Continuing the momentum of expanding its footprint in key Canadian markets, Citytv announced today an affiliate agreement with the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group that will deliver Citytv programming to new audiences on a long-term basis on all three of Pattison’s television stations in Western Canada.
This deal follows Rogers Media’s intended acquisition of Métro14 Montréal from Channel Zero, which was announced earlier today, and the acquisition of SCN in Saskatchewan announced in January, both of which are pending regulatory approval.
Beginning September 1, the Pattison stations will air 90% of Citytv programming throughout prime time and the majority of the morning and daytime hours, and will follow the Citytv Vancouver programming grid, including the airing of the popular morning show Breakfast Television. Pattison will continue to produce and broadcast its award-winning local newscasts (at 12 noon and the dinner hour), which dominate market share in each of their communities.
The affiliate agreement is with all three of Pattison’s television stations: CFJC TV7 (Kamloops, BC), CKPG TV (Prince George, BC), and CHAT TV (Medicine Hat, AB).
With today’s announcements, Citytv is now available in 9 million Canadian households.
“The affiliate agreement with Pattison allows us to extend the popular Citytv brand and deliver our world-class programming and premium content to new audiences on a long-term basis. This is a pivotal step en route to achieving our goal of Citytv becoming a national network,” said Scott Moore, President of Broadcast, Rogers Media. “The deal, which offers stability of Citytv programming in these markets for a consistent and reliable viewing experience, also offers national advertisers better value and a more robust reach.”
This affiliate agreement is the natural evolution of a successful partnership with Pattison for Citytv prime time and select daytime programming. The previous programming deal was to expire in August 2012 and has been replaced with this new long-term arrangement that marries Pattison’s local news strengths with Citytv’s premium content and provides viewers with long-term stability and best-in-class programming.
“This new long-term agreement solidifies our valued partnership with Rogers Media and Citytv, working together to bring to our viewers and the advertising community the best in television programming from a national and international perspective, as well as our stations’ award-winning local news and information lineup”, said Rick Arnish, President, Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.
The three Pattison stations will continue to operate in their respective markets with the current management team and employees.
