Multi Year Coronation Street Agreement For Canada's CBC

ITV Studios Global Entertainment, ITV's international distribution business, has announced a significant deal with Canada’s CBC for Coronation Street - the number one drama serial in Canada. The multi-year agreement of CBC’s long-running relationship with the much-loved drama includes digital catch-up rights; making Coronation Street available for the first time in Canada for catch-up via multi-media platforms such as iTunes as well as CBC's own online video-on-demand catch-up service.
Now running approximately nine months behind the UK, Canadian viewers are currently viewing the aftermath of Coronation Street’s groundbreaking tram crash storyline, marking the 50th anniversary of the world’s longest running soap. Corrie has become Canada’s most popular drama serial and now transmits every weekday at 6.30 and 7pm. This extended transmission schedule will eventually allow Canadian viewers to catch-up with the UK.
Tobias de Graaff, Director of Global TV Distribution, said: "Coronation Street's touching portrayal of British life in a backstreet of Manchester has been taken to heart by Canadian viewers and is becoming as important to audiences in Canada as it is here in the UK. We are delighted to be extending our relationship with our long-term partners in Canada who have given Corrie the fantastic support it deserves."
Tony Warren, Creator of Coronation Street, said: "I am delighted to hear of the new Canadian deal especially as the unsung hero of the show, Harry Elton, who was the original Executive Producer and a Canadian, had the foresight to commission the programme."
Coronation Street portrays the everyday life of a British community, and celebrated its 50th anniversary in the UK last year. The long running series has achieved iconic status over the years, and is now shown in over 60 territories across the globe, including China, Australia, Africa and the Middle East.
(BMcN/CD)