Bell Media Brings Powerhouse Brands USA Network and Oxygen True Crime to Canada

– Bell Media confirms that Discovery is set to rebrand as USA Network, and Investigation Discovery rebrands as Oxygen True Crime, on January 1, 2025 –

– Three additional channels rebrand on January 1, when Bell Media flips the switch for CTV Wild, CTV Nature, and CTV Speed –

TORONTO, Oct. 17, 2024 /CNW/ - Bell Media announced today it has secured a major content and licensing agreement with NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution that brings powerhouse cable channel USA Network, and fan-favourite network Oxygen True Crime, to Canada for the first time ever, beginning January 1, 2025. A selection of popular shows from USA Network, such as SUITS, and Oxygen True Crime, along with all new series from both channels, will also be available for streaming on Crave.

Also on January 1, existing specialty channels Animal Planet, Discovery Science, and Discovery Velocity, rebrand to CTV Wild, CTV Nature, and CTV Speed, respectively, completing the revitalization of Bell Media's suite of Discovery channels.  

"Our newly rebranded suite of specialty channels is bolder, bigger, and better than ever, offering a compelling mix of popular cable hits and fan-favourite Canadian originals," said Stewart Johnston, SVP Content and Sales, Bell Media. "Anchored by the introduction of two top-tier entertainment brands, USA Network and Oxygen True Crime, Bell Media continues to deliver the sought-after content Canadians are looking for."

USA Network, Oxygen True Crime, CTV Wild, CTV Nature, and CTV Speed become an integral part of Bell Media's impressive lineup of English-language specialty channels (CTV Sci-Fi, CTV Drama Channel, CTV Comedy Channel, CTV Life Channel, E!, CTV News Channel, CP24, BNN Bloomberg, and Much). Programming from all five rebranded specialty channels is set to be available on linear television, on demand on CTV.ca and the CTV app, and on Crave.

Details on the rebranded channels are below, with additional programming information to be confirmed at a later date:

• USA Network (formerly Discovery), one of the Top 3 cable channels in the U.S., will be home to previous Discovery audience favourites such as HIGHWAY THRU HELL, EAST HARBOUR HEROES, and THE MIGHTY franchise. In addition, USA Network will feature buzzy scripted and unscripted series such as SUITS, THE TRAITORS franchise, and the upcoming CIA miniseries DEBRIEFING THE PRESIDENT, and blockbuster movies.
• Oxygen True Crime (formerly Investigation ID) is one of the fastest-growing cable entertainment networks in the U.S. A haven for true crime fans, the channel will feature previous Investigation ID Canadian original hits such as FORENSIC FACTOR and FEAR THY NEIGHBOUR, along with high-quality unscripted franchises such as SNAPPED, DATELINE: SECRETS UNCOVERED, and REAL MURDERS.
• CTV Nature (formerly Discovery Science) unveils the captivating mysteries of science, nature, and history. From Canadian originals like DISASTERS AT SEA and THE DEATH COAST, to I SURVIVED BEAR GRYLLS and BATTLEBOTS, CTV Nature celebrates the hidden beauty and awe-inspiring power of our planet.
• CTV Wild (formerly Animal Planet) will continue to transport viewers deep into the animal kingdom, offering breathtaking encounters with Earth's most captivating creatures and wonder of the natural world. Key titles include previous Animal Planet Canadian originals, PETS & PICKERS and MY PET ATE WHAT?!, plus series like YELLOWSTONE WARDENS and LAST OF THE GIANTS.
• CTV Speed (formerly Discovery Velocity) is still the ultimate pit stop for automotive and thrill-seeking enthusiasts, featuring previous Velocity and Discovery Canada originals BUSH WRECK RESCUE and HEAVY RESCUE 401.

About Bell Media

Bell Media is Canada's leading media and entertainment company with a portfolio of assets in premium video, audio, out-of-home advertising, and digital media. This includes Canada's most-watched television network, CTV; the largest Canadian-owned video streamer, Crave, with a premium add-on to include STARZ; a powerful suite of specialty channels; the most-trusted news brand, CTV News; Canada's cross-platform sports leaders, TSN and RDS; leading out-of-home advertising network, Astral; Québec's fast-growing conventional French-language network, Noovo; the country's leading radio and podcast app, iHeartRadio Canada; and a range of award-winning original productions, brands, and services. As a content leader and partner in Sphere Media, Montréal's Grande Studios, and Dome Productions, one of North America's leading production facilities providers, Bell Media is committed to keeping Canadians entertained and informed.

Bell Media also offers best-in-class technology, marketing, and analytics support through Bell Marketing Platform, an omnichannel self-serve platform which includes Bell Analytics, Strategic Audience Management (SAM), and Bell DSP, in addition to advanced advertising solutions, including Linear Addressable TV, Addressable Audio, and ads on Crave. Bell Media is part of BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada's largest communications company. ¹ Learn more at BellMedia.ca.

¹ Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections.

About NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution

NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution is responsible for the licensing and distribution of NBCUniversal product to all forms of television and new media platforms in the U.S., Canada and in over 200 territories internationally. NBCUniversal's content portfolio includes a vast and diverse library of more than 6,500 feature films and 170,000 television episodes, including current and classic titles, non-scripted programming, kids, sports, news, long-form and short-form programming from Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Universal Television, UCP, Universal International Studios, Sky Studios, Universal Television Alternative Studio, NBC Late Night properties, DreamWorks Animation, Telemundo, and more, as well as locally produced content from around the world. Global TV Distribution is a division of Comcast NBCUniversal.

SOURCE Bell Media

For more information, please contact: Mary Costa, Bell Media, [email protected]; Nicolle Stranges, Bell Media, [email protected]; Jennifer Hahn, NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution, [email protected]