 Z logo | |
| Country | Canada |
|---|---|
| Broadcast area | National |
| Headquarters | Montreal,Quebec |
| Programming | |
| Language | French |
| Picture format | 1080i (HDTV) 480i (SDTV) |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Astral Media (2000-2013) Bell Media (2013-Present) |
| Sister channels | Noovo CTV Sci-Fi Channel Canal D Canal Vie |
| History | |
| Launched | January 31, 2000 (26 years ago) (2000-01-31) |
| Former names | Canal Z (2000–2005) Ztélé (2005–2014) |
| Links | |
| Website | Z(in French) |
Z[zɛd] is aCanadianFrench languagespecialty channel owned byBell Media. Z focuses on programming primarily from thescience fiction, fantasy, and technology genres consisting of dramas, films, and documentaries.
Founded on January 31, 2000 asCanal Z byAstral Media, the channel was rebranded toZtélé in 2005 and was acquired by Bell Media in 2013, which by that point becoming aligned with English-language counterpart to Space (renamed toCTV Sci-Fi Channel in 2019), before renaming to its current name in 2014.
In May 1999, Radiomutuel Inc. was granted approval by theCanadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) for a television broadcasting licence for a channel calledCanal Z, aux limites du savoir, described as "a national French-language television specialty service that is dedicated entirely to science and technology, the earth and its secrets, space exploration, the paranormal and science fiction, lifestyles and computer science."[1]
Before the channel was launched, in June 1999,Astral Media announced its intention to purchase Radiomutuel,[2] which was approved by the CRTC on January 12, 2000[3] and closed shortly thereafter.
The channel launched on January 31, 2000[4] asCanal Z (often referred to as simplyZ). The channel was renamedZtélé in 2005 and a new logo was introduced. In 2006, an HD feed debuted.
Astral Media was acquired by Bell Media on July 5, 2013, making Ztélé a sister channel to the English-language science-fiction channelSpace, while retaining its other sister stations.Disney Junior was sold toDHX Media, andMusiMax andMusiquePlus were sold toV Media Group, both deals occurring the next year.
As of August 25, 2014, the channel has been renamedZ.[5]
On August 16, 2023, Z andVrak were removed fromVidéotron, a cable service serving most major markets in Quebec.[6]
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On October 30, 2006, Astral Media launched "Z HD" (then-known as "Ztélé HD"), aHD simulcast of Z'sstandard definition feed.[7]