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Rogers Communications Inc. (TSE:RCI.B) has announced a significant shift in its content strategy as it prepares to take over several specialty channels, including Cooking, OWN, Discovery Science, Motor Trend, and Animal Planet, starting January 1, 2025. These newly acquired lifestyle brands, currently available as linear TV channels, will transition to streaming and on-demand services exclusively through Citytv Plus and cable packages.
Shifting to Streaming: A New Era for Lifestyle Channels
Rogers’ move to make these channels exclusively available via streaming services marks a departure from traditional linear broadcasting. Viewers will be able to access their favorite shows from these channels through the Citytv Plus streaming service, which is available via Amazon Prime Video, and on-demand through various cable packages.
In addition to these channels, other popular brands such as HGTV, Food Network, Magnolia, Bravo, Discovery, and Discovery ID will continue to be available as linear channels. However, their content will also be accessible through Citytv’s website and Citytv Plus, offering viewers greater flexibility in how they consume their favorite programs.
Strategic Acquisitions: Expanding Rogers' Content Portfolio
This shift follows Rogers’ announcement earlier this year of securing multi-year deals with NBCUniversal and Warner Bros. Discovery, granting it Canadian rights to several lifestyle brands previously held by Corus Entertainment and Bell Media. The acquisition represents a "milestone" for Rogers as it expands its content offerings, particularly in the lifestyle segment.
One of the first significant changes viewers will notice is the rebranding of OLN (Outdoor Life Network) to Bravo this fall. The U.S. Bravo brand will bring with it a lineup of popular reality shows, including new seasons of "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City," "The Real Housewives of New York City," "Below Deck Sailing Yacht," "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," "Southern Charm," and "The Real Housewives of Potomac."
Industry Reactions: Corus Entertainment's Complaint
Rogers’ aggressive content acquisition strategy has not gone unnoticed by competitors. Earlier this month, Corus Entertainment Inc. filed a complaint with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), accusing Rogers of "engaging in predatory behaviour" by leveraging its rights deals with foreign content providers to undermine Canadian competitors.
Corus’ complaint highlights the competitive tensions within Canada’s broadcasting industry as media giants vie for control over premium content that drives viewer engagement and subscription revenues. The outcome of this complaint could have significant implications for the industry, particularly in how foreign content deals are structured and regulated.
