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Bold breakouts and familiar favourites: This winter on APTN

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From a media release:

This winter, APTN and APTN Languages are delivering a lineup packed with must-watch new shows and returning fan favourites — all showcasing the depth and spirit of Indigenous storytelling. From hilarious small-town antics to emotional searches for missing people, this season of programming captures the full spectrum of human experiences.

FRESH NEW STORIES

Searchers — Documentary Series
Experience real-life search and rescue missions through intimate interviews and cinematic reenactments.
APTN premiere: January 7 (English)

Pitago Stop — Comedy
Step into the chaotic daily lives of employees at a rest stop in a fictional Anishinaabe community.
APTN premiere: January 9 (French)

Hoop Nations — Documentary Series
Follow Indigenous basketball players as they showcase their talents at various tournaments.
APTN premiere: January 6 (English)

BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER

Hockey Night in Canada in Cree and Inuktitut (2025-2026 season) — Sports
The crew is back with six more action-packed NHL games: three in Inuktitut and three in Plains Cree. Stay tuned for the APTN and APTN Languages broadcast schedules!

Acting Good (Season 4) — Comedy
APTN premiere: March 17 (English)

Northwoods Survival (Season 2) — Documentary Series
APTN premiere: January 11 (English)

Taken (Season 5) — Documentary Series
APTN premiere: January 7 (English)
APTN Languages premiere: January 7 (Anishinaabemowin)

Ocean Warriors: Mission Ready (Season 2) — Documentary Series
APTN premiere: January 8 (English)
APTN Languages premiere: January 8 (Nisga’a)

Sur le terrain (Season 3) — Documentary Series
APTN premiere: January 9 (French)
APTN Languages premiere: January 7 (Innu)

Savoirs légendaires (Season 2) — Kids
APTN premiere: January 10 (French)

Stream all the above programs next-day on APTN+ (formerly APTN lumi), with the exception of Hockey Night in Canada in Cree and Inuktitut. Catch these and many more this winter on APTN and APTN Languages! Visit aptntv.ca for full broadcast details.

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Featured, Haven, Industry News, Wild Cards

Blink49 Studios and Piller/Segan ink multi-year joint venture to develop and produce premium content across all genres

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From a media release:

Piller/Segan and Blink49 Studios, have entered into a multi-year joint venture agreement that will see both companies contribute financial and creative resources for the development and production of a slate of premium scripted and unscripted content.

The partnership builds on a long-standing creative relationship between Blink49 Studios CEO John Morayniss and Piller/Segan partners Lloyd Segan and Shawn Piller, who previously collaborated on hit series Private Eyes and fan-favorite Haven during Morayniss’ tenure at eOne. The companies are currently producing Season 3 of Wild Cards (CBC/The CW), which has also been ordered for Season 4.

Designed as a hub for bold new projects, the joint venture will take an open-door approach to building long-term IP and franchises across genres, encouraging crossover opportunities for concepts that can thrive in multiple formats. Building on the strength of its existing creative team, Piller/Segan will expand its development capacity with the addition of a seasoned executive dedicated to sourcing and shepherding projects under the joint venture, working closely with Blink49 Studios leadership.

“This joint venture is a natural evolution of the trust and creative synergy we’ve built over many years,” said Morayniss. “With our combined financial commitment and infrastructure, Blink49 Studios and Piller/Segan are well-positioned to deliver globally resonant storytelling and provide creators with the resources they need to succeed.”

“We’re thrilled to formalize this next chapter with John and the incredible team at Blink49 Studios,” added Segan. “This venture gives us the reach and flexibility to champion a wide range of projects — from supporting established voices to cultivating fresh talent. Together, we’re building a dynamic environment where creators can take risks and bring ambitious ideas to life.”

The venture reflects both companies’ shared mission to empower creators, invest in innovative storytelling, and deliver high-quality programming to a global marketplace.

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Featured, Industry News

APTN expands its presence across digital platforms

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From a media release:

APTN is expanding its reach and offering new ways to connect with Indigenous stories in the digital era, including a free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channel, in-flight entertainment on Air Canada and the transition of the network’s streaming platform from APTN lumi to APTN+.  

APTN Beyond, a paranormal FAST channel now available on The Roku Channel and Pluto TV in Canada, invites viewers into a world of unexplained phenomena, haunting encounters and ancestral spirits. APTN Beyond features APTN’s most gripping supernatural series: The Other Side (10 seasons), Ghost Hunters of the Grand River (4 seasons), Spirit Talker (5 seasons), Indians and Aliens, Lands Enchanted, Red Earth Uncovered, Shadow of the Rougarou and Tales from the Rez. 

Select APTN programs are also now available on Air Canada flights commercial-free, including Indigenous Art Adventures, APTN Investigates and more. This new feature allows passengers to discover and enjoy Indigenous programming throughout their travels.  

This fall, APTN lumi is becoming APTN+, a new name that improves the platform’s visibility and reaffirms APTN’s commitment to making Indigenous stories more accessible. 

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Featured, Industry News

Bell launches HGTV, Food Network and Discovery on Bell TV; signs deal with Rogers for specialty channel distribution across platforms

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From a media release:

Bell and Rogers announced today an agreement to distribute their respective specialty channels on their platforms.

As part of this agreement, Bell Fibe TV and Bell Satellite TV subscribers will now have access to popular Rogers Sports & Media channels HGTV, Food Network, Discovery, Magnolia Network, and Investigation Discovery, while maintaining their access to Bravo. These channels will be unscrambled for free for all customers starting today.

Additionally, Rogers Xfinity customers will continue to have full access to Bell Media’s specialty channel lineup, which includes USA Network, Oxygen True Crime, and CTV specialty channels, including CTV Comedy Channel, CTV Drama Channel, and CTV Sci-Fi Channel. Rogers Xfinity customers will retain access to HGTV, Food Network, Discovery, Magnolia Network, and Investigation Discovery.

Today’s announcement demonstrates a strong commitment to providing Canadian consumers with more value and choice. With a diverse programming offering new titles, international hits, and major Canadian productions, customers will enjoy a rich and varied viewing experience.

“Delivering the most compelling content to Canadians is our priority, and this agreement supports our goal. We’re offering more choice to our customers while ensuring Rogers customers have access to their favorite Bell Media shows, like Highway Thru Hell, Heavy Rescue 401 and Fear Thy Neighbor on our specialty channels. By expanding access to these channels, we’re giving viewers the content they love while strengthening the Canadian broadcast ecosystem.”

  • Kevin Cluett, Senior Vice President, Distribution and Product Platforms, Bell Media

“It’s exciting that more Canadians now have access to North America’s most recognized and beloved specialty television brands, like HGTV, Food Network and Discovery, and can access new titles and recent seasons of the most popular shows from Rogers Sports & Media. The premium content we’ve invested in is unmatched in the country. We’re bringing Canadians the shows they love, including hits like My Lottery Dream Home, Beat Bobby Flay and Expedition Unknown, as well as the new series Chasing the West with Drew and Jonathan Scott.”

  • Hayden Mindell, Senior Vice President, Television, Rogers Sports & Media
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Featured, Industry News

Rogers Xfinity TV now delivers the most content in Canada

From a media release:

Rogers Xfinity TV offers the most content of any television provider in Canada with the addition of more than 150 international channels in over 20 languages. Now Rogers customers can access more than 480 channels and experience more of the world from home, only on Rogers Xfinity TV.  

“We’re proud to bring Canadians the most TV content and best entertainment experience,” said Bret Leech, President, Residential, Rogers. “Our world-class platform seamlessly integrates this TV content, which now includes 150+ channels from around the world, with a growing range of streaming services so customers can easily find the content they’re looking for with our award-winning voice remote.”

According to a recent survey of Canadians who speak multiple languages,in-language content is important to 84% to stay connected to their culture and heritage.¹

Rogers newly expanded international TV channel offering is available with Rogers Xfinity TV packages in Free Preview through June 17 for customers to explore the world from the comfort of their home. When the preview is over, customers can customize their entertainment experience by subscribing to these international TV channels and theme packs.

Rogers Xfinity TV brings the most TV content² – live sports, entertainment and news from Canada and around the world – with on-demand and streaming apps together on one platform to deliver the best entertainment experience.³

To learn more, visit rogers.com/Xfinity.

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