MONTRÉAL, Sept. 16, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, MAtv Montréal unveiled details of its programming for the 2015-2016 season, starting September 21. Of significance amidst the fresh new line-up of shows about public affairs, local culture, Montréal's diversity and civic life is the fact that 20% of MAtv's programming content will be in English. In all, 13 new shows will air this year, including 10 culled from the 210 proposals submitted by members of the public.
Videotron has been solidly anchored in the community and in the homes of Quebecers for over 40 years. With this additional programming, MAtv is aligning itself more deeply with its mission: to reflect Montréal's diversity. As a channel that gives voice to all Montrealers, MAtv will now have five new English-language shows and more programming that addresses different communities of interest, such as shows on Montréal's diversity, citizens' rights, activities of community organizations in the boroughs, and prospects for young people. For the first time, the first episode of each show will be available uncut on matv.ca.
"By devoting 20% of its program offering to English-language content, MAtv is acknowledging the 17% of Greater Montréal-area residents who speak only English at home," said Myrianne Collin, Videotron's Senior Vice-President of Strategy and Marketing. "In all, 1.3 million Anglophones and Allophones live in the Montréal area. In mirroring our bilingual reality on MAtv, Videotron is creating a space in which Montréal's rich and diverse fabric is represented in its entirety. This announcement is a testimony to our commitment to fully reflect the rich diversity that is Montréal."
The new English-language line-up for the Fall includes CityLife, a weekly magazine on local issues of importance (governance, environment, public services, the economy, immigration, culture), Living 2 Gether, a look at what brings Montrealers together and what sets them apart through the eyes of nine young amateur filmmakers, Montreal Billboard, a talk show that spotlights people who are inspirational, positive, and active in the community, StartLine, a multigenerational and multiethnic exploration of business and work life, and The Street Speaks, a soapbox for Montrealers who want to speak out on issues ranging from immigration, sex and technology to death, art and multiculturalism.
"Our challenge at MAtv is to constantly refresh programming and think out of the box by offering new formats and themes that resonate with Montréal's diverse communities. And, as the public's needs evolve, we bring on new shows that reflect the changing appetites for community TV," said Steve Desgagné, Senior Director, MAtv. "We are able to meet this challenge by incorporating program ideas that come to us from the community and by engaging local participants, such as the members of our Advisory Committee, in our programming decisions. The new English-language additions to our schedule are just another example of our commitment to ensure that MAtv's programming is of interest to and representative of the community it serves.
Citizen Advisory Committee
The Citizen Advisory Committee plays a critical role in ensuring that MAtv's programming is of interest to and representative of all segments of Montréal society. It comprises nine citizens engaged in the community, from fields such as arts and culture, social economy, business, the volunteer sector and student life. They are committed to addressing gender equality, the status of women, Aboriginal quality of life, diversity and the fate of future generations.
"MAtv is local television that includes all Montrealers," said Isabelle Larin, Director of Programming, MAtv. "What motivates us, day in and day out, is making MAtv accessible to citizens. They can contribute by submitting ideas for programs through matv.ca, volunteering with us or simply enjoying our programs."
New English-language shows coming September 21
Living 2 Gether (Thursday at 9:30 pm)
The brainchild of Vahid Vidah and Gregory Fortin-Vidah, this reality-TV experience will look at what brings Montrealers together and what sets them apart through the eyes of nine young amateur filmmakers. A novel and fresh look at the social fabric of our fair city and its diverse communities.
Montreal Billboard (Monday and Tuesday at 7 pm)
Richard Dagenais hosts this talk show that spotlights people who are inspirational, positive, and active in the community. It is also a platform for the organizations working to serve Montrealers on a daily basis.
StartLine (Sunday at 8 pm)
A multigenerational and multiethnic exploration of business and work life. The format will be short documentaries on businesses that operate in the food sector, the arts, multimedia and entrepreneurship. This program has been described as Montréal's claim to F.A.M.E. (food, arts, multimedia and entrepreneurs).
The Street Speaks (Thursday at 8:30 pm)
Moderated by Paul Shore, this show is designed to give Montrealers a soapbox for speaking out on a range of issues, from immigration, sex and technology to death, art and multiculturalism. At a time when isolation is so prevalent, this program is intended as a vehicle for fostering a sense of community and belonging.
CityLife (Wednesday at 9 pm, starting September 30)
With Tina Tenneriello at the helm, CityLife will focus on local issues of importance (governance, environment, public services, the economy, immigration, culture). The show will also cover a host of current topics that are relevant to Montrealers but overlooked in mainstream media.
New French-language shows
Mosaïque en lumière (Thursday at 8 pm)
This intercultural magazine-type program offers insights on immigration issues. Host Chan Tep introduces us to various ethnic groups in Montréal, but also questions us and engages with these different groups to better understand their realities.
LaFormavie Dynamique and LaFormavie Zen (Monday to Friday at 9 am)
These two complementary shows are the perfect way to discover the benefits of a comprehensive workout and moving meditation. Specialist and citizen-host Jonathan Lavallée has drawn on Pilates, power yoga, Qi Gong and Tai Chi techniques to create his training program. Suitable for both beginner and advanced fitness enthusiasts.
En concert (Friday 9 pm)
Performances by 13 Montréal groups, interspersed with their stories and profiles. A perfect space to enjoy Celtic or Asian music, Afro-Cuban repertoire, Japanese and Congolese tunes, Balkan and Eastern European folk, and much more.
Airing this winter
Cardio55+
Creators Jean Hébert and Gabrielle Chapdelaine offer an exercise program for active seniors as well as lifestyle tips.
Coup d'marteau
Entrepreneur Stéphanie Lévesque travels the area in her truck full of tools, helping Montrealers finish up those nagging little renovation projects.
Les Nouveaux Tremblay
Citizen Isabelle Marjorie Tremblay leads us on a journey of discovery into Montréal's diverse ethnic communities, taking us into their living rooms and into their lives. She begins by spending an evening and full day with an extended family. Isabelle Marjorie pitches in, helping out in the kitchen, learning the finer points of the community's cuisine and discovering their roots.
MAtv
MAtv is your community's voice, powered by Videotron. As a community service, this channel is available exclusively to Videotron customers and mirrors Quebec's diversity, offering access and encouraging participation in broadcasts designed for self-expression. Useful, informative and educational, MAtv features local interests while promoting the emergence of talent. MAtv reflects local realities of concern to the 1.8 million households it serves in the Montréal, Québec City-Lévis, Sherbrooke, Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Sorel-Tracy, Granby, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean and Outaouais areas. MAtv is carried on channel 9 and in HD on channel 609. It is also available on illico TV (channel 900), on the Web (illico.tv), on iPad and Android tablets (through the illico.tv app) and on illico mobile.Follow our MAtv communities on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/matv) and Twitter (https://www.twitter.com/MAtv).
SOURCE MYtv
Information: Isabelle Larin | 514 598-2964 | [email protected]; Media relations: Claire Strunck | 514 632-2472 | [email protected]
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