T E is a Canadian English language cable television specialty channel owned by Blue Ant Media. The channel primarily broadcasts entertainment programming, including docu-series and dramas related to the supernatural and paranormal.
 | |
| Country | Canada |
|---|---|
| Broadcast area | Canada |
| Headquarters | Toronto, Ontario |
| Programming | |
| Picture format | 1080i HDTV (downscaled to letterboxed 480i for the SDTV feed) |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Blue Ant Media |
| Sister channels | BBC Earth BBC First Cottage Life Love Nature Makeful Smithsonian Channel |
| History | |
| Launched | September 7, 2001 |
| Former names | CTV Travel (2001–2006) Travel Escape (2006–2018) |
| Links | |
| Website | T E |
| Availability | |
| Streaming media | |
| RiverTV | Over-the-top TV |
This channel was originally established in 2001 as CTV Travel by its original owner Bell Globemedia as an offshoot of CTV Television Network with its programming devoted to travel and adventure. After a number of numerous ownership changes throughout the years, the channel was renamed to its current name in 2018 and adopted its current format.
History
editUnder CTV (2000–2010)
editOn November 24, 2000, a general partnership consisting of BCE Media Inc./Groupe TVA Inc. (owning 51%) and CTV Television Inc. (owning 49%) were granted approval by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to launch Travel TV, described as a "national English-language Category 1 specialty television service... consisting exclusively of travel or travel-related programming. The service will explore the world within and beyond Canada’s borders. Programs will address various segments of the population and all types of travel, including those focusing on adventure, outdoor, sporting, cultural and historical interests."[1]
The channel was launched on September 7, 2001, as CTV Travel[2] under the sole ownership of CTV Television Inc [3] (now a wholly-owned division of what is now Bell Media). Programming on the channel consisted of docu-series devoted to travel such as Jet Set, Exotic Islands, Places of Mystery, and Full Circle with Michael Palin.[4]
On October 30, 2006, CTV Travel was renamed Travel Escape (stylized as travel escape until October 5, 2011) to give the channel, described by its owner, a new "edgier" look and feel to fit its new shift in programming the channel had already been making towards more character-driven and experienced-based travel series rather than the typical travelogue programs.[5] New programs introduced to the channel included such series as Dead Famous, The Pleasure Zone, Hunt for Supertwister, The Amazing Race, and Mayhem at the Manor.
On June 8, 2010, it was announced the channel would be sold to Glassbox Television.[6] The sale was approved by the CRTC on October 26 and closed shortly thereafter.[7]
Under Blue Ant Media (2011–present)
editOn April 11, 2011, it was announced that Blue Ant Media would acquire a controlling interest in Glassbox Television. Blue Ant Media initially acquired a 29.9% stake in the company, with the option to expand their stake up to 75% which would give the company controlling interest.[8][9]
On October 5, 2011, Glassbox Television announced that Travel Escape would undergo a major overhaul on November 1, 2011. The overhaul included a new logo, on-air presentation, and a slate of new programming.[10] On December 15, 2011, Travel Escape launched a high definition feed.[citation needed]
In the Summer of 2012, Glassbox Television would be fully acquired by Blue Ant Media.[11] Under their ownership, the channel would further shift its focus away from travel-based series to general-interest adventure and exploration based programming.[citation needed],
In March 2018, Travel Escape was renamed T E, as part of a full shift to supernatural and paranormal programming.[12]
Logos
edit
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| 2001–2006 | 2006–2011 | 2011–2019 |
References
edit- ^ Decision CRTC 2000-458, CRTC, 2000-11-24
- ^ CTV Inc. launching seven digital channels for fall 2001 BCE press release 08 21 01
- ^ Decision CRTC 2001-495 CRTC 08-14-01
- ^ CTV Travel website archive retrieved 03-12-17
- ^ CTV Travel re-branding pushes ‘escapist entertainment’ MediaInCanada.com 2006-10-27
- ^ GlassBOX to Acquire Specialty Channel travel escape from CTV, June 8, 2010
- ^ Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2010-792
- ^ CTV.ca
- ^ "Broadcast veteran MacMillan buys GlassBox Television stake".
- ^ GlassBOX re-launches Travel Escape channel with New Look, New Website and over 300 hours of Fresh Programming Archived 2011-10-15 at the Wayback Machine Glassbox Television press release 2011-10-05
- ^ Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2012-419 CRTC 2012-08-01
- ^ Eight-week national free preview will bring T E’s jam-packed line-up of new supernatural programming and classic series to nine million Canadians, Blue Ant Media press release, 03-12-18