Last issue we explored the programming strategy at Corus, and now we wrap the kidsnet preflight check-up by unspooling the highlight reel for CBC, Teletoon and Family.

Media in Canada has been asking some of the industry’s top broadcast specialists for analysis of the new programs being offered this fall. This week, Jeff Marchand, SVP/GM of Canadian operations, Starcom Worldwide, is asked:

For Brits who think advertising is the most entertaining part of television, there is now the Advert Channel, a new digital satellite channel devoted to nothing but ads 24 hours a day. It launched on satellite provider SkyTV earlier this week with telegenic presenters and programs such as Ad Chat, a live chat show about the top commercials; Advert Focus, ads making the news; Adverts for You, featuring funny, sad, and controversial spots; and Adverts Today, which looks at commercial production.
The Advert Channel also highlights new spots from around the world as well as golden oldies with shows themed around spots from the ’60s through the ’90s, celebrity ads, and is also looking for submissions from amateur commercial producers. On its Web site, http://www.theadvertchannel.tv, visitors can request, view or download their favourite spots.

Discovery Networks is the latest U.S. cable group to mix advertising into its VOD programming. Last weekend, it launched Discovery on Demand to Comcast Cable subscribers in the U.S. In addition to the 75 hours per month of on-demand content from Discovery’s stable of 14 networks that includes Discovery Channel, TLC, Travel, Discovery Kids and BBC America, viewers also have access to free content containing advertising.
Right now the ad options are billboards and 30-second spots, and a number of major advertisers are taking part in this new service: Allstate Insurance, Best Buy, Chase Manhattan Card Services, General Motors, Kohler, Marriott, Pfizer, and Remax. In turn, these advertisers are provided data on total viewers per day for each show.
Other U.S. cable networks that already offer ad-supported VOD content include CNN and A&E.
http://www.discovery.com
http://www.comcast.com

CTV is slipping a peek at a new Canadian drama series in on the heels of the Canadian Idol performance finale.

Production is underway for CTV’s 14th dramatic title in its ‘Signature Series’ of movies. Filming for Spirit Bear is taking place throughout this month in Peterborough, Ont., followed by Vancouver. The movie is based on the story of a 15-year-old boy who mounts a successful land protection campaign to save the habitat of a rare white Kermode bear. The production from CTV along with Tapestry Pictures and Massey Productions stars Ed Begley Jr., Mark Rendall, and Graham Greene.

After watching The Red Green Show, there are probably many people who think wacky comedian Steve Smith is from another planet, so maybe it’s appropriate that he’s found a new home on Space. His latest offering, Steve Smith Playhouse revolves around the fine art of comedic film dubbing. He takes B movies, cuts them down to half an hour and voices the lead character, leaving the other characters untouched. This changes the plot and tone of the movie, such as in the first ep when The Brain From Planet Arous, becomes ‘The Surprise From Planet Uranus.’ Hilarity ensues.
The new series airs Sundays at 6:30 p.m., beginning Sept. 12. There are plans for a second window on diginet Drive-In Classics somewhere down the road.
http://www.spacecast.com
http://www.ssp.ca/playhouse.htm

Alexandre Trudeau is chronicling his experiences in the West Bank in a TV documentary, The Fence. The former first son wrote, produced and narrated the story of two families on opposing sides of the security barrier. Trudeau brings viewers the human face of this conflict and shows how people are coping with the ongoing hostilities.
The Fence airs Saturday, Sept. 18 on CTV.