Corus and Eastlink announced Thursday that a carriage dispute dating back almost exactly a year ago has been resolved.
Beginning today, Eastlink television subscribers will again have access to Corus’s 33 channels, which include dramas, comedies, kids content, factual, lifestyle and reality series. That premium programming will be available through Corus’s theme packs, which start at $7 per month but can be bundled together at a discounted rate.
Before the dispute, Eastlink subscribers had the Corus channels at no extra charge as part of their TV packages, a spokesperson confirmed.
“We are excited for Eastlink subscribers to once again have access to our large portfolio of premium content” Greg McLelland, Corus’s executive vice-president and chief revenue officer, said in a press release. “Our goal has always been to deliver our networks to as many Canadians as possible. The customizable subscriptions, including theme packs unique to Eastlink, will allow their customers to reconnect with Corus’ strong brands and hit series.
Eastlink CEO Jeff Gillham added that the cable company’s subscribers have been clamouring for the channels, which is why it has been working to reinstate them.
In May last year, the two companies could not hammer out a deal on a carriage agreement, with Corus telling Cartt’s sister publication Broadcast Dialogue that the company was still open to future negotiations.
Thursday’s announcement comes one day after Corus announced its slate of programming for the 2024/2025 broadcast year, which will include 18 new titles and 16 returning series.
The pure play media company was last month granted by the CRTC exceptional regulatory relief due to its financial struggles.
Photo by Eastlink
