Bell Media Unveils Its French-Language Fall 2020 – Winter 2021 Programming
– New releases from V, Canal Vie, D, Z, VRAK, Investigation and RDS were announced during the MDIA 20-21 virtual event –
MONTRÉAL (June 25, 2020) – Bell Media announced today programming details for Fall 2020 – Winter 2021 for its French-language channels, including newly acquired conventional TV network V and ad-supported VOD service Noovo.ca, as well as Canal Vie, D, Z, VRAK, Investigation, and RDS.
Advertisers and clients were invited to the annual MDIA 20-21 (Multiplatform, Entertainment, Insights and Analysis) an exclusive presentation outlining programming highlights and advertising sales opportunities for clients and advertisers.
In addition to new television programs on V, Canal Vie, D, Z, VRAK, Investigation and RDS, Bell Media now provides a broader range of integration opportunities, as well as sponsorship and multi-platform offerings to better serve the evolving media strategies of clients.
“Our portfolio of television and digital products is growing, allowing us to maximize our multi-platform offering,” said Karine Moses, President, Bell Media Québec and Bell’s Vice Chair, Québec. “It allows us to more easily promote advertisers’ brands across Bell Media’s platforms, whether it’s TV, digital, radio, or Astral’s out-of-home network.”
“We are working closely with our media creativity and programming teams to bring our clients’ ideas to life and develop new kinds of partnerships,” said Alexandre Lauzon, General Manager, Sales, French-language TV and RDS.
Here’s an overview of Bell Media’s new programs for the Fall 2020 – Winter 2021 Season.
“For V, we have developed programming that is intimate, entertaining, and speaks directly to the audience. It’s a lineup in which Québec viewers can see themselves reflected,” said Suzane Landry, Vice-President, French-Language Content Development and Programming. “We have significantly increased the amount of local original programming in V’s schedule thanks to new shows and returning hits.”
Among the new releases is the four-part television event CE SOIR ON CHAR, which will feature comedy galas starring more than a dozen stand-up comedians…in a drive-in movie theatre! Hosted by Philippe Bond and Dominic Paquet, Phil Laprise will greet the audience at the entrance booth. An impressive guest list has already been confirmed including: P-A Méthot, Mariana Mazza, Maxim Martin, Messmer, Billy Tellier, Pierre-Luc Pomerleau, Jérémy Demay, Jean-Michel Anctil, Peter MacLeod, Mathieu Dufour, Mehdi Bousaidan, Cathy Gauthier, Mario Tessier, and Philippe Laprise.
Also on the comedy front, the new show hosted by Marie-Lyne Joncas, LE PROCHAIN STAND-UP, will hunt for Québec’s next comedy superstar! Comedians will go head-to-head weekly in front of three judges: Mariana Mazza, P-A Méthot, and Louis Morissette.
V’s success rests on powerful programs that make an impression. OCCUPATION DOUBLE, which broke all records**, is back with a new season. The hit reality series:
Canal Vie is the most-popular French entertainment speciality channel among women aged 25-54* while its greatest strength lies in its diversified original programming. This Fall, Canal Vie will premier seven new series, all featuring time-tested themes popular with Québec audiences.
In the popular home improvement segment, CHEZ MARIE-MAI will take an intimate and unique look at the pop singer’s new life as she starts renovations on her new house, while PÉZIE ET SANSDRICK DANS L’DÉCOR, former Occupation Double contestants, drive across Québec looking for homes to transform in exchange for local tourist activities.
Following the success of the series MÈRES À BOUTTE, Canal Vie is doubling down with CÉLIBATAIRES À BOUTTE, a new documentary series that follows five women looking for their Prince Charming who will go through several dates against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic!
L’AMOUR EST DANS LE PRÉ on V united numerous couples over the years, with 20 children born from these relationships! Canal Vie is bringing Québec’s favourite couples back in LA FAMILLE EST DANS LE PRÉ, sharing the highs and lows of everyday life of the couples and their children.
Finally, airing in 2021, the documentary series hosted by Mariloup Wolfe, LE GRAND MOVE, will follow urban families who move to a rural area in search of a better life.
Targeting young adults, VRAK is the most popular in the A18-34 segment*, reaching fiction series’ fans with hit shows such as YOUNG SHELDON VF, BIG LITTLE LIES: PETITS SECRETS, GRANDS MENSONGES, LA SERVANTE ÉCARLATE: THE HANDMAID’S TALE, as well as popular Québec series CLASH, are slated to return for a third season.
Z is a bold channel with funny, surprising, and provocative program selections including two new comedy shows launching this Fall. Up-and-coming actress Christine Morency will host her first television show, CORDE RAIDE, where some of her peers present a controversial topic in front of a panel of judges with a personal connection to the topic. CUVÉE COMIQUE, hosted by Philippe Laprise, brings together comedians to reminisce about their experiences and share their nostalgia. Confirmed guests include: Mélanie Ghanimé and Silvi Tourigny, Marie-Soleil Dion and Pierre Hébert, Katherine Levac and Sam Breton, Laurent Paquin and Patrick Groulx, as well as Dominic Paquet and Cathy Gauthier.
Maripier Morin will be back with the very popular MAIS POURQUOI? with its new lockdown edition. In the new episodes, Maripier dives head first into various realities: body image issues, gambling addiction, drugs, and death.
Canal D is the number one destination for real-life stories and the most watched entertainment specialty channel in Québec, with 2.5 million viewers each week*.
Among the new shows, YUL: LA VIE À L’AÉROPORT gives an unprecedented view of what happens behind the scenes at the Montréal airport.
Also launching this fall, the documentary series FILLE DE TUEUR? follows a woman investigating the murder of a child for which her father was found guilty, then acquitted more than 50 years later.
Hit documentary series LES COULISSES DU PALAIS, is back for a second season, taking takes viewers into the daily life of those upholding justice, this year with exclusive access to judges, holding cells, and courtrooms.
INVESTIGATION is the entertainment specialty channel with the fastest-growing audience among A25-54, increasing by 70% over the last year.
INVESTIGATION is home to the best of true crime, a genre experiencing booming popularity around the world. Hit documentary series DOUANES SOUS HAUTE SURVEILLANCE and SCÈNES DE CRIME will be back with new episodes.
RDS is excited to showcase returning sporting events to fans across Québec, including UFC, PGA golf tournaments.In addition, NASCAR is already roaring back and the F1 season begins July 5 in Austria, with two Canadian racers Lance Stroll and Nicholas Latifi set to compete.,.
With the NBA planning to return in July, RDS will be ready to broadcast games including the Toronto Raptors, while the CFL and NFL are expected to return to play as early as September.
The NHL is still finalizing its 2019-2020 schedule and planning the 2020-2021 season. RDS remains the source for hockey this fall with pre-game and post-game shows LE 5@7 HOCKEY, HOCKEY 360, and L’ANTICHAMBRE. Our experts will follow the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators during their playoff run, in this new format adopted in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other radio and digital news worth mentioning
Bell Media radio stations’ new Fall season will begin on August 24. Several changes were announced to French-language networks Rouge and ÉNERGIE.
At 107.3 Rouge, new morning team Richard Turcotte, Meeker Guerrier, and Anne Élizabeth Bossé will host ON EST TOUS DEBOUT. Marie-Lyne Joncas is also joining the 107.3 Rouge team this Fall as Benoît Gagnon’s new co-host on the weekday noon show Y’EST MIDI KEK PART, and is also a Fantastique at the top French-language show in Canada, VÉRONIQUE ET LES FANTASTIQUES.
At ÉNERGIE, Philippe Bond and Pierre Pagé become the new hosts of C’T’ENCORE DRÔLE, weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting August 24. In Québec City, ÉNERGIE 98.9 will undergo a transformation this fall as its successful combination of music and entertainment returns, but with more classic hits and more fun! The hit evening drive show ÇA RENTRE AU POSTE will now be broadcast on the entire ÉNERGIE network across Québec, increasing advertising opportunities in that market.
The addition of the ad-supported VOD service Noovo.ca to our digital offering presents a number of new advertising opportunities and our French-language digital properties provide exclusive access to our influencers and on-air talent while drawing valuable consumer information with Bell’s data sales tool.
Exclusive sales representation for MAX and ELLE Fictions
Finally, Bell Media has the exclusive sales representation for specialty channels MAX and ELLE Fictions. Bell Media’s complementary offering of French-language television channels allows advertisers to target consumers based on a variety of demographics.
“For V, we have developed programming that is intimate, entertaining, and speaks directly to the audience. It’s a lineup in which Québec viewers can see themselves reflected,” said Suzane Landry, Vice-President, French-Language Content Development and Programming. “We have significantly increased the amount of local original programming in V’s schedule thanks to new shows and returning hits.”
Among the new releases is the four-part television event CE SOIR ON CHAR, which will feature comedy galas starring more than a dozen stand-up comedians…in a drive-in movie theatre! Hosted by Philippe Bond and Dominic Paquet, Phil Laprise will greet the audience at the entrance booth. An impressive guest list has already been confirmed including: P-A Méthot, Mariana Mazza, Maxim Martin, Messmer, Billy Tellier, Pierre-Luc Pomerleau, Jérémy Demay, Jean-Michel Anctil, Peter MacLeod, Mathieu Dufour, Mehdi Bousaidan, Cathy Gauthier, Mario Tessier, and Philippe Laprise.
Also on the comedy front, the new show hosted by Marie-Lyne Joncas, LE PROCHAIN STAND-UP, will hunt for Québec’s next comedy superstar! Comedians will go head-to-head weekly in front of three judges: Mariana Mazza, P-A Méthot, and Louis Morissette.
V’s success rests on powerful programs that make an impression. OCCUPATION DOUBLE, which broke all records**, is back with a new season. The hit reality series:
- Ranked #1 among the coveted 18-34 audience
- Reached a record 2.5 million viewers every week last year
- OCCUPATION DOUBLE content on Noovo.ca generated more than 19 million views from 4 million visitors
Canal Vie is the most-popular French entertainment speciality channel among women aged 25-54* while its greatest strength lies in its diversified original programming. This Fall, Canal Vie will premier seven new series, all featuring time-tested themes popular with Québec audiences.
In the popular home improvement segment, CHEZ MARIE-MAI will take an intimate and unique look at the pop singer’s new life as she starts renovations on her new house, while PÉZIE ET SANSDRICK DANS L’DÉCOR, former Occupation Double contestants, drive across Québec looking for homes to transform in exchange for local tourist activities.
Following the success of the series MÈRES À BOUTTE, Canal Vie is doubling down with CÉLIBATAIRES À BOUTTE, a new documentary series that follows five women looking for their Prince Charming who will go through several dates against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic!
L’AMOUR EST DANS LE PRÉ on V united numerous couples over the years, with 20 children born from these relationships! Canal Vie is bringing Québec’s favourite couples back in LA FAMILLE EST DANS LE PRÉ, sharing the highs and lows of everyday life of the couples and their children.
Finally, airing in 2021, the documentary series hosted by Mariloup Wolfe, LE GRAND MOVE, will follow urban families who move to a rural area in search of a better life.
Targeting young adults, VRAK is the most popular in the A18-34 segment*, reaching fiction series’ fans with hit shows such as YOUNG SHELDON VF, BIG LITTLE LIES: PETITS SECRETS, GRANDS MENSONGES, LA SERVANTE ÉCARLATE: THE HANDMAID’S TALE, as well as popular Québec series CLASH, are slated to return for a third season.
Z is a bold channel with funny, surprising, and provocative program selections including two new comedy shows launching this Fall. Up-and-coming actress Christine Morency will host her first television show, CORDE RAIDE, where some of her peers present a controversial topic in front of a panel of judges with a personal connection to the topic. CUVÉE COMIQUE, hosted by Philippe Laprise, brings together comedians to reminisce about their experiences and share their nostalgia. Confirmed guests include: Mélanie Ghanimé and Silvi Tourigny, Marie-Soleil Dion and Pierre Hébert, Katherine Levac and Sam Breton, Laurent Paquin and Patrick Groulx, as well as Dominic Paquet and Cathy Gauthier.
Maripier Morin will be back with the very popular MAIS POURQUOI? with its new lockdown edition. In the new episodes, Maripier dives head first into various realities: body image issues, gambling addiction, drugs, and death.
Canal D is the number one destination for real-life stories and the most watched entertainment specialty channel in Québec, with 2.5 million viewers each week*.
Among the new shows, YUL: LA VIE À L’AÉROPORT gives an unprecedented view of what happens behind the scenes at the Montréal airport.
Also launching this fall, the documentary series FILLE DE TUEUR? follows a woman investigating the murder of a child for which her father was found guilty, then acquitted more than 50 years later.
Hit documentary series LES COULISSES DU PALAIS, is back for a second season, taking takes viewers into the daily life of those upholding justice, this year with exclusive access to judges, holding cells, and courtrooms.
INVESTIGATION is the entertainment specialty channel with the fastest-growing audience among A25-54, increasing by 70% over the last year.
INVESTIGATION is home to the best of true crime, a genre experiencing booming popularity around the world. Hit documentary series DOUANES SOUS HAUTE SURVEILLANCE and SCÈNES DE CRIME will be back with new episodes.
RDS is excited to showcase returning sporting events to fans across Québec, including UFC, PGA golf tournaments.In addition, NASCAR is already roaring back and the F1 season begins July 5 in Austria, with two Canadian racers Lance Stroll and Nicholas Latifi set to compete.,.
With the NBA planning to return in July, RDS will be ready to broadcast games including the Toronto Raptors, while the CFL and NFL are expected to return to play as early as September.
The NHL is still finalizing its 2019-2020 schedule and planning the 2020-2021 season. RDS remains the source for hockey this fall with pre-game and post-game shows LE 5@7 HOCKEY, HOCKEY 360, and L’ANTICHAMBRE. Our experts will follow the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators during their playoff run, in this new format adopted in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other radio and digital news worth mentioning
Bell Media radio stations’ new Fall season will begin on August 24. Several changes were announced to French-language networks Rouge and ÉNERGIE.
At 107.3 Rouge, new morning team Richard Turcotte, Meeker Guerrier, and Anne Élizabeth Bossé will host ON EST TOUS DEBOUT. Marie-Lyne Joncas is also joining the 107.3 Rouge team this Fall as Benoît Gagnon’s new co-host on the weekday noon show Y’EST MIDI KEK PART, and is also a Fantastique at the top French-language show in Canada, VÉRONIQUE ET LES FANTASTIQUES.
At ÉNERGIE, Philippe Bond and Pierre Pagé become the new hosts of C’T’ENCORE DRÔLE, weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting August 24. In Québec City, ÉNERGIE 98.9 will undergo a transformation this fall as its successful combination of music and entertainment returns, but with more classic hits and more fun! The hit evening drive show ÇA RENTRE AU POSTE will now be broadcast on the entire ÉNERGIE network across Québec, increasing advertising opportunities in that market.
The addition of the ad-supported VOD service Noovo.ca to our digital offering presents a number of new advertising opportunities and our French-language digital properties provide exclusive access to our influencers and on-air talent while drawing valuable consumer information with Bell’s data sales tool.
Exclusive sales representation for MAX and ELLE Fictions
Finally, Bell Media has the exclusive sales representation for specialty channels MAX and ELLE Fictions. Bell Media’s complementary offering of French-language television channels allows advertisers to target consumers based on a variety of demographics.
About Bell Media
Bell Media is Canada’s leading content creation company with premier assets in television, radio, out-of-home advertising, digital media, and more. Bell Media owns 35 local television stations led by CTV, Canada’s highest-rated television network, and the French-language V network in Québec; 29 specialty channels, including leading specialty services TSN and RDS. Bell Media is Canada’s largest radio broadcaster, with 215 music channels including 109 licensed radio stations in 58 markets across the country, all part of the iHeartRadio brand and streaming service. Bell Media owns Astral, an out-of-home advertising network of 50,000 faces in five provinces. The country’s digital media leader, Bell Media develops and operates websites, apps, and online platforms for its news and entertainment brands; video streaming services Crave, TSN Direct, and RDS Direct; and multi-channel network Much Studios. The company owns a majority stake in Pinewood Toronto Studios; is a partner in Just for Laughs, the live comedy event and TV producer; and jointly owns Dome Productions Partnership., one of North America’s leading production facilities providers. Bell Media is part of BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada’s largest communications company. Learn more at www.BellMedia.ca.
For more information about Bell Media’s French-language and sports channels’ programming for Fall 2020 – Winter 2021, contact us at mdia@bellmedia.ca.
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