Bell Media announced today that its newly branded conventional network CTV Two will launch on Monday, Aug. 29. Immediately accessible to nearly 90% of English viewers from coast-to-coast, the newly branded stations are CTV Two Vancouver/Victoria, CTV Two Alberta, CTV Two Toronto/Barrie, CTV Two London, CTV Two Windsor, CTV Two Ottawa, and CTV Two Atlantic. The CTV Two schedule features some of Canada's most-watched series as well as local CTV News programming in most markets. And, for the first time, CTV Two will transmit in High Definition beginning Aug. 31.
A navigational brand directing viewers to a second platform for CTV programming, the CTV Two Fall Schedule has been loaded with Top 20 hits and some of this Fall's most-anticipated new programs, including The X Factor, premiering Sept. 22. The schedule immediately positions CTV Two as one of Canada's most competitive conventional networks. Additional CTV programming found on CTV Two includes Two and a Half Men, Criminal Minds, CSI: Miami, Law & Order, SVU, The Vampire Diaries Nikita, America's Next Top Model, Mike & Molly, Anderson and The Ellen Degeneres Show.
The launch of CTV Two will also see the expansion of the CTV News brand on August 29 in Vancouver/Victoria, Toronto/Barrie, London and Windsor. While still retaining their editorial independence, the former /A\ NEWS broadcasts are instantly strengthened under the umbrella of the CTV News brand. The local CTV NEWS broadcasts will feature the CTV brand in the on-air graphics featured in the newscasts, while new sets will debut as well.
Additionally, the local morning shows on CTV Two Ottawa and CTV Two Atlantic will be rechristened CTV Morning Live, to be consistent with the name of new morning shows launching in western markets on CTV this fall. CTV Two Alberta, formerly known as ACCESS, will retain its mandate as the educational broadcaster for the province of Alberta, with 50% of its schedule dedicated to commercial-free educational programming.
For the first time, CTV Two Vancouver/Victoria, CTV Two Toronto/Barrie, CTV Two London, CTV Two Windsor and CTV Two Ottawa will transmit over the air and via major television distributors in High Definition, as of Wednesday, Aug. 31, strengthening the network for both viewers and advertisers. The plan to convert transmitters in these markets to HD began in spring 2024, with Bell Media making a significant investment into the conversion in time for the launch of CTV Two.
The local CTV Two stations are currently undergoing a re-branding effort that will see the CTV brand surface on everything from vehicles and building signage to stationary and merchandise. The new local CTV Two stations will use the CTV brand in their ongoing community investment initiatives, providing a more powerful extension of support into the communities they serve.
Marking the synergy between the CTV and CTV Two brands, the new CTV Two schedule will receive significant promotional support across CTV's main schedule in some of television's biggest programs. A comprehensive external promotional campaign, including local radio, print and outdoor advertising, will also roll out in the coming weeks.