Bell Media introduces CraveTV in Canada

Wednesday, December 3rd, 2014
Bell Media logo

Introducing CraveTV™: All You Can Watch for $4/Month

  • Bell Media’s premium subscription TV streaming service to launch December 11
  • CraveTV’s premium catalogue to include more than 10,000 hours of content
  • Newest distribution partners confirmed: Eastlink joins TELUS Optik TV, Bell Fibe TV, Bell Aliant FibreOP TV, and Bell Satellite TV at launch, with Northwestel and other CCSA members coming soon
  • Multi-platform service available via set-top box as well as on iOS and Android-powered handsets and tablets via the CraveTV app, and online at CraveTV.ca
  • Simple, easy-to-navigate interface allows for more watching and less searching

TORONTO — At a press conference this morning, Kevin Crull, President, Bell Media introduced Canada to CraveTV™, the company’s next-generation subscription on-demand video streaming service launching Thursday, Dec. 11. Costing about as much as a latte, CraveTV brings simplicity, ubiquity, accessibility, and premium content to Canadian TV lovers at an unbeatable value.

With a singular focus on delivering the best TV content of yesterday and today, CraveTV is designed to complement Canada’s current TV offerings as an additive service featuring exclusive, premium programming, all at an affordable price.

“We’re incredibly proud to launch a video streaming service dedicated to TV lovers who crave even more quality television, while enhancing the value TV providers deliver to their subscribers,” said Kevin Crull, President, Bell Media. “In a fast-paced media industry in which the consumer is king, CraveTV raises the bar and redefines the Canadian TV landscape by offering a complementary, premium product at an incredibly great value.”

“With TELUS, Bell, and Bell Aliant already on board, we are thrilled to partner with Eastlink, Northwestel, and other CCSA members who have recognized the value and potential CraveTV provides,” said Domenic Vivolo, Executive Vice-President, Content Sales and Distribution Marketing. “We look forward to welcoming additional distribution partners as CraveTV ramps up with even more incredible content in its first months of service.”

“Right out of the gate, CraveTV delivers an incredible offering of some of TV’s most-watched and most-loved shows, with more to come,” said Mike Cosentino, Senior Vice-President, Programming, Bell Media. “New content will be added every week on #iCraveFridays. What a way to start the weekend.”

Premium Content

With content from all key Hollywood major and independent studios, CraveTV features thousands of hours of programming not found anywhere else. At launch, nearly 65% of the entire CraveTV catalogue is exclusive to the service, with more exclusive titles to be added regularly.

CraveTV provides subscribers with the largest collection of premium content in one place. The programming catalogue falls into three categories – exclusive past-season content, featuring back seasons of television biggest programs currently on air; an extensive and exclusive library, featuring complete catalogues of some of the best TV series that have ever aired; and original series never before seen in Canada. In its first year, CraveTV will feature more than 10,000 hours of premium, non-kids, TV content, representing more than 600 unique titles.

Value

Truly complementary, CraveTV does not attempt to duplicate existing services, and as a result is able to deliver best-in-class, premium TV programming at an incredible value. CraveTV delivers more to subscribers by allowing them to marathon-watch best-in-class programming for just $4/month.

Accessibility

CraveTV delivers to subscribers access to the service on the platform of their choice, including on their traditional on-demand service via their set-top box. In addition, CraveTV will be available at launch on iOS, including Airplay, as well as Android handsets and tablets via the CraveTV app, and online at CraveTV.ca. And early next year CraveTV will be available on the Xbox gaming consoles, Windows 8, Windows Phone, Samsung Smart TVs, and Chromecast.

Ubiquity

With an objective of getting CraveTV into as many Canadian homes as possible, Bell Media has offered the service to all TV providers. Previously, Bell Media announced distribution partnerships for CraveTV with TELUS Optik TV, Bell Fibe TV, Bell Aliant FibreOP TV, and Bell Satellite TV at launch. Today, Bell Media confirmed that Eastlink is the latest distribution partner for CraveTV and will make the service available at launch, while Northwestel and other Canadian Cable Systems Alliance (CCSA) members will also provide the service soon.

Simplicity

CraveTV is about watching, not searching. As a result, titles are curated in a minimalist, easy-to-navigate interface. Programming can be searched by title, new addition, or by a specific collection on a simple-to-use menu. Among the categories are “Crime and Mystery,” “Action & Adventure,” “Music,” “Classic TV,” “Sitcoms,” and “Teen Drama.”