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Canal Z

Canal Z was a French-language Canadian specialty television channel launched in 2000 and focused on science, technology, space, the paranormal, science fiction, lifestyles, and computer science.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Canal Z was a French-language Canadian specialty television channel that launched on January 31, 2000. It originally focused on science, technology, space exploration, the paranormal, science fiction, lifestyles, and computer science. The channel was later renamed Ztélé in 2005 and then Z in 2014, and is currently owned by Bell Media.

History

Canal Z received regulatory approval from the CRTC in 1999 as a national French-language specialty television service. It began broadcasting on January 31, 2000. The channel was renamed Ztélé in 2005 and later shortened to Z in 2014.

Programming

Originally, the channel was dedicated to science and technology-oriented programming, including space exploration, the paranormal, science fiction, lifestyles, and computer science. Under its later branding as Z, the channel's programming emphasizes science fiction, fantasy, and technology content.

Ownership

At launch, Canal Z was owned by Radiomutuel Inc., as identified in the CRTC filing. Following corporate changes and rebranding, Bell Media became the owner of the channel under its later name Z.

Key facts

  • Canal Z was approved as a national French-language specialty television service by the CRTC in 1999 and launched in 2000.
  • Original programming focused on science, technology, space, the paranormal, science fiction, lifestyles, and computer science.
  • The channel was renamed Ztélé in 2005 and later Z in 2014.
  • Radiomutuel Inc. was the original owner; Bell Media later owned the channel.
  • Canal Z is part of Quebec's television media landscape and serves a French-language audience.
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Canadian context

Canal Z is a Canadian French-language specialty channel and part of Quebec’s television media landscape, making it relevant to Canadian broadcasting history and francophone audiences.[13][2]

Frequently asked questions

What was Canal Z?
Canal Z was a French-language Canadian specialty television channel that launched in 2000.
What kind of programming did Canal Z air?
It focused on science and technology content, including space exploration, the paranormal, science fiction, lifestyles, and computer science.
Was Canal Z renamed?
Yes. Sources indicate it was renamed Ztélé in 2005 and later shortened to Z in 2014.
Who owned Canal Z?
At launch, it was described as the property of Radiomutuel Inc.; later sources identify Bell Media as the owner of the renamed channel.
Is Canal Z still its current name?
No. The channel no longer uses the Canal Z name and is now known as Z.

References

  1. Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission — https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/1999/db99-110.htm
    Supports: Launch approval, original programming mandate, and original ownership description.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/?title=Canal_Z
    Supports: Rebranding history from Canal Z to Ztélé and then Z; Bell Media ownership and current channel identity.
  3. Wikipedia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zt%C3%A9l%C3%A9
    Supports: French-language history of the channel and renaming to Ztélé.