Bell Media is to compete for the attention of Canadian film lovers with Movies, a national English-language specialty channel that secured a licence from the CRTC on Monday.

The Category 2 channel devoted to action and adventure films and classic westerns received no interventions as the regulator considered Bell Media’s application for a broadcast licence.

Movies will compete against specialty services like Hollywood Storm (focused on action films), rival Canadian specialty channels and carrier-driven theme packages with movies in their lineup, as well as over-the-top services like Apple TV and Netflix Canada.

There’s no word from Bell Media on pricing and packaging for Movies, or when it will launch after securing the broadcast licence. Advertising opportunities on the channel will be available, according to a representative from Bell Media.

From Playback Daily