1990-115 removed USA Network from list of eligible services. Lifetime was added to the list of eligible services. A note relating to carriage of Financial News Network relects the name change of SCORE to FNN Sports. FNN Sports continued to not be authorized for distribution in Canada.
February 14, 1991
CRTC decision 91-98 approved an application by Saskatchewan Communications Network Corporation to operate an English language educational service in Saskatchewan.
March 26, 1991
CRTC decision 91-160 approved an application by Viewer's Choice Canada to operate an English language Pay-Per-View service in Ontario, Quebec, Maritime Provinces and Newfoundland.
April 29, 1991
CRTC public notice 1991-46 added WSBK Boston to the list of eligible services.
May 6, 1991
SCN Saskatchewan Communication Network signed-on for the first time.
May 21, 1991
Financial News Network and CNBC merged into a single channel; CNBC-FNN. CNBC was not previously on the list of eligible services but the merged CNBC-FNN continued to be available. The CRTC would later update their list of eligible services to reflect the merger.
June 1991
US Superstations start getting wide spread carriage on cable systems in Canada. Initial roll outs started in the summer of 1991 with most cable systems offering US superstations by the fall of 1991. For TBS, WGN and WWOR, the superstation feed was carried in place of the local market feed.
July 17, 1991
CRTC Public Notice 1991-72 updated the list of eligible services to reflect the merger of CNBC and Financial News Network. The service was still restricted to just the 6:00am-7:00pm portion of the schedule. This notice also added the following channels
- KTLA Los Angeles
- Comedy Central
September 1991
Viewer's Choice Pay-Per-View begins operations. The service initially offered up to 4 Pay-Per-View feeds along with a preview channel.
October 28, 1991
CRTC decision 91-826 approved an application by Television Northern Canada Incorporated for a native television network licence to serve northern Canada for the purpose of broadcasting cultural, social, political and educational programming for the primary benefit of aboriginal people in the North.
January 17, 1992
CRTC public notice 1992-6 set out framework that allowed channels providing coverage of proceedings of the House of Commons or provincial legislatures could operate under exempt status so long as no additional programming or commentary was added.
January 21, 1992
TV Northern Canada signs-on for the first time.
January 31, 1992
CRTC decision 92-28 approved an application by Allarcom Pay Television Limited to operate a general interest Pay-Per-View service for Western Canada (Manitoba and west including the territories). This license replaced a previous temporary license limiting the service to three markets in Saskatchewan.
April 1992
Home Theater Pay-Per-View begins to roll out in additional markets in Western Canada. The service offered up to 5 feeds along with a preview channel.
May 1, 1992
First Choice begins operating multiplex channels in some test markets (Graham Cable York, Maclean-Hunter Etobicoke, Western Co-axxial Hamilton). This test rollout included the existing 24-hour channel and 2 additional channels operating only in the evening.
October 1, 1992
Cable Public Affair Channel and La Chaîne d'affaires publiques par câble replaced the existing feeds provided by CBC Parliamentary Television Network. These channels operated under an exemption order only allowing to provide House of Commons proceedings.
October 6, 1992
First Choice rolls out wide scale distribution of their multiplex service. The service consisted of the existing 24 hour channel along with 3 additional channels operating in evenings only (total 4 channels). The prime-time only channels started their broadcast days at 6:00pm, 7:00pm and 8:00pm respectively.
February 1, 1993
First Choice rebrands as The Movie Network
June 1, 1993
Sportscope launches as an exempt service limiting the nature of service to static images and text.
June 3, 1993
CRTC public notice 1993-74 created a new framework for linkage requirements related to non-Canadian eligible services. The limit of 8 non-Canadian channels was eliminated. The current 2 (American):1 (Canadian) channel ratio would change to 1:1 ratio for discretionary tiers effective January 1, 1995. The 5 (American):1 (Canadian) channel ratio would still apply to Pay-TV services. This change allowed more US Superstations to be carried as well as non-Canadian specialty channels in discretionary tiers.
September 29, 1993
CRTC decision 93-635 approved an application by Cable Parliamentary Channel Inc to operate an English and French language service offering house of commons proceedings and public affairs programming. Shortly after this decision, Cable Public Affair Channel and La Chaîne d'affaires publiques par câble added public affairs programming in addition to House of Commons proceedings.
October 19, 1993
CRTC decision 93-644 approved an application by Fairchild Communication Ltd to acquire the assets of Chinavision.
December 9, 1993
CRTC decision 93-730 approved an application by Fairchild Communication Ltd to acquire the assets of Cathay International Television Inc.
December 23, 1993
Fairchild TV replaced the existing national chinese service; Chinavision
Talentvision replaced the existing regional Cathay International TV in British Columbia
June 6, 1994
CRTC decision 94-278 approved an application by Allarcom Pay Television Limited (Moviemax) and First Choice (The Classic Channel) to operate services consisting of feature films older than 5 years. Allarcom's license would be restricted to Western Canada (Manitoba and west, including the territories) and First Choice's license was restricted to Eastern Canada (Ontario and east). The services would later launch as MovieMax and TMN Moviepix respectively.
CRTC decision 94-279 approved an application by Your Channel Television Inc to operate an English language programming undertaking (YOU: Your Channel). The nature of service was an documentary and information service. The channel would later launch as Life Network
CRTC decision 94-280 approved an application by Phyllis Yaffe (on behalf of a company to be incorporated) to operate an English language programming undertaking (Showcase). The nature of service was an all-fiction service consisting of independent movies, drama, comedy and mini-series from Canada and around the world. The channel would later launch as Showcase
CRTC decision 94-281 approved an application by CHUM Limited to operate an English language programming undertaking (Bravo!). The nature of service was a performance and drama network. The channel would later launch as Bravo!
CRTC decision 94-282 approved an application by Linda Rankin (OBCI) to operate an English language programming undertaking (Lifestyle Television). The nature of service was a general interest channel devoted to women. The channel would later launch as Women's Television Network.
CRTC decision 94-283 approved an application by The Partners of "Adventure Limited" to operate an English language programming undertaking (The Discovery Channel). The channel would later launch as The Discovery Channel.
CRTC decision 94-284 approved an application by The Partners of MH Radio/Rawlco Partnership to operate an English language programming undertaking (The Country Network). The nature of service was a country music video servic. The channel would later launch as New Country Network
CRTC decision 94-285 approved an application by Canadian Broadcast Corporation to operate an French language programming undertaking (Réseau de l'Information). The nature of service was a French language news service. The channel would later launch as Réseau de l'Information (RDI).
CRTC decision 94-286 approved an application by Premier Choix: TVEC Inc. to operate an French language programming undertaking (Arts et Divertissement). The nature of service was a French language service featuring documentaries, feature films, drama series and performing arts. The channel would later launch as Canal D.
CRTC public notice 1994-61 published a revised list of eligible services. In this notice, the CRTC mandated that the American service; Country Music Television cease being available once The Country Network (later New Country Network) launched.
October 1, 1994
TMN Moviepix signs-on for the first time in Eastern Canada
MovieMax signs-on for the first time in Western Canada
December 31, 1994
Discovery Channel signs-on for the first time.
January 1, 1995
Bravo!, Life Network, New Country Network, Showcase and Women's Television Network signs-on for the first time
Canal D and Réseau de l'Information signs-on for the first time.
Country Music Television (US) ceases being available in Canada
December 20, 1995
CRTC decision 95-900 and 95-908 approved an application by Canal Première (a general partnership consisting of Canal Première/Viewer's Choice Canada, Cogeco Radio-Télévision inc., Réseau de télévision Quatre Saisons Inc. and Télé-Métropole inc) to operate an French language general interest and DTH pay-per-view service to be known as Canal Première. The service would later launch as Canal Indigo
August 26, 1996
Canal Indigo pay-per-view service signs-on for the first time.
September 4, 1996
CRTC decision 96-595 approved an application by 3216195 Canada Inc (majority owned by Rogers) to operate an English language pay-per-view service to be known as Sports/Specials Pay-Per-View. The basis of this license allowed Rogers to sell specials, events and out of market sports packages such as NFL Sunday Ticket and NHL Centre Ice.
CRTC decision 96-596 approved an application by 1155636 Ontario Inc to operate an English language service to be known as The Comedy Network. The nature of service was a channel devoted to comedy. The channel would later launch as Comedy Network
CRTC decision 96-597 approved an application by CTV Television Network Ltd to operate an English language service to be known as CTV N1. The nature of service was a channel operating in a headline news format, updating every 15 minutes. The channel would later launch as CTV News 1
CRTC decision 96-598 approved an application by 3210073 Canada Inc. to operate an English and French language service to be known as Teletoon. The nature of service was a channel devoted to animated programming. The English launguage feed would launch asTeletoon while the French language feed would launch as Télétoon
CRTC decision 96-599 approved an application by History Television Inc to operate an English language service to be known as History and Entertainment Network. The nature of service was a channel devoted to historical documentaries and drama services. The channel would later launch as History Television
CRTC decision 96-600 approved an application by Canadian Learning Television Ltd to operate an English language service to be known as Canadian Learning Television. The nature of service was a channel devoted to formal and informal educatonal programming. The channel would later launch as Canadian Learning Television
CRTC decision 96-601 approved an application by 2952939 Canada Inc (a consortium with CTV as a 40% shareholder, plus Molson, Rogers and LMC International) to operate an English language service to be known as S3. The nature of service was a regional sports channel operating four feeds (East, Central, West and Pacific). The channel would later launch as CTV Sportsnet
CRTC decision 96-602 approved an application by The Partners of the "Report on Business Television" to operate an English language service to be known as Report on Business Television. The nature of service was a channel devoted to business news. The channel would later launch as Report on Business Television
CRTC decision 96-603 approved an application by YTV Inc to operate an English language service to be known as TreeHouse TV. The nature of service was a channel devoted to preschol programming for children up to age six. The channel would later launch as Treehouse TV
CRTC decision 96-604 approved an application by Partners of Prime TV to operate an English language service to be known as Prime TV. The nature of service was a lifestyle and entertainment channel for men and women over age 50. The channel would later launch as Prime
CRTC decision 96-605 approved an application by CHUM Limited to operate an English language service to be known as Space. The nature of service was a channel devoted to Science-Fiction programming. The channel would later launch as Space
CRTC decision 96-606 approved an application by 1163031 Ontario Inc to operate an English language service to be known as Outdoor Life Network. The nature of service was a channel devoted to outdoor recreation, conservation, wilderness and adventure activities. The channel would later launch as Outdoor Life Network
CRTC decision 96-607 approved an application by HGTV‑TV Canada to operate an English language service to be known as HGTV Canada. The nature of service was a channel devoted to building and remodelling, decorating and interior design, gardening and landscaping, crafts and hobbies and special interests. The channel would later launch as Home & Garden Television Canada
CRTC decision 96-608 approved an application by CITY-TV, a division of CHUM Limited - on behalf of a company to be incorporated and known as Star Entertainment Inc to operate an English language service to be known as Star TV. The nature of service was delivering information, lifestyle and human interest programming related to the world of entertainment. The channel would later launch as Star TV
CRTC decision 96-609 approved an application by Pulse 24 Inc (controlled by CHUM Limited) to operate an English language service to be known as Pulse 24. The nature of service was a regional news channel for Southern Ontario (Greater Toronto and Area). The channel would later launch as CablePulse 24
CRTC decision 96-610 approved an application by Sportscope Television Network Ltd. to operate an English language service to be known as Sportscope Plus. The nature of service was a channel devoted to sports news, scores and highlights. The channel would later launch as Headline Sports
CRTC decision 96-611 approved an application by CHUM Limited to operate an English language service to be known as MuchMoreMusic. The nature of service was a channel devoted to contemporary music esigned for an adult audience, consisting primarily of video clips featuring adult contemporary, light rock, classic hits and some soul, jazz, rhythm and blues, reggae and new age music. The channel would later launch as MuchMoreMusic
CRTC decision 96-612 approved an application by 1155637 Ontario Inc. to operate an English language service to be known as Talk TV. The nature of service was a channel devoted to 24 hour talk programming. The channel would later launch as Talk TV
CRTC decision 96-613 approved an application by Radiomutuel inc. to operate an French language service to be known as Le Canal Vie. The nature of service was a channel devoted to information and entertainment programs which focus on three very specific subjects: lifestyle (human relations, social and interpersonal), physical and mental health and outdoor activities for families or individuals The channel would later launch as Le Canal Vie
CRTC decision 96-614 approved an application by MusiquePlus Inc to operate an French language service to be known as Musimax. The nature of service was a channel devoted to music related programs, videos and genres designed for an adult audience. The channel would later launch as Musimax
CRTC decision 96-615 approved an application by Télé-Métropole inc to operate an French language service to be known as Le Canal Nouvelles. The nature of service was a news channel operating in a headline format, updating every 15 minutes. The channel would later launch as Le Canal Nouvelles
CRTC decision 96-616 approved an application by Peter Maniatakos, on behalf of a company to be incorporated Ontario - 199600891 to operate an Greek language service to be known as Odyssey. The nature of service was a general interest Greek language channel operating only in Ontario. The channel would later launch as Odyssey Television Network
CRTC decision 96-617 approved an application by South Asian Television Canada Limited to operate an Ethnic service to be known as SATV. The nature of service was a multi-language service broadcasting in 15 South Asian languages. The channel was originally authorized for Ontario only. The channel would later launch as Asian Television Network
September 14, 1996
New Country Network rebrands as Country Music Television
May 1, 1997
Headline Sports signs on for the first time replacing their unlicensed service Sportscope. Carriage was limited at launch. The service would get wider distribution later in the fall of 1997.