AMI-tv

Last updated
AMI-tv
AMItv.svg
AMI-tv logo
Country Canada
Broadcast areaNational
Headquarters Toronto, Ontario
Programming
Picture format 480i (SDTV)
1080i (HDTV)
Ownership
Owner Accessible Media
Sister channels AMI-audio
AMI-télé
History
LaunchedJanuary 29, 2009, 15 years ago
Former namesThe Accessible Channel (2009–2012)
Links
Website AMI-tv

AMI-tv is a Canadian, English-language, digital cable specialty channel owned by the non-profit organization Accessible Media. AMI-tv broadcasts a selection of general entertainment programming with accommodations for those who are visually or hearing impaired, with audio descriptions on the primary audio track and closed captioning available across all programming.

Contents

It was launched on January 29, 2009 by a consortium of Canwest, Accessible Media and Bell Media. Later on, Shaw Media acquired Canwest's shares of AMI-tv in 2010 while the latter acquired Bell's shares in 2011 when Bell Canada gained 100% control of its channels. Accessible Media became the sole owner of AMI-tv in 2016 following Corus Entertainment's acquisition of Shaw Media. From that point on, AMI-tv airs some its selected original programming alongside imported programming from other properties.

Along with acquired content, AMI-tv also broadcasts original series on accessibility- and disability-related topics, and has occasionally broadcast simulcasts of news and sporting events in its open described video format.

AMI-tv is licensed by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) as a discretionary "must-carry" service; it must be carried on the lowest level of service by all licensed digital cable, satellite television, and IPTV providers in Canada. On December 16, 2014, AMI launched a French-language version of the network, AMI-télé, under a second Category A licence.

History

Licensing

On March 27, 2007, the CRTC held a public hearing to consider twelve applications from applicants requesting mandatory distribution for their television services in the basic package of all digital television service providers in Canada. Among those twelve applicants was the National Broadcast Reading Service (NBRS), a non-profit organization that operates the reading service VoicePrint, which is also a "must-carry" service. The NBRS proposed a service known as The Accessible Channel (TAC), a 24-hour English-language channel that would be devoted to providing programming of interest to those who are blind or visually impaired, in a format accessible to those individuals. [1] [2]

The NBRS believed that visually impaired viewers had difficulties locating television programming with described video due to a number of factors, such as the small amount of described programming on Canadian television at the time (an estimated 3%) and difficulties accessing the second audio program (SAP) on which described video is typically carried (either due to a lack of knowledge, or television service providers being unable to correctly deliver SAP feeds to subscribers). As such, the NBRS proposed TAC to be a consistent location for accessible programming; TAC planned to broadcast all of its programming in an "open format", with described video occupying the primary audio track—allowing viewers otherwise unable to use SAP to listen to programming with described video. [1] In conjunction with the channel, the NBRS also planned to maintain online listings of programs with described video across all Canadian broadcasters. [2]

On July 24, 2007, the CRTC approved the NBRS's application to operate The Accessible Channel; the commission recognized (as per an earlier report) that "television is a key tool for social integration for all citizens, including persons with disabilities" and that the low amount of described content on television (along with the technical issues NBRS cited) made it difficult for the visually impaired to find accessible television programming. The commission also considered TAC to be complementary with the Broadcasting Act, which called for the introduction of accessible programming into Canada's broadcasting system as resources become available. [2]

Launch

Tactv.svg
Tactv 2011 logo.PNG
The channel's original logo, which depicted its initials "TAC" in a stylized form of braille. The logo was later modified to more closely resemble actual braille lettering.

At a gala coinciding with the United Nations' International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2008, the NBRS announced that The Accessible Channel would officially launch in January 2009. The organization also announced that TAC would carry closed captioning on all of its programming: while the CRTC's standard conditions of licence for digital services at the time only mandated that 90% of programming be captioned, the NBRS felt that committing to caption all of its programming was consistent with its goal to make TAC an "inclusive" service. [1] The Accessible Channel subsequently launched on January 29, 2009. [3]

To reflect its expansion beyond VoicePrint, the National Broadcast Reading Service was renamed Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) in 2010. [4] On January 30, 2012, as part of an effort to unify AMI's services under one brand, TAC was renamed AMI-tv. [4] VoicePrint followed suit on March 5, 2012, becoming AMI-audio. [5]

On December 4, 2012, AMI-tv launched a high definition feed on the MTS Ultimate TV service in Manitoba. [6]

French version

In January 2013, when the CRTC opened a new round of applications for must-carry channels, AMI submitted an application for a French-language sister channel of AMI-tv known as AMI-tv Français, which would have a similar format to its English-language counterpart. AMI justified the need for the channel by noting that the three provinces which host the majority of Canada's francophone population—New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec—had above-average levels of vision loss and other vision-related conditions. [7] On August 8, 2013, the CRTC approved the application; the commission recognized that given the impact of AMI-tv's English service, a French service would have an equivalent impact on Canada's francophone community. [8]

The service launched on December 16, 2014, as AMI-télé. [9]

Changes in ownership

When AMI-tv launched, it was owned by a consortium made up of various other Canadian specialty services and producers; Showcase acting as manager partner in 50% (owned by Canwest), Accessible Media at 20%, and MuchMusic at 10%. On October 27, 2010, Shaw Communication acquired Canwest's 50% stake in AMI-tv. In 2011, MuchMusic sold 10% of its stake of AMI-TV to each of Shaw Media and Accessible Media, leading the two companies to each own 50% in AMI-tv.

On January 13, 2016, Accessible Media announced that it would acquire Shaw Media's 50% ownership interest in AMI-tv. The purchase was in relation to Corus Entertainment's pending acquisition of Shaw Media. The acquisition had been approved by the CRTC on March 23, 2016 to allow the sale of certain Shaw Media properties so that the purchase could clear regulatory barriers. On December 20, 2016, the CRTC approved Accessible Media's full ownership of AMI-tv and it was purchased by Accessible Media on January 1, 2017. [10]

Programming

AMI-tv carries a general entertainment lineup of programming including sitcoms, television dramas, films, talk shows, and documentaries. Although AMI-tv is primarily aimed at adults, formerly a limited amount of programming broadcast during morning hours was aimed at children, including such programs as Little Bear and Franklin . The majority of programming on AMI-tv are Canadian productions supplied in conjunction with other major Canadian broadcasters such as the CBC and Bell Media; a smaller portion of programming is also sourced from foreign broadcasters and studios, but in any case, no more than 33% of its programming can be supplied by a single broadcaster, and at least 50% of its programming must contain audio descriptions produced by companies other than AMI. [2] Until the launch of the dedicated channel AMI-télé, it also aired four hours a week of French-language programming in the same format. [11]

AMI-tv also produces and airs original programming, primarily dealing with accessibility- and disability-related topics. [12] Examples have included its 2011 documentary A Whole New Light, which focused on Canada's contributions to the research of vision loss, [13] Milestones of Champions: The Journeys of Canada's Paralympians, focusing on the stories of notable Canadian athletes in the Paralympic Games, [14] the cooking show Four Senses, [15] and Employable Me. [16] In these programs, audio description is integrated into the programs' main dialogue and narration. [12] [13]

AMI-tv has collaborated with other Canadian broadcasters to simulcast events on the network with open described video. In conjunction with CBC Television, the network provided audio descriptions and simulcasts of coverage of events such as the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, the 2011 federal election, the 2011 Gemini Awards, Canada Day festivities in Ottawa in 2012, and the 32nd Genie Awards. [13] [17] In conjunction with coverage of the games carried by CTV and Rogers properties, AMI-tv also offered coverage of the 2012 Summer Paralympics, including simulcasts of daily highlight shows with described video, and a daily program featuring interviews with athletes. The latter was hosted by AMI reporters Carrie Anton (who was a member of Canada's gold medal-winning goalball team at the 2000 Summer Paralympics) and Gary Steeves, both of whom are blind. [14] [18] AMI-tv's involvement in the Paralympics continued for the 2014 Winter Paralympics in Sochi, this time in conjunction with CBC Sports and the Canadian Paralympic Committee. [19]

In September 2012, AMI-tv partnered with Sportsnet to broadcast three Toronto Blue Jays Major League Baseball games with described video provided by Sportsnet 590 correspondent Sam Cosentino, which included additional commentary such as explanations of on-screen graphics. Blue Jays president Paul Beeston praised AMI's involvement, stating that "to our knowledge, we are the first sports organization to have our games provided through this revolutionary approach to accommodating the needs of the blind and low-vision community." [20] AMI-tv Blue Jays coverage was expanded for the 2013 season, with Cosentino joined by veteran sportscaster Jim Van Horne. [21]

Paralympic sledge hockey player Greg Westlake hosts Level Playing Field, a television newsmagazine and interview series on disability issues in sports. [22]

Related Research Articles

BBC Canada was a Canadian English language specialty channel that mostly broadcast television series originally produced by the BBC, the public-service broadcaster of the United Kingdom. The channel was owned by Corus Entertainment and BBC Studios (20%).

Lifetime is a Canadian English-language discretionary specialty channel based on the eponymous American basic cable channel owned by Showcase Television Inc., a subsidiary of Corus Entertainment. It broadcasts films, television shows and reality series aimed at women.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CITV-DT</span> Global TV station in Edmonton

CITV-DT is a television station in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, part of the Global Television Network. The station is owned and operated by network parent Corus Entertainment, and maintains studios on Allard Way Northwest in the Pleasantview neighbourhood of Edmonton. Its transmitter is located just off of Highway 21, southeast of the city. CITV-DT carries the full Global network schedule, and its programming is similar to sister station CICT-DT in Calgary.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Audio description</span> Audio tracks for partially sighted viewers

Audio description, (AD) also referred to as a video description, described video, or more precisely visual description, is a form of narration used to provide information surrounding key visual elements in a media work for the benefit of blind and visually impaired consumers. These narrations are typically placed during natural pauses in the audio, and sometimes overlap dialogue if deemed necessary. Occasionally when a film briefly has subtitled dialogue in a different language, such as Greedo's confrontation with Han Solo in the 1977 film Star Wars: A New Hope, the narrator will read out the dialogue in character.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">FYI (Canadian TV channel)</span> Defunct Canadian television channel

FYI was a Canadian English language specialty channel owned by Discovery Health Canada, ULC, a subsidiary of Corus Entertainment. Based on the American cable network of the same name, the channel featured lifestyle programming, with a mix of reality, culinary, home renovation and makeover series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slice (TV channel)</span> Canadian TV channel

Slice is a Canadian English language discretionary service channel owned by Corus Entertainment. The channel primarily broadcasts reality shows targeting young adult women, typically dealing in subjects such as fashion and lifestyles. In addition to original programming, Slice is better-known for airing shows acquired from the U.S. cable network, Bravo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">HGTV (Canadian TV channel)</span> Canadian pay TV channel

HGTV is a Canadian English-language discretionary cable and satellite specialty channel owned as a joint venture between Corus Entertainment and Warner Bros. Discovery. HGTV broadcasts programs relating to real estate, home and garden design, and renovations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">IFC (Canadian TV channel)</span> Canadian TV channel (2001–2019)

IFC was a Canadian English language specialty channel. The channel was owned by Corus Entertainment. The channel broadcast independent films, documentaries, and television series. Its name was licensed from the American company AMC Networks, the owner of IFC. The channel ceased operations on September 30, 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History2 (Canadian TV channel)</span> Television channel

History2 is a Canadian English language discretionary specialty channel owned by Men TV General Partnership, a subsidiary of Corus Entertainment dedicated to airing historic and non-historical programming of military, science, and technology interest.

National Geographic is a Canadian English language television channel owned by Corus Entertainment. It is a licensed version of the U.S. basic cable network of the same name It features documentary and human interest programming that explores the natural world. The service, like its international counterparts, is based on National Geographic Magazine.

Canada is served by various multichannel television services, including cable television systems, two direct-broadcast satellite providers, and various other wireline IPTV and wireless MMDS video providers.

In 2007, significant ownership changes occurred in Canada's broadcast television industry, involving nearly every private English-language network and television system. In addition to the shuffling of network affiliations and mergers involving various networks, several new television stations and rebroadcast transmitters also signed on the air.

Dusk was a Canadian English language specialty channel. Dusk broadcast programming consisting of films, television dramas, and reality TV, and documentary-style television series from the thriller, suspense and supernatural genres.

AMI-audio is a Canadian 24-hour English language non-profit audio broadcast television service. AMI-audio offers a variety of content to Canadians who are blind, partially sighted or otherwise print restricted.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Accessible Media Inc.</span> Canadian non-profit media company

AMI is a not-for-profit media company that serves Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. The company operates three broadcast services: AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Magnolia Network (Canadian TV channel)</span> Canadian specialty channel

Magnolia Network is a Canadian English language discretionary specialty channel that broadcasts lifestyle programming related to home design, renovations, and food. The channel's brand and much of its foreign programming is licensed from its American namesake, Magnolia Network. The channel is a joint venture between HGTV Canada Inc., a subsidiary of Corus Entertainment and Warner Bros. Discovery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Global Reality Channel</span> Canadian television channel

Global Reality Channel was a Canadian English language Category B specialty channel owned by Shaw Media. The channel broadcasts reality television series and related programming. It was an offshoot of the Shaw-owned Global Television Network, which is now owned by Corus Entertainment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crime & Investigation (Canadian TV channel)</span> Canadian speciality television channel

Crime & Investigation is a Canadian English language discretionary specialty channel owned by Corus Entertainment.

The first incarnation of E!, also referred to as E! Entertainment Television, was a Canadian English language privately owned television system that existed from 2001 to 2009 under the ownership of Canwest. At its peak it consisted of eight local television stations located in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, including five stations owned and operated (O&O) by Canwest and three affiliates owned by Jim Pattison Group.

AMI-télé is a Canadian French language digital cable specialty channel owned by the non-profit organization Accessible Media Inc. (AMI). AMI-télé is a French version of AMI's English-language service AMI-tv, and broadcasts a selection of general entertainment programming with accommodations for those who are visually or hearing impaired, consisting of described video on the primary audio track and closed captioning available across all of its programming. The channel also broadcasts series on accessibility- and disability-related topics.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Accessible Channel Launches with "Open Format'; Broadcaster Magazine; 2008-12-01
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2007-246". Canadian Radio-television and Communications Commission. 2007-07-24. Retrieved 27 February 2012.
  3. ↑ "Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2010-821". Canadian Radio-television and Communications Commission. 2010-11-05. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
  4. 1 2 Accessible Media Inc. rebrands world-leading broadcast service for Canadians with disabilities: TACtv now known as AMI-tv. AMI press release. 2012-01-30
  5. ↑ "Accessible Media Inc. rebrands world-leading broadcast reading service for Canadians with disabilities: VoicePrint now known as AMI-audio". AMI. Archived from the original on 1 January 2013. Retrieved 26 May 2012.
  6. ↑ "Changes to Ultimate TV". Manitoba Telecom Services. Archived from the original on 19 February 2013. Retrieved 27 January 2013.
  7. ↑ "Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2013-19". Canadian Radio-television and Communications Commission. 2013-01-21. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
  8. ↑ "Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2013-386". Canadian Radio-television and Communications Commission. 2013-08-08. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  9. ↑ "Lancement de la chaîne AMI-télé le 16 décembre". Journal de Montreal (in French). Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  10. ↑ "Corus Entertainment acquires Shaw Media for $2.65-billion". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 13 January 2016.
  11. ↑ "About AMI-tv". AMI. Archived from the original on 13 February 2013. Retrieved 24 January 2013.
  12. 1 2 "AMI Canada Announces Weekly Newsmagazine Series Returns for Season Three". Broadcaster Magazine. Retrieved 22 August 2014.
  13. 1 2 3 "Canada pioneers audio description methods". Media Access Australia. 6 January 2012. Retrieved 4 February 2012.
  14. 1 2 "AMI reveals reporter lineup for Paralympic Games (press release)" . Retrieved 25 August 2012.[ permanent dead link ]
  15. ↑ "AMI to Begin Production of Season Two of Cooking Show with Accessibility". Broadcaster Magazine. Retrieved 22 August 2014.
  16. ↑ Litwin, Kelsey (2017-08-11). "TV series Employable Me advocates for inclusivity in the workplace". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved 2019-12-15.
  17. ↑ "CBC and AMI-tv Partner to Make Genie Awards Accessible to People with Vision Restrictions". Broadcaster Magazine. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
  18. ↑ "How to Watch the London 2012 Paralympic Games". CTVOlympics.ca. 7048467 Canada Inc. Retrieved 25 August 2012.
  19. ↑ "CBC Unveils Multiplatform Coverage of Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games". Broadcaster Magazine. Archived from the original on 7 March 2014. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
  20. ↑ "Three Blue Jays games to feature described video". bluejays.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on 2013-10-22. Retrieved 8 June 2013.
  21. ↑ "AMI expands coverage of Blue Jays baseball for 2013 season (press release)". AMI. Archived from the original on 22 October 2013. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
  22. ↑ Greg David, "Hosted by Paralympian Greg Westlake, the AMI original series Level Playing Field debuts September 7 on AMI-tv". TV, eh?, August 11, 2020.

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.