Z (TV channel)
Z is a Canadian French language specialty channel owned by Bell Media. Z focuses on programming primarily from the science fiction, fantasy, and technology genres consisting of dramas, films, and documentaries.
![]() Z logo  | |
| Country | Canada | 
|---|---|
| Broadcast area | National | 
| Headquarters | Montreal, Quebec | 
| Programming | |
| Language(s) | French | 
| Picture format | 1080i (HDTV)  480i (SDTV)  | 
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Bell Media | 
| Sister channels | Noovo CTV Sci-Fi Channel Canal D Canal Vie Vrak  | 
| History | |
| Launched | January 31, 2000 | 
| Former names | Canal Z (2000–2005) Ztélé (2005–2014)  | 
| Links | |
| Website | Z (in French) | 
History
    
In May 1999, Radiomutuel Inc. was granted approval by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) for a television broadcasting licence for a channel called Canal Z, aux limites du savoir, described as "a national French-language television specialty service that is dedicated entirely to science and technology, the earth and its secrets, space exploration, the paranormal and science fiction, lifestyles and computer science."[1]
Before the channel was launched, in June 1999, Astral Media announced its intention to purchase Radiomutuel,[2] which was approved by the CRTC on January 12, 2000[3] and closed shortly thereafter.
The channel launched on January 31, 2000[4] as Canal Z (often referred to as simply Z). The channel was renamed Ztélé in 2005 and a new logo was introduced. In 2006, an HD feed debuted.
Astral Media was acquired by Bell Media on July 5, 2013, making Ztélé a sister channel to the English-language science-fiction channel Space, while retaining its other sister stations. Disney Junior was sold to DHX Media, and MusiMax and MusiquePlus were sold to V Media Group, both deals occurring the next year.
As of August 25, 2014, the channel has been renamed Z.[5]
Canal Z logo (2000–2005)
Ztélé logo (2005–2014)
Z HD
    
On October 30, 2006, Astral Media launched "Z HD" (then-known as "Ztélé HD"), a HD simulcast of Z's standard definition feed.[6]
References
    
- (CRTC), Government of Canada, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (21 May 1999). "ARCHIVED - Decision CRTC 99-110, Summary". www.crtc.gc.ca.
 - "Astral bids on Radiomutuel". playbackonline.ca.
 - (CRTC), Government of Canada, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission. "ARCHIVED - Summary - Transfer of effective control from Radiomutuel inc. to Astral Communications inc". www.crtc.gc.ca.
 - "Astral integrates Radiomutuel TV". playbackonline.ca.
 - "Bell Media - Details". bellmediapr.ca.
 - "La haute définition en français". Infopresse. 30 October 2006.
 
External links
    
- Official website (in French)
 
