Canwest is expanding its industry-leading Specialty television portfolio with the launch of an all-new channel: Global Reality Channel, Canada’s first and only destination for hit reality programming 24/7. All reality, all the time, Global Reality Channel offers viewers a one-stop destination for the most popular reality shows and franchises from around the world – from past to present – including Survivor, Big Brother and The Apprentice UK. Global Reality Channel launches on Thursday, July 1, 2010.
“The launch of Global Reality Channel emphasizes Canwest’s commitment to delivering top channels that Canadian viewers love, and further strengthens Canwest as a leader in Specialty television,” said Peter Viner, President, Canwest Broadcasting. “We’re thrilled to be launching this exciting new Specialty channel.”
As the second most popular television genre (after dramatic programming) and with 20 million viewers tuning in last fall*, reality programming has evident mass appeal among Canadian audiences. “Reality viewers have a voracious appetite for this type of programming and we are pleased to give them a place to discover new shows, relive their favourite moments, or enjoy earlier seasons of hit shows for the first time,” said Barbara Williams, Executive Vice President of Content, Canwest Broadcasting. “Global Reality Channel will offer viewers the best and biggest reality franchises.”
Hit-reality series confirmed for launch include new seasons of Big Brother and Apprentice UK, as well as viewer-favourite series Survivor, The Apprentice, Project Runway Canada, X-Weighted, Fear Factor, Extreme Makeover Home Edition and Deal Or No Deal Canada. Global Reality Channel will give viewers the exclusive opportunity to catch the most popular reality franchises right from the very beginning.
“The first Global-branded Specialty channel, Global Reality Channel is a natural extension of the Global brand,” said Walter Levitt, Chief Marketing Officer, Canwest Broadcasting. “Global brings instant credibility and increased appeal for this new channel which, according to a study from Solutions Research Group, will instantly become a top 5 favourite for reality TV fans**. We are thrilled that Rogers has recognized the potential of the channel and joined us for this launch.”
Global Reality Channel will be available as part of the Rogers VIP package, Canada’s most popular digital programming package with over one million subscribers. Canwest is currently in discussions with other television providers and further distribution announcements will be made in the coming weeks. Global Reality Channel joins the industry leading stable of Canwest digital Specialty channels including top ranking Action, National Geographic, Showcase Diva and the recently launched DIY Network Canada. Canwest will also launch a Global Reality Channel website to coincide with the channel’s on-air launch.
*SOURCE:
* BBM Canada PPM, Sep14-Dec13/09, English Canada, A18+
** Canwest SRG reality quantitative study – October 2008
