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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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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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Legendary creator Chuck Lorre to deliver keynote at 2025 Banff World Media Festival

From a media release:

The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) is thrilled to announce that award-winning creator, executive producer, and writer Chuck Lorre will be a keynote speaker for its 2025 BANFF Summit Series. The 46th annual event will take place June 8–11, 2025, at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alberta, Canada.

The BANFF Summit Series, launched in 2019, has become the festival’s flagship program, spotlighting transformative thinkers and leaders shaping the future of media and entertainment.

“Chuck Lorre is a prolific creator who is behind some of the most memorable series and characters in modern history,” said Sean Cohan, Chair of the Board of Directors, BANFF, and President of Bell Media. “His groundbreaking work has shaped generations of storytelling, and we are excited for him to share his unique insights and experiences with the global media community at BANFF.”

Lorre is the creative force behind some of the most successful and beloved series in television history. Based at Warner Bros. Television for the last 25 years, the prolific Lorre’s series for the Studio include the long-running global blockbuster hit comedy The Big Bang Theory, its highly acclaimed spinoff Young Sheldon, and the third show in the Big Bang universe, Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, which is network TV’s #1 comedy of the 2024–25 season. His slate also features the highly anticipated upcoming comedy Leanne, starring Leanne Morgan, for Netflix. Additional Lorre series from WBTV include Bookie, Bob♥Abishola, The Kominsky Method, Mom, Mike & Molly, and Two and a Half Men, among others. Prior to his association with WBTV, Lorre created hits such as Cybill, Dharma & Greg, and Grace Under Fire, and he also served as co-executive producer on Roseanne. His contributions to television have earned him widespread recognition, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame.

As previously announced, this year’s Summit Series speakers include Anjali Sud, CEO of Tubi and Keith Le Goy, Chairman of Sony Pictures Television. Previous Summit Series speakers have included industry luminaries such as Rob Wade, Channing Dungey, Bela Bajaria, George Cheeks, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Paula Kerger, Pearlena Igbokwe, Ted Sarandos and Maverick Carter.

For the first time, the prestigious Banff Gala Awards and the Rockie Awards International Program Competition will unite in a single, must-attend event. This milestone celebration will honour both the entertainment industry’s most influential talent and business leaders, as well as the most exceptional content from around the world. Korea has been named the inaugural Country of Honour and will receive a special tribute at the Rockie Awards, further highlighting the nation’s growing global influence in entertainment. Additionally, multiple Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer will be presented with the prestigious Career Achievement Award at the Rockie Awards and will participate in an exclusive “In Conversation” panel session alongside notable composers from Bleeding Fingers Music, the multiple Emmy Award-winning and BAFTA-nominated composer collective he co-founded in 2013.

BANFF is renowned for its vibrant mix of thought leadership, networking, and deal-making opportunities that take attendees behind the scenes of the industry’s most talked-about appointments, projects, and pivots, as well as over 1,200 networking sessions and 25,000+ meetings, connecting global media professionals to foster partnerships and spark new collaborations.

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Korea named inaugural country of honour at the 2025 Banff World Media Festival

From a media release:

The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) proudly announces Korea as the first-ever Country of Honour at the 2025 festival, marking a historic milestone in the event’s esteemed history. This distinguished recognition highlights Korea’s global influence on the entertainment industry and its trailblazing producers, media companies, and content creators. The 46th annual event will take place June 8–11, 2025, at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alberta, Canada.

In partnership with the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), a distinguished delegation of Korea’s top producers, industry leaders, and acclaimed talent will attend the festival to forge international partnerships and strengthen global collaboration. The festival will feature exclusive showcases, networking opportunities, and special programming spotlighting Korea’s excellence in storytelling and content production across television, digital media, and more.

As part of the celebration, K-Content will be a focal point throughout the festival, culminating in a grand tribute at the Rockie Awards on Monday, June 9. This celebration will honor Korea’s groundbreaking creativity and cultural impact on the global media landscape.

“We are thrilled to recognize Korea as our inaugural Country of Honour,” said Jenn Kuzmyk, Executive Director, BANFF. “Korea has emerged as a powerhouse in global entertainment, captivating audiences worldwide with its innovative storytelling and world-class productions. We look forward to welcoming Korean creators to BANFF and fostering new opportunities for international collaboration.”

“Korea’s presence at BANFF underscores the strength and appeal of K-Content on a global scale,” said Yoo-Hyun-seok, Acting President of KOCCA. “We are excited to showcase the depth and diversity of our creative industry while building meaningful partnerships that will shape the future of entertainment.”

BANFF extends its gratitude to Esther Song of Song Group and Banff Television Festival Foundation Board member Jeniffer Kim for their pivotal role in making this initiative a reality.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, the Banff World Media Festival is a premier destination for media industry professionals, offering over 1,200 networking sessions, unparalleled access to deal-making, and industry insights as well as 25,000+ meetings, connecting global media professionals to foster partnerships and spark new collaborations. This year’s festival promises to be a landmark gathering, featuring forward-thinking panels and high-profile keynotes with Tubi’s CEO Anjali Sud and Sony Pictures Television Chairman Keith Le Goy.

Image courtesy of Fairmont-Banff-Springs.

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Angela Jennings and Travis Farncombe launch new production company, Skywild Pictures

From a media release:

Veteran television executive and producer Angela Jennings (MasterChef Canada, Canada’s Got Talent, Luxe Listings Toronto) joins writer and executive producer Travis Farncombe (A Translator, 13 Minutes) to announce the launch of their new production company, Skywild Pictures. Rounding out the senior leadership team is seasoned broadcast executive Tom Hastings (Cardinal, Transplant) in the role of Vice-President, Development. Based in Toronto, Skywild Pictures focuses on premium, scripted television and film that delivers captivating narratives to audiences worldwide.

“Skywild Pictures is collaborating with the top writers and creators in the industry on a slate of bold, original content,” said Angela Jennings, President and Founding Partner, Skywild Pictures. “Strategic and innovative partnerships – with both the creative community and commissioners – is the foundation of our company. With decades of experience, our team has an ambitious mandate to deliver undeniable stories and premium productions.”

As President and Founding Partner, Jennings oversees the company’s stakeholder relations and corporate development, in addition to managing creative, financial and legal strategies, and daily operations. She brings more than 25 years’ experience to her role at Skywild Pictures, having built two thriving independent production companies from the ground up and producing best-in-class hit shows for audiences worldwide. Working in both Canada and the US, Jennings has held positions as corporate president, executive producer and showrunner, producing more than 700 hours of blockbuster content created for commissioners across North America and distributed in more than 100 countries globally. She has successfully negotiated long-running partnerships with Amazon Studios and Prime Video, Bell Media, Fremantle, Banijay, Warner Bros Discovery, Corus Entertainment, Rogers Sports and Media and more.

Award-winning and well-respected creative executive, Hastings joins Skywild Pictures as Vice-President, Development, where his focus is the development and production of all original scripted series and features. Hastings brings unparalleled experience creating highly acclaimed, scripted content, including in his prior roles as Head of Original Programming at Paramount+ Canada, Director of Drama at Bell Media, and Creative Head of Drama CBC. Successes under his tenure include international Emmy award nominated series Cardinal (CTV), acclaimed medical procedural Transplant (NBC, Bell Media), as well as Wynonna Earp (Syfy, Space), 19-2 (Bravo, CTV), Being Erica (CBC), and Arctic Air (CBC). With extensive and long-standing relationships in the independent production and literary communities, Hastings is well-known and respected amongst top writers, producers, showrunners and agents.

About Skywild Pictures
Creative excellence and innovative strategy are the pillars of Skywild Pictures. We produce premium, scripted television and film, delivering captivating narratives to audiences worldwide. Based in Toronto, Skywild Pictures was founded by Travis Farncombe, CEO, and Angela Jennings, President. Tom Hastings is Vice-President, Development. This leadership team brings decades of experience in entertainment, and a distinctly innovative business and creative strategy. Skywild Pictures is uniquely positioned to compete in the rapidly changing content industry, with our exceptional corporate stability and entrepreneurial flexibility setting us apart. Collaboration and innovation are at the heart of what we do, and are reflected in our slate of bold, original projects developed with the industry’s top creative talent. skywildpictures.com

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