/A\ becomes CTV Two; Rogers launching CityNews Channel


It's Canadian upfronts week, which has television networks announcing their new schedules and media conglomerates revealing new plans for next year.

Among yesterday's announcements: CTV is rebranding its /A\ stations as CTV Two this fall, which will coincide with their conversion to HD.

“We are extending CTV, Canada’s strongest television brand, to our second network, so that these channels can resonate deeper with audiences, advertisers, and the communities they serve," Kevin Crull, president of Bell Media said via press release.

Meanwhile, Rogers announced the launch of CityNews Channel, a new 24-hour local news channel in Toronto, set to debut this fall.

"By incorporating our trailblazing and trusted news brands from CityNews, 680 News, and publishing - including Canada's most trusted news magazihne, Maclean's - CityNews Channel is poised to be the destination local news channel," Scott Moore, president of Rogers Broadcasting said in a statement.

Citytv was the first Canadian private broadcaster to roll out its new schedule yesterday. Largely saturated with American programming, it's planning to produce reality show Canada's Got Talent, part of an international franchise, for midseason.