OTTAWA (March 5, 2015) – It’s a great day for hay, eh? Bell Media announced today from Prime Time in Ottawa that CraveTVTM, in partnership with The Comedy Network, has commissioned its first original Canadian series. The six-part, half-hour comedy LETTERKENNY becomes the first original series commissioned for a Canadian SVOD service. In development at Bell Media since November 2013, LETTERKENNY is based on the internet sensation Letterkenny Problems, a five-part series of shorts which have garnered more than 8 million views and earned a Canadian Screen Award nomination in 2014 for Best Web Series. Click here to see the original Letterkenny Problems shorts.

LETTERKENNY is created by Listowel, Ontario native Jared Keeso, co-star of Bravo’s critically-acclaimed, original drama series 19-2. Hot off the heels of a Canadian Screen Award win for Best Performance by an Actor in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role, Keeso will star in LETTERKENNY, and also acts as executive producer and co-writer. Nathan Dales (KING & MAXWELL) stars as Wayne’s quick-tongued sidekick, Daryl. Produced by New Metric Media in partnership with DHX Media and in association with Four Peaks Media Group, Jacob Tierney (The Trotsky) is executive producer, director, and co-writer. Patrick O’Sullivan and Mark Montefiore are executive producers for New Metric Media. Production begins in Northern Ontario this summer.

LETTERKENNY is about Wayne (Keeso), a good-ol’ country boy in Letterkenny, Ontario trying to protect his homegrown way of life on the farm, against a world that is constantly evolving around him. The residents of Letterkenny belong to one of three groups: Hicks, Skids, and Hockey Players. The three groups are constantly feuding with each other over seemingly trivial matters; often ending with someone getting their @ss kicked.

“There’s talk of a TV show which is nice so long as there’s a firm handshake and no huggin’,” said Wayne, resident Letterkenny hick.

“LETTERKENNY is raw, authentic and unlike anything we've seen before,” said Mike Cosentino, Senior Vice-President, Programming, CTV Networks and CraveTV. “It's a perfect first commission for the service and will no doubt be a standout in CraveTV’s popular Comedy Collection.”

“LETTERKENNY has enormous potential as a flagship series for The Comedy Network,” said Tracey Pearce, Senior Vice-President, Specialty and Pay, Bell Media. “We are thrilled to be working with Jared on another project, and delighted to join forces with New Metric Media and DHX Media on this one-of-a-kind series.”

“We are thrilled to be working with Bell Media, our partners at DHX and the creative LETTERKENNY dream team,” said Mark Montefiore, New Metric Media. “As both Patrick and I descend from a long line of Irish potato farmers and Italian patata farmers, respectively, it’s only fitting this is New Metric Media’s first series out of the gate.”

LETTERKENNY is produced by New Metric Media, in partnership with DHX Media and in association with Four Peaks Media Group, in association with Bell Media, with the participation of Canadian Media Fund, OMDC Tax Credits and the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit. Sarah Fowlie is Director, Independent Production, Comedy, Bell Media. Executives for Bell Media are Kara Haflidson and Bill Lundy. Corrie Coe is Senior Vice-President, Independent Production, Bell Media. Tracey Pearce is Senior Vice-President, Specialty and Pay, Bell Media. Phil King is President, CTV, Sports, and Entertainment Programming. 

MONCTON, NB, March 4, 2015 /CNW/ - Spotty music streaming during your dinner party? Wi-Fi doesn't reach your bedroom? Frozen screen when watching your favourite show?  Today, Rogers introduced ROGERS IGNITE™, new fully loaded Internet plans that come with unlimited usage, consistent reliable speeds ranked fastest in Canada by PCMag.com, along with subscriptions to Rogers NHL™ GameCentre LIVE™ and shomi™. Now you can surf, stream and share more on multiple devices in the home.

"Your family doesn't slow down, and neither should your Internet. We've redesigned our plans to give our customers unlimited usage options with consistent, reliable speeds so they can surf more, stream more  and share more without worrying about going over their limit or getting a spotty connection," said Robert Goodman, senior director, Rogers Communications. "If you're not on ROGERS IGNITE, you're not ready for what's next – super HD video streaming and even more connected devices in your home."

Since the first Rogers high speed cable Internet was introduced in Canada 20 years ago and 15 years ago in New Brunswick and Newfoundland, speeds and capacity have consistently increased to stay one step ahead of customer demand.  Since 2002, Internet speeds have gone up from 1.5 Mbps, to up to 250 Mbps today. Today, 50 per cent of the traffic on the Rogers network is video streaming, and since last year, customers' Internet usage overall has spiked by 60 per cent.

With ROGERS IGNITE, customers can choose from three Internet plans that are simple, easy to understand and designed for the light browsers to the ultimate streamers. Customers' Internet plans in Atlantic Canada also recently got faster download speeds, going up from 50 Mbps to up to 70 Mbps and 80 Mbps to up to 100 Mbps. All new ROGERS IGNITE plans come with unlimited usage and consistently fast download speeds up to 70 Mbps, up to 100 Mbps and up to 250 Mbps. Plans also come with the Rocket™ Wi-Fi modem that extends the Wi-Fi signal even further throughout the home.

For two years running, PCMag.com has ranked Rogers as Canada's fastest Internet service provider. SamKnows continues to certify Rogers Internet speeds as consistently fast, delivering 100 per cent or more of the advertised download speeds. Also, YouTube rates the Rogers network as HD Verified, which means customers can expect smooth playback when watching high-definition YouTube videos.

In addition, customers don't have to worry about their monthly service fee increasing for three years with ROGERS IGNITE TV and Internet bundles. Bundles include technical support from Rogers TechXpert™ Whole Home, Next Issue™, NHL® Centre Ice, shomi™, Rogers™ NHL GameCentre LIVE™, a NextBox™ 2.0 HD PVR rental, Home phone with unlimited North American long distance and the option to add Rogers Smart Home Monitoring for additional savings. For more information visit rogers.com.

TORONTO (March 4, 2015) – With green-gilded visions of striking it rich, Jade City miners in Northern B.C. are drilling headlong through unforgiving mountainous terrain in search of jade, as the demand for the lustrous gemstone continues to skyrocket – fueled by an insatiable demand from China. With fortune or failure hanging in the balance as the miners of Jade City endeavour to unearth million dollar boulders, viewers across Canada can catch a double dose of JADE FEVER, with the premiere of back-to-back episodes of the all-new, unscripted series airing Tuesdays at 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. ET/ 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. PT beginning March 31 on Discovery. The Bunce family are at the apex of the 12-episode, half-hour series, which takes viewers along on their rocky, exciting, and dramatic search to dig up a fortune in jade.

Claudia, her husband Robin Bunce, their hot-headed teenaged son Josh, along with Chinese-Canadian business partner Alan Qiao, have their hands full working two claims in Northern B.C.’s Cassiar Mountains, where their drillers are eager to hit an elusive lens of high-grade nephrite jade. The Bunces recognize their hunt for jade is a gamble replete with challenges: deploying equipment requires a 120 km overland trek over a dirt trail, through rivers, around rocks, and over mud – with no guarantees of striking the right rock. Tensions rise in proportion with the challenging landscape, and drama is par for the course as the Bunces try to rein in a motley crew of miners, son Josh’s rebellious streak, shrinking budgets, expectations of new investors from Beijing, and precious few jade finds. The only guarantee is that the miners of Jade City are in for a tumultuous season.

Highlights from the first two episodes of JADE FEVER, airing Tuesday, March 31 at 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. ET/ 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. PT include:

“Jade Fever”
When Claudia and Robin’s test drilling for jade comes up empty, even the company geologists can’t agree on a plan. As the drilling budget runs dry, the partners risk losing their financial backers and the whole season. But Robin has a hunch. Meanwhile, Alan arrives in Jade City and settles into his cabin.

“Got A Rope”
With spring snows melting, Claudia and Robin have to rush to get heavy equipment ready for a long, overland trek to a remote jade claim on Wolverine Mountain. Robin gets upsold by a local junk dealer who also offers to haul a vital bulldozer to the trailhead. But how much can they trust Scrappy Larry? When Larry’s army-issue trailer bends under the weight, everyone is left waiting along the roadside.

JADE FEVER is produced by Omnifilm Entertainment in association with Discovery Canada. David Gullason is Executive Producer and Series Producer; Executive Producer is Gabriela Schonbach. Stan Lipsey is Production Executive for Discovery Networks. Edwina Follows is Director of Commissioning, Discovery Networks. Ken MacDonald is Vice-President, Programming, Discovery Networks. 

TORONTO (March 4, 2015) – Bolstered by vibrant new series and a lift in younger audiences, new data from Numeris (BBM Canada) confirms that CTV’s Winter Season lineup delivers an incredible nine out of the Top 10 programs among the key A18-34 and A18-49 demos, eight of the Top 10 among A25-54, and seven out of the Top 10 programs with total viewers. With recent hit additions THE ODD COUPLE and MARVEL’S AGENT CARTER, the new recruits helped CTV nab an additional three spots in Winter’s Top 10 with A18-34, four spots with A18-49, and one spot with A25-54, compared to this time last year. Overall, CTV’s new 2014/15 series comprise five out of the Top 10 most-watched programs in the country with all key demos this winter. CTV has more Top 10 and Top 20 programs than all other networks combined with total viewers and all key adult demos.

Paired with Canada’s most-watched program THE BIG BANG THEORY on Thursday nights, THE ODD COUPLE is the season’s #1 new comedy as well as the #2 new series premiere of the season based on overnight audiences, behind only HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER. Last month’s premiere delivered a final audience of 2.6 million viewers, up 11% from preliminary overnight data, placing it just behind THE BIG BANG THEORY as Canada’s #2 comedy series this winter among total viewers and all key demos.

The second season of hit original series MASTERCHEF CANADA, which debuted following massive on-air promotion during the Super Bowl on February 1, is currently averaging 1.5 million viewers as a Top 15 hit this winter among all key demos, making it the #1 Canadian series on television. Also in February, SAVING HOPE continued its run as the #1 Canadian drama series this broadcast season among the key adult demos. Its explosive season finale was watched by 1.7 million viewers.

Still ahead, viewers can look forward to more must-see additions to CTV’s mid-season schedule; tonight’s premiere of cyber-crime procedural CSI: CYBER (March 4), new gritty drama AMERICAN CRIME (March 5), and Season 3 of the hit CTV original crime-drama MOTIVE (March 8).

Viewers can catch up on full episodes of CTV series live and on demand on the CTV GO app and at CTV.ca (visit CTV.ca to confirm local broadcast times).

“While returning hits anchor our schedule this winter, our new series are leading the way with younger audiences,” said Phil King, President - CTV, Sports, and Entertainment Programming. “Following up on CTV’s best fall season in a decade, our gains in the key demos with top new shows like THE FLASH, GOTHAM and now THE ODD COUPLE continue the momentum for advertisers and viewers alike.”

Canada’s Top New Programs, Winter 2015

Canada’s Most-Watched Programs, Winter 2015

March 4, 2015 – Ottawa-Gatineau – Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today required Northwestel to lower the rates for certain residential Internet services by 10% to 30%. Northern Canadians who are clients of Northwestel could see a significant reduction applied to their monthly bills by May 4, 2015.

As a result of the CRTC's decision, Northwestel will be required to reduce its rates for residential low-speed Internet connections over a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) named DSL Internet Lite and DSL Internet 2 by 10%. Similarly, the company's rates for residential DSL Internet services featuring download speeds of 5 and 15 megabits per second named DSL Internet 5 and DSL Internet 15 will be required to come down by 30%. Northwestel will not be able to increase any residential Internet rates until the end of 2017 at the earliest, and will need to seek the CRTC's permission before doing so.

In addition, Northwestel will no longer be allowed to charge additional fees to customers who subscribe to Internet services on their own, rather than as part of a bundle with telephone service. This change will also take effect no later than May 4, 2015.

Finally, the CRTC is taking action to limit additional charges for Northwestel's residential customers who go over the usage allowance already included in their Internet data plans. As of February 2016, Northwestel must lower its charges for additional data usage by at least $0.50 per gigabyte.

In 2013, the CRTC found that there was limited competition in the market for retail Internet services offered using terrestrial facilities. Consequently, the CRTC decided that it would begin to regulate, on an exceptional basis, Northwestel's rates for these services.

With this decision, the CRTC is continuing to ensure that Canadians in Northwestel's operating territory, including those in many small and remote communities, can participate in the digital economy and contribute to the North's economic development.

The CRTC will initiate a major proceeding in the coming months to review basic telecommunication services in Canada in order to improve access to advanced and competitive communications services for all Canadians.

Quick facts
- The CRTC is directing Northwestel to lower its rates for certain residential Internet services by 10% to 30%.

- These new rates must be effective no later than May 4, 2015, and Northwestel will not be able to increase them until the end of 2017 at the earliest.

- The CRTC is directing Northwestel to reduce its additional data usage charges and to stop applying additional fees for stand-alone Internet services.

- The CRTC is ensuring that Canadians that live in northern and remote areas of the country can participate in the digital economy and contribute to their region's economic development.

- The CRTC will initiate a major proceeding in the coming months to review basic telecommunication services in Canada in order to improve access to advanced and competitive communications services for all Canadians.

Quote
"Although we recognize the exceptional situation that exists in Northwestel's territory, we must not let these challenges hinder the development and affordability of telecommunications services in the North. Access to reasonably priced Internet services plays an essential role in the North's economic and social development. With this decision, we are reducing the gap between what consumers pay for Internet services in the northern and southern parts of Canada."
Jean-Pierre Blais, Chairman of the CRTC

TORONTO (March 4, 2015) The greatest hockey players in the game today will be descending on Toronto in 2016, and Sportsnet will be providing Canadians with some of the best seats in the house. Announced today in partnership with the National Hockey League and National Hockey League Players' Association, Sportsnet has acquired the exclusive Canadian English-language multimedia rights for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

The agreement includes television, online and mobile rights for the two-week tournament. All games of the tournament will be broadcast. Sportsnet will announce additional details at a later date.

“Without a doubt, this tournament is going to be one of the biggest and best events in 2016,” said Scott Moore, President, Sportsnet & NHL Properties, Rogers. “The country’s passion for the game has never been stronger, and it will be incredible for Canadians to experience this event on home ice. This world-class event will enrich our industry-leading hockey offering and continue our strong partnerships with the NHL and NHLPA.”

Returning after a 12-year hiatus, 2016 World Cup of Hockey will be played at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto in September and October of 2016. The tournament is a joint effort of the NHLPA and the NHL, in cooperation with the International Ice Hockey Federation. This marks the first time Sportsnet will broadcast the World Cup of Hockey. TVA Sports, Sportsnet’s French-language partner, has acquired the Canadian French-language multimedia rights, and will be the exclusive Francophone broadcaster of the tournament.

"The 2016 World Cup of Hockey will be a spectacular moment for our League and our players," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. "We know Sportsnet and TVA Sports will capture the excitement, the drama and every moment of what will be outstanding hockey for our fans across Canada."

“We are excited to reach an agreement, along with the NHL, for Sportsnet and TVA Sports to broadcast the 2016 World Cup of Hockey – a two-week competition that will feature over 150 of the top hockey players in the world,” said Don Fehr, NHLPA Executive Director. “Hockey fans from coast-to-coast in Canada will experience comprehensive coverage of the players participating in this best-on-best tournament.”

The 2016 World Cup of Hockey will feature national teams from the United States, Canada, Russia, Sweden, Finland and the Czech Republic, as well as two all-star teams - one made up of the top 23-and-under North American players and the other featuring the top NHL players from the European countries that aren't represented by national teams. In total, the 2016 World Cup of Hockey is expected to attract more than 150 of the world’s best hockey players from the NHL and internationally.

TORONTO, March 4, 2015 /CNW/ - The Lassonde School of Engineering at York University today launched a new $1.5-million challenge to become the first engineering school in Canada to reach a 50:50 gender balance.

"Achieving a 50:50 gender balance should be a necessity for every engineering school. It is the single most significant change we can make to improve engineering education in Canada," said Janusz Kozinski, founding Dean of the Lassonde School of Engineering, as he unveiled the Lassonde 50:50 Challenge.

"If we can get more women involved in designing and building the foundations of our lives – our cities, our health, our infrastructure – we will all benefit. Engineering can be and should be 50:50," he added.

The announcement takes place today ahead of International Women's Day on March 8 and during National Engineering Month, which celebrates Canada's achievements in engineering.

The honorary co-chairs of the Lassonde 50:50 Challenge will be Silicon Valley entrepreneur and philanthropist Sandra Bergeron and Katty Kay, journalist and co-author of The Confidence Code and Womenomics. Both are inspirational leaders who will be actively involved providing advice in developing the strategy for the Lassonde 50:50 Challenge.

"Lassonde 50:50 is the kind of initiative we need to give more women the inspiration to become the leaders who will shape future technology," said Bergeron.

The Lassonde 50:50 Challenge has been made possible with $1-million of funding from Pierre Lassonde. This is part of the $25-million he donated to establish the Lassonde School of Engineering at York University in 2011.

"We live in a world where engineers are wielding greater power and influence over our lives than ever before. We need more women studying engineering, teaching engineering and practicing engineering. Now is the time to act and for Canada to take the lead," said Pierre Lassonde, founding donor of the Lassonde School of Engineering.

Among the initiatives supported by the new investment will be the School's Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) chapter, co-founded by Lassonde students Manjeet Kaur and Rahma Shakir.

"Engineering schools need more women. It's that simple. We are absolutely determined to make sure more female high school students know that engineering is the right path for them and to give them every support they need to be successful," said Kaur.

Alongside this new funding, the Lassonde School of Engineering will create a brand new position of Assistant Dean–Inclusivity and Diversity – who will lead the School's commitment to the Lassonde 50:50 Challenge. The School will also assemble a team of strategic advisers made up of alumni, industry figures, students and academics to provide new perspectives on how to reach 50:50.

"The causes for the underrepresentation of women in engineering are multiple, complex, and call for a comprehensive approach to tackle the problem," said Kozinski.

"In addition to our new Assistant Dean at Lassonde, we will be working closely with independent experts from across many fields to help identify how we need to change, as well as seeking advice from engineering schools in Canada and elsewhere which have made progress on addressing this challenge," he added.

"Reaching 50:50 is a bold ambition. We are determined to get there however long it takes. This is just the beginning." 

– STAR TREK marathon of fan-favourite episodes curated by Space fans airs all-day, Sunday, March 8 –
– Fans invited to suggest their favourite Spock episodes on social media by using #InnerSpaceRemembers –
– INNERSPACE remembers the legacy of Leonard Nimoy throughout the week –
– All episodes of STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES are available on CraveTV –

TORONTO (March 3, 2015) – Space celebrates the legacy of Leonard Nimoy with a marathon of fan-favourite Spock episodes in A TRIBUTE TO LEONARD NIMOY: STAR TREK MARATHON. Beginning at 6 a.m. ET on Sunday, March 8, the marathon features 12, fan-favourite episodes of the classic STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES, as chosen by Space fans using the hashtag #InnerSpaceRemembers. The marathon, which repeats at 6 p.m. ET, also features segments with INNERSPACE hosts Teddy Wilson, Ajay Fry, and Morgan Hoffman, as they introduce each of the fan-selected episodes. Viewers who need more than 12 episodes to get their fix of STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES can catch up on the entire series on CraveTV™.

Leading up to the marathon on Sunday, INNERSPACE continues the conversation about the career and impact of Nimoy, as the hosts recall some of their own favourite Spock episodes and clips. INNERSPACE airs weeknightsat 6 p.m. ET.

Slow winter thaw means colder than normal start to spring for most Canadians

OAKVILLE, ON, March 3, 2015 /CNW/ - Bitter and frigid temperatures have settled in across much of Canada, which has many wondering when winter will release its icy grip. To provide an overview of what's to come, The Weather Network's meteorologists have issued this year's Spring Outlook, forecasting the months of March, April and May.

In line with the Winter Outlook predictions, most of Canada avoided extreme winter conditions until January. From the Prairies to Atlantic Canada, this cold weather pattern is likely to dominate through to at least the end of March with below normal temperatures expected. As spring continues through April and May, regions west of Ontario will start to trend toward near or above normal temperatures. Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada will continue to experience below normal temperatures.

"It took winter a bit longer to set in across Central and Atlantic Canada, but now that it has, it doesn't appear to want to let go," said Chris Scott, Chief Meteorologist at The Weather Network. "Spring is a transitional season where we typically see a variety of weather conditions so while it's expected to be a slow start, Canadians can rest easy and know that relief is in sight. We will turn the corner in April and get near seasonal conditions as we head into May." 

Large volumes of snowfall in Atlantic Canada and extensive ice levels around the Great Lakes and the Saint Lawrence River are major contributors to the slower start to spring and below normal temperatures in these regions. Flooding may be a concern for residents in these areas given the snow pack and ice levels, but the below normal temperatures predicted could allow time for the ground to thaw and may result in a slower melt, potentially reducing the chances of major flooding. However, given the variable nature of the season, The Weather Network will keep a close eye on any trends in the weather that could lead to flooding.

British Columbia and the western coastal region of Yukon will see a continuation of the mild trend experienced this winter with above normal temperatures expected for spring. The Prairies will see below normal temperatures in March, but should see a rebound to near normal in April and May.

Vancouver and coastal B.C. will see below normal precipitation while the Prairies, Ontario and Quebec are expected to receive near normal precipitation. Above normal precipitation patterns are expected for Atlantic Canada due to the active storm track and lingering arctic air, bringing the risk of heavy snow, rain and a mixture of the two.

Beginning at 6 a.m. ET on Tuesday, March 3, The Weather Network reveals the Spring Outlook to Canadians on television and at theweathernetwork.com/outlook. Then at 9 p.m. ET, Chief Meteorologist Chris Scott and presenter Chris St. Clair provide deeper analysis and insights on how spring will look and feel in each region.

For the most current weather information, tune in on TV or visit www.theweathernetwork.com or download the app when you're on the go www.theweathernetwork.com/weather-apps/mobile.

Toronto, ON (March 3, 2015) – Amaze Film + Television’s comedy Call Me Fitz capped off its final year at the Canadian Screen Awards taking home four trophies – Best Comedy Series, Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Comedic Role, Best Writing in a Comedy Series or Program, and Best Sound in a Comedy, Variety, or Animated Program or Series. As of today, the series has won an impressive 24 awards and Call Me Fitz has an amazing 58 award nominations at various television festivals and award shows around the world. 

“Call Me Fitz has entertained and touched audiences from coast-to-coast and around the world, and what a way to cap off our four season run,” said Michael Souther, co-founder, Amaze Film + Television. These awards truly belong to everyone who made Fitz such a success – in front, and behind the camera – so a huge congratulations to everyone who touched the project and made it an unforgettable experience,” added Teza Lawrence, co-founder, Amaze Film + Television.

Call Me Fitz winners at the 2015 Canadian Screen Awards are:
Best Comedy Series
Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Comedic Role – Joanna Cassidy
Best Writing in a Comedy Series or Program – Derek Schrey
Best Sound in a Comedy, Variety, or Animated Program or Series – Fred Brennan, Alexis Eskandari, Matthew Harrold, Allen Ormerod, Paul Shikata

Set in a used car dealership, Call Me Fitz focuses on Fitz, a handsome, substance-abusing scoundrel, who torments his naive co-workers, sleeps with any woman with a pulse and — thinks his life is perfect. That is, until he takes a customer for a test drive and she ends up in a coma. The accident unleashes Larry, Fitz’s ‘conscience,’ intent on rehabilitating Fitz’s battered psyche and the Fitz family’s sleazy way of life.
Created by Sheri Elwood (Defying Gravity), Call Me Fitz is a half-hour comedy series produced by Amaze Film + Television, Big Motion Pictures, and Entertainment One, with the financial participation of The Movie Network and Movie Central. Executive Produced by Elwood, who also served as Show Runner, the series was filmed in the Annapolis Valley region of Nova Scotia. The strong ensemble cast included Jason Priestley as Fitz, Ernie Grunwald (The High Life) as Larry, Peter MacNeill (Rookie Blue), Kathleen Munroe (CSI: NY), Brooke Nevin (Animorphs), Huse Madhavji (Saving Hope), Tracy Dawson (The Gavin Crawford Show), Phyllis Ellis (Three Chords from the Truth), Joanna Cassidy (Six Feet Under), Rachel Blanchard (Flight of the Concords), and Jonathan Torrens (Trailer Park Boys).
Viewers can watch all four seasons of Call Me Fitz on TMN GO and Movie Central On Demand.

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - March 3, 2015) - PATTISON Outdoor Advertising, Canada's largest Out-of-Home Advertising company, officially launched its annual Sketching the Line exhibition of drawings. As part of PATTISON's highly successful Art in Transit initiative, Sketching the Line is a unique exhibition focusing on drawings of commuters sketched by other commuters - a select group of artists chosen especially for this exhibition. It explores the creative process of artists as they capture moments with distinct artistic styles, then showcases their works in the public transit environments they travelled through.

The works of established and emerging artists, as well as those who enjoy drawing as a hobby, will be featured on digital screens in Toronto's TTC subway stations and Edmonton's LRT stations. Debuting on March 2, 2015, sketches will be featured until April 26, 2015.

Sixty drawings contributed by 10 artists, including TTC employee Marek Badzynski who has been sketching transit commuters for several years, will be shown every 5 minutes on digital screens operated by PATTISON Onestop (PATTISON Outdoor's Digital Out-of-Home advertising agency).

"Sketching the Line is a popular public transit exhibition that has been successful in bringing a range of compelling artistic voices to transit commuters," said Sharon Switzer, National Arts Programmer and Curator, PATTISON Onestop. "This exhibition explores the medium of drawing as well as the social context that the artists worked in, and the influences that affect their practice. Sketching in public is not only a useful tool for observation, it is a raw and immediate expression of the artists' unique vision. We are proud to be presenting Sketching the Line for another season and thank the 50 artists from 16 countries that submitted work for consideration."

Artists exhibiting their works include:

- Tony Yin Tak Chu (Richmond, BC), behance.net/chuyintak
- Marek Badzynski (Toronto, ON), urbansketchtoronto.weebly.com
- Deborah Dendler (Newton, MA, USA), deborahdendler.com
- Robert Guenther (Berlin, Germany), robertguenther.prosite.com
- Marie-Judith Jean-Louis (Toronto, ON), mariejudith.com
- Kathleen Newman (Edmonton, AB), nowismystoryinsketches.blogspot.sg
- Vincent Roche (Edmonton, AB), fatrasmagazine.wordpress.com
- Louise Wilde (London, UK), louwilde.com
- Nick Wildermuth (Brooklyn, NY, USA), nickwildermuth.com
- Wilfred Wong (Toronto, ON), typeizcrazy.blogspot.com

For the second year in a row, Movie Central’s series Call Me Fitz takes home Best Comedy Series

Don McKellar wins Best Performance by an Actor in a Continuing Leading Comedic Role for Sensitive Skin

Movie Central and Corus Entertainment supported films Our Man in Tehran, Pompeii, Map to the Stars, Dr. Cabbie and Super Duper Alice Copper earn 15 awards

 (Monday, March 2, 2015 – Toronto) Corus Entertainment’s Movie Central congratulates all the winners and nominees from this year’s Canadian Screen Awards. After an exciting week celebrating Canadian film, television and digital media, Movie Central is pleased to announce that its programming, original productions and supported films received 23 Canadian Screen Awards during the 2015 Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television’s ceremonies.

During the broadcast gala, Movie Central’s comedy series Call Me Fitz won awards for Best Comedy Program or Series and the Bell Media Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Comedic Role (Joanna Cassidy). The series also received awards for Best Sound in a Comedy, Variety, or Animated Program or Series and Best Writing in a Comedy Program or Series. In addition, Sensitive Skin took home four awards including Best Direction in a Comedy Program or Series, Best Photography in a Comedy Program or Series, Best Picture Editing in a Comedy or Variety Program or Series and the Bell Media Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Continuing Leading Comedic Role (Don McKellar).

“Movie Central is honoured to be recognized by the Academy for our Canadian films and series,” said Maria Hale, VP, Head of Content Distribution & Pay TV Corus Entertainment. “These awards are proof positive that Movie Central remains the home of the very best in Canadian content.”

HISTORY captures nine categories, including Best International Drama

Global News takes home four news awards

Global's powerhouse Rookie Blue captures inaugural Golden Screen Award for TV Drama / Comedy

Showcase's Lost Girl star Anna Silk takes Fan's Choice Award

TORONTO, March 2, 2015 - Following a week-long celebration of Canadian film, television, and digital media, Shaw Media's production partners and original programming took home a total of 23 Canadian Screen Awards (CSAs). The super-sized celebration culminated in theCanadian Screen Awards broadcast hosted by comedy legend and CSA-nominee Andrea Martin, throughout which Shaw Media scored wins across Digital Media andTelevision categories, including HISTORY's Vikings winning the coveted Best International Drama award.

"Shaw Media congratulates our colleagues and production partners on their well-deserved wins," said Christine Shipton, Senior Vice President, Content for Shaw Media. "With such impressive work across Canadian television right now, we're so proud that the amazing work by these talented individuals is being recognized."

Global's programming earned four Awards with Rookie Blue capturing the Golden Screen Award for TV Drama / Comedy and Bomb Girls: Facing the Enemy sweeping key categories including Best Dramatic Mini-Series or TV Movie, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series (Jodi Balfour), and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Supporting Role in a Dramatic Program or Series (Ali Liebert).

Global News secured wins across four news categories, including Best National Newscast (Global National) and News Hour, Global BC's number one newscast among core viewers*, capturing Best News Anchor, Local (Chris Gailus) and Best Reportage, Local for  its outstanding coverage of the Mount Polley Mine Disaster.

"It's an honour to be recognized by the Academy," said Troy Reeb, Senior Vice President of Global News. "Winning these awards is a testament to Global's commitment to great journalism and powerful storytelling."

HISTORY's slate took home nine CSAs, including five for the documentary Tales From The Organ Trade and three for Vikings. Tales From The Organ Trade's wins included the Barbara Sears Award for Best Editorial Research and Best Writing in a Documentary Program or Factual Series.

Leading lady Anna Silk of Showcase's fan-favourite series Lost Girl took home the Fan's Choice Award, as voted on by fans around the world. Shaw Media also celebrates Rookie Blue's co-creator, executive producer and showrunner Tassie Cameron on receiving the prestigious Margaret Collier Award for her significant body of work as a writer. The award was presented earlier in the week by Shaw Media's Christine Shipton.

– With 53 television awards overall, Bell Media productions win Best Drama, Best Comedy, Best Reality Series, Best Web Series, and Best Feature-Length Documentary –

– Space’s ORPHAN BLACK wins another two awards Sunday, bringing its award total to 10, the most of any program –

– CTV’s THE AMAZING RACE CANADA and The Movie Network’s CALL ME FITZ each win two additional awards –

– CTV News’ overall award count moves to four, as Lisa LaFlamme named Best National News Anchor for the second year in a row –

– Five films supported by Bell Media win 15 awards –

TORONTO (March 2, 2015) – Bell Media congratulates its production partners and internal team members on another successful showing at the Canadian Screen Awards. Demonstrating yet again its leadership in Canadian television programming, Bell Media and its partners captured 10 of the 14 television awards handed out at last night’s closing gala, including Best Drama (ORPHAN BLACK), Best Comedy (CALL ME FITZ), Best Reality Series (THE AMAZING RACE CANADA), and Best Web Series (SPACE RIDERS: DIVISION EARTH). Bell Media also congratulates Jared Keeso (19-2), Tatiana Maslany (ORPHAN BLACK), and Don McKellar (SENSITIVE SKIN) on their wins last night in lead acting categories.

The Movie Network’s Original Documentary SUPER DUPER ALICE COOPER claimed the Ted Rogers Best Feature-Length Documentary Award last night, joining Best Documentary Program winner OUR MAN IN TEHRAN, which won five awards earlier in the week.

Over the three nights of award presentations, Bell Media productions won 53 television awards, while films supported by Bell Media’s Pay TV services and Harold Greenberg Fund/Fonds Harold Greenberg took top honours in 15 film categories.

For the second year in a row, Space’s acclaimed hit original series ORPHAN BLACK from Temple Street Productions secured 10 wins over the course of Canadian Screen Week.

Insight Productions’ THE AMAZING RACE CANADA, the most-watched television program on record, earned five wins total, including two last night. In addition to winning Best Reality/Competition Program or Series, the series received the first-ever Golden Screen Award as the most-watched unscripted Canadian television program during the 2013-14 broadcast year.

In addition to Best Comedy Series, The Movie Network’s CALL ME FITZ garnered Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Comedic Role for Joanna Cassidy, bringing its total to four, while SENSITIVE SKIN added one more award, for Best Performance by an Actor in a Continuing Leading Comedic Role for Don McKellar, to bring its final win tally to four.

Additionally, Lisa LaFlamme, anchor of Canada’s #1 national newscast, CTV NATIONAL NEWS WITH LISA LAFLAMME, was named Best News Anchor, National for the second year in a row, bringing CTV News’ overall award tally to four.

On the film side, five films supported by Bell Media’s The Movie Network and Super Écran, and production funds The Harold Greenberg Fund and Fonds Harold Greenberg won 15 awards, including nine for Xavier Dolan’s critically-acclaimed and Best Motion Picture winner, Mommy. 

TORONTO (March 2, 2015) – A new Nanos survey for Bell Media released today suggests that Canadians by a margin of more than three to one would rather support Canadian broadcasters who have paid for the broadcast rights for the Super Bowl over the ability to watch U.S. commercials during the Super Bowl.

Survey Highlights
Support for CRTC Broadcasting Principles – At least nine of 10 Canadians support or somewhat support a series of broadcasting principles including the promotion of local news, and having a policy which supports Canadian companies’ ability to advertise to Canadians. These principles are on the CRTC website: http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/INFO_SHT/bdt10.htm

Broadcast Policy Approach – Canadians are more likely to believe that broadcasting policies should be applied consistently to everyone (64%) compared to being able to make an exception (28%).

Watching U.S. Super Bowl Commercials – Canadians believe it is more important to support Canadian broadcasters who have paid for broadcast rights (69%) over the ability to watch U.S. Super Bowl commercials (20%).

Awareness of Online Availability of Super Bowl Commercials – 62% of Canadians are aware that Super Bowl ads are available online before, during, and after the game while 36% are unaware.

How Many Complaints Merit a Policy Change – 28% of Canadians thought that if there were 500,000 or more complaints, the policy should be changed, followed by 19% who said 100,000 complaints merited a policy change, 16% who said 10,000 complaints, 11% who said 1,000 complaints and, 9% who said 100 complaints should trigger a policy change. 18% of Canadians were unsure how many complaints would merit a policy change.

View the full report at http://www.nanosresearch.com/library/polls/POLNAT-S15-T635.pdf

Tune in for all the fights on THE ROYALS, with an exclusive extended episode premiering on Sunday, March 15 at 10 p.m. ET on E! A just-announced special encore of the premiere airs Thursday, March 19 at 9 p.m. ET on CTV. To watch the fight preview, click here.

Round 1:
Mother vs. Daughter:  Sex, drugs, and posh partying! Princess Eleanor (Alexandra Park, HOME AND AWAY) knows how to push the boundaries, but Queen Helena (Elizabeth Hurley) is having none of it! “Royal Beaver”, and “Bored and Horny, FML”  are just a couple of the headlines and tweets sweeping England due to the antics of this Princess, forcing The Queen to hire a social media team to keep Eleanor in check. 

Round 2:
Mother vs. Son: Queen Helena has spent her life cultivating the image of The Royal Family, deciding exactly how the world perceives them. But when the death of her son leaves Prince Liam (William Moseley, Chronicles of Narnia) next in line for the throne, the reputation, and the crown, could soon be tarnished.

Round 3:
Brother vs. Brother: King Simon (Vincent Regan, 300) has everything only a King could have, and that’s everything his brother Cyrus (Jake Maskall, THE TUDORS) wants. When the King threatens to abolish the Monarchy, Cyrus will stop at nothing to save the thrown for himself – even if that means getting rid of the King for good.

Round 4:
Mother vs. Girlfriend: After one drunken hookup, Ophelia (Canada’s Merrit Patterson, RAVENSWOOD) and Prince Liam (William Mosely, Chronicles of Narnia) are the next Romeo & Juliet, with a twist. With no noble blood to speak of, Queen Helena will not allow her son, the future King of England, to date Ophelia, the daughter of the family’s Head of Security. “Be careful little girl,” the Queen threatens. “I’m not afraid of you,” Ophelia murmurs back. Silly girl, you don’t mess with the Queen of England!

For a complete series description and/or to download photos visit BellMediaPR.ca 

New Website launches during the Canadian Screen Awards

Toronto, March 1, 2015 — Audiences across Canada and around the world are invited to discover and share the wealth of Canadian audiovisual talent on eyeoncanada.ca, a new bilingual Website dedicated to showcasing Canadian feature film, television, and digital media. Created by the Canada Media Fund (CMF), Telefilm Canada and the Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA), eyeoncanada.ca is a user-friendly online property that celebrates the uniqueness and diversity of Canada’s thriving audiovisual industry.

Designed with consumers of Canadian feature film, television and digital media, like videogames, in mind, the Website features profile pages on Canadian productions—past and present—featuring trailers, official pictures and production details, including lead cast members.

Additionally, eyeoncanada.ca provides access to dynamic social media content so users can follow and join the conversation on their favourite productions or discover new ones. The Website invites users to share and engage in conversations through the use of the hashtag #eyeoncanada. The hashtag, introduced in 2013, is used as a reference by a growing number of supporters of Canadian content.

Updated regularly, users of the site will find new original content like interviews with cast members, producers and those involved in the creative process. The first set of original behind-the-scenes videos features nominees and winners from the 2015 edition of the Canadian Screen Awards.

As the Website continues to grow, users will soon be able to access curated editorial content from well-known Canadian bloggers/vloggers about what’s the latest in the Canadian screen-based entertainment industry. A newsletter will be added to allow subscribers to be the first to know about updates to Eye on Canada.

Helping to make eyeoncanada.ca a destination for Canadian content, producers are invited to submit their television, film or digital media productions through a few easy steps in an online form found on the Website or by clicking here.

A national strategy to engage audiences on Canadian Content
Eye on Canada was launched at the Banff World Media Festival in 2013 as part of a national strategy to promote Canadian content. It was developed to unite all initiatives surrounding the promotion of Canadian content and to resonate with various audiences at home and internationally.

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. – Feb. 26, 2015 – CBS has declared Wednesday, March 4 WORLD CSI DAY, and will embark on a global effort for CSI to break the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® Achievement for “Largest Ever TV Drama Simulcast.” The event will celebrate 15 years of the CSI franchise, one of the biggest and most successful in the world, and the U.S. premiere of CSI: CYBER. The current record for the largest TV drama simulcast was achieved by the special 50th anniversary episode of “Doctor Who,” which was broadcast in 98 countries across six continents in November 2013.

The global event will feature a worldwide simulcast of the CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION episode “Kitty” (OAD: 4/30/14), which aired as the planted spin-off for CSI: CYBER, the next generation and fourth series in the franchise. The episode will air in more than 150 countries at 7:00 PM, ET (12:00 GMT) and will be streamed in the U.S. on CBS.com from 4:00 PM, PT to 12:00 AM, PT. CSI: CYBER, starring Academy Award® winner Patricia Arquette, premieres that same night in the U.S. on Wednesday, March 4, at 10:00 PM, ET on CBS.

In celebration of WORLD CSI DAY and the CSI franchise, special collectors’ edition art was commissioned to commemorate each of the series in the franchise, which will take over the shows’ Facebook accounts, which reach more than 30 million fans worldwide, and their Twitter accounts, which have more than 800,000 followers worldwide, and be prominently featured on CBS.com.

CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION premiered in the fall of 2000 with big ratings, ground-breaking production values and a storytelling form that influenced a generation of crime dramas. The series ranked as television’s #1 drama for seven seasons and became a global phenomenon, earning the title of the “most-watched show in the world” on six separate occasions, most recently in 2012. CSI has also developed into a major franchise for CBS, spawning three television spin-offs, books, video games and “CSI: The Experience,” an interactive educational exhibit about forensic science that travels around the world.

“When CSI premiered, I had no idea it would become the sensational global franchise it is today,” said Anthony Zuiker, creator of the CSI franchise and co-creator and executive producer of CSI: CYBER. “CSI has taken on Las Vegas, Miami, New York and now, with CSI: CYBER, we dive into the vast world of cyber crime, where we can instantly be connected to anyone, anywhere in the world at any time. I can’t think of a better way to kick off CSI: CYBER and celebrate 15 years of international success than with a worldwide simulcast.”

“CSI blazed a trail when it introduced the world to ‘feature’ television with its unique storytelling and innovative production values,” said Nina Tassler, Chairman, CBS Entertainment. “This groundbreaking show introduced the field of forensics into the cultural zeitgeist, and it’s a tribute to the vibrancy of the franchise that 15 years later, it can evolve yet again and dive into the cutting-edge field of cyber crime with CSI: CYBER.”

“CSI has taught us over the years the evidence does not lie,” stated David Stapf, President CBS Television Studios. “The kind of success the franchise has accomplished is a feat achieved by few and we are so proud of the cultural impact it has made, not just in the U.S., but around the globe.”

“The CSI franchise has been a center piece of television schedules around the world for the past 15 years,” said Armando Nuñez, President and Chief Executive Officer, CBS Global Distribution Group. “We are thrilled to celebrate this anniversary through a global simulcast event, supported by the licensees who have made the original series such a powerful brand in their markets.”

TORONTO (February 27, 2015) – TSN is Canada’s go-to destination for news and analysis surrounding NHL Trade Deadline Day during TRADECENTRE (#TradeCentre) – TSN’s signature 10-hour event. The industry’s most-watched and most-trusted source for hockey news and analysis, TRADECENTRE airs Monday, March 2 beginning at 8 a.m. ET on TSN. For fans at work or on-the-go, the entire broadcast will be available via live stream on TSN GO, TSN.ca, and on the TSN Hockey app.

Led by host James Duthie, TSN’s Hockey Insiders and experts are Canada’s most-trusted source for hockey news and information. For TRADECENTRE, they are joined by former Toronto Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson, who contributes his analysis to the Deadline Panel. TSN’s live broadcast of TRADECENTRE is complemented by comprehensive coverage of NHL Trade Deadline Day across digital and radio platforms.

New this year, two-time Stanley Cup champion Dustin Penner joins TSN’s own Cabral “Cabbie” Richards to provide a different take on TRADECENTRE, interacting on social media with NHL players and hockey fans. Penner and Cabbie explore the trending topics of Deadline Day, create their own original hashtags, and debut a special episode of Los Angeles Kings parody the “Dewy Show” presented by BarDown.

TSN was the first broadcaster to deliver comprehensive, full-day coverage of NHL Trade Deadline Day, beginning in 2000. Each year, Canadians overwhelmingly make TRADECENTRE their #1 choice for hockey news and analysis.

This year’s TRADECENTRE is sponsored by Tim Hortons, which will be featured prominently throughout TSN’s 10 consecutive hours of live coverage.

Broadcast Team
Host James Duthie leads TSN’s all-star roster of Hockey Insiders and experts through 10 hours of in-depth hockey talk.

Throughout the day, TRADECENTRE delivers breaking news and instant analysis of each transaction, interviews with NHL players, coaches, and general managers, along with frequent reports from SPORTSCENTRE’s Bureau Reporters on-site with 10 NHL teams, including every Canadian team.

The TRADECENTRE broadcast team:
Host: James Duthie
Trade Breaker Desk: Bob McKenzie, Darren Dreger, Pierre LeBrun, and Gord Miller
Instant Analysis Panel: Aaron Ward, Ray Ferraro, Jeff O’Neill, Pierre McGuire
Deadline Panel: Darren Dutchyshen, Martin Biron, and Ron Wilson
Trade Bait: Craig Button
Post2Post: Jamie McLennan
TSN The Reporters Panel: Dave Hodge with Michael Farber, Toronto Sun’s Steve Simmons, and Toronto Star’s Bruce Arthur
Satellite Contributors: Gary Lawless, Francois Gagnon, and Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch
Social Contributors: Cabral “Cabbie” Richards, Dustin Penner
SPORTSCENTRE Updates: Jennifer Hedger
SPORTSCENTRE Bureau Reporters: Cory Woron, Mark Masters, Jermain Franklin,  Sara Orlesky, Farhan Lalji, Brent Wallace, John Lu, Ryan Rishaug, Sheri Forde, and Matthew Scianitti

TSN Digital
Fans’ ultimate digital resource for TRADECENTRE, the fully customizable TSN Hockey app delivers instant breaking news alerts, real-time game updates, video highlights, and much more from around the hockey world.

The TSN Hockey app and TSN.ca are the ultimate destinations for NHL Trade Deadline Day. In addition to providing live streaming access to TRADECENTRE, these TSN Digital platforms also feature the following highlights:

Trade Tracker – delivering real-time updates on every trade as it happens
Trade Bait – providing stats, cap hits, and other key information on potential trade targets
Trade Deadline Playbooks – displaying each team’s situations in terms of upcoming free agents, players with no-trade clauses, top prospects, and potential plans
TSN Hockey Analytics’ stats guru Scott Cullen provides his take on NHL Trade Deadline Day’s impact from a fantasy and statistical perspective

Social Media
TSN’s social media team keeps fans in the #TradeCentre loop on TSN’s official Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat accounts, with real-time updates highlighting both the biggest trades and unique behind-the-scenes content from the TSN Studio.

TSN covers TRADECENTRE on Snapchat for the first time ever, sharing exclusive photo and video content from the TSN Studio, as the network’s team of Hockey Insiders and experts breaks down the day’s biggest deals.

Fans can also follow along and interact on digital platform Hubub, a unique social site for exploring and discussing interests. By visiting Hubub.com/TradeCentre, fans can integrate their own discussions with TSN’s comprehensive coverage of Deadline Day.

TSN Radio
For in-depth local coverage of TRADECENTRE, fans can tune in to TSN Radio stations across the country: TSN Radio 1050 in Toronto, TSN Radio 690 in Montreal, TSN Radio 1290 in Winnipeg, TSN Radio 1200 in Ottawa, TSN Radio 1260 in Edmonton, and TSN Radio 1040 in Vancouver. Live streaming of TSN Radio is also available on TSN Digital platforms.

Each station features extensive coverage of Deadline Day focused on the local NHL team in their market. Throughout the day, TSN Radio stations will also pick up TSN’s live coverage of TRADECENTRE – with the television broadcast also featuring coverage from select TSN Radio stations.

(February 27, 2015 – Toronto, Canada) This March YTV is pulling out all the stops for a month filled with new series, movies and marathons, all leading up to three incredible, breath-taking live events that will make the channel the place to be. The channel has a lineup stacked with new episodes as well as two new highly anticipated live-action comedies. Bella and the Bulldogs launches on Wednesday, March 18 at 7 p.m. ET/PT and The Stanley Dynamic will debut on Thursday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT. YTV is also set to reveal a huge treat for viewers on March 20, when a major recording artist will perform live on The Zone. Details to come.  And March will go out with a roar, when YTV gives viewers front row seats to the most exciting kids’ night of the year, starting with the live pre-show Kids’ Choice Countdown hosted by The Zone’s Carlos and followed by the live telecast of Nickelodeon’s Kids Choice Awards on Saturday, March 28.

“We’re thrilled to be giving our viewers the most exciting March Break lineup in YTV history,” said Jocelyn Hamilton, Vice President, Programming and Original Prodcutions, Corus Kids. “Not only is our programming schedule packed with new series and episodes and great movies, but kids are in for a real treat with the adventures that YTV stars will take them on with Mucho Marcho Mission and the incredible surprise performance we have planned to wrap up the week.”

Viewers can also look forward to a new season of Numb Chucks and new episodes of Some Assembly Required, Max and Shred, The Haunted Hathaways, Henry Danger, The Thundermans and Nicky, Ricky, Dicky, and Dawn.

YTV’s 2015 MARCH LINEUP

March Break on YTV – Mucho Marcho Mission
During March Break, March 16 to March 20, YTV will the #1 place to be while school’s out with movie marathons every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET/PT and The Zone’s week-long Mucho Marcho Mission Starting Monday, March 16, Carlos and The Zone gang are partaking in a daily Mucho Marcho Mission in which they will each get to do something they’ve always wanted to experience, like riding in a helicopter or flying on a trapeze, and take another YTV star along with them. Mucho Marcho Mission will culminate on Friday, March 20 with an incredible live performance from a major recording artist. Visit YTV.com and follow @YTV for more details on Mucho Marcho Mission’s daily challenges and the exciting reveal of the international singing sensation slated for the Friday finale.

Bella and the Bulldogs – Premieres Wednesday, March 18 at 7 p.m. ET/PT
Head cheerleader, Bella’s life takes an unexpected twist when her amazing throwing arm takes her from the sidelines to becoming the starting quarterback of her Texas middle school football team, the Bulldogs. In this new comedy Bella Dawson, a confident, caring and talented teenager, suddenly finds herself fulfilling a lifelong dream but also having to navigate the world of her teammates Troy, Sawyer and Newt, without losing her two best friends, Pepper and Sophie from the cheer squad.

The Stanley Dynamic – Premieres Thursday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT
The Stanley Dynamic, a hilarious multi-cam sitcom centres around The Stanleys, a normal family with one big twist—one of their twin sons is animated. The 14-year-old twins, Larry and his cartoon twin brother Luke, navigate their first year of high school and try to fit in. Luke prefers to stay under the radar, but his ability to stretch his body like a wad of gum keeps him in the spotlight, while Larry’s love of attention constantly backfires and results in him getting into a lot of trouble. Luckily, the twins have the support of their little sister, their mom and their cartoonist dad who chronicles the family’s adventures in his online comic strip. Together the Stanleys juggle home life, school and work in a way that stretches their relationship with each other and the world in all kinds of unexpected ways.

Kids’ Choice Countdown – Saturday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT
YTV will debut its first-ever live pre-show leading up to the 28th Annual Kids Choice Awards, with The Zone’s Carlos reporting direct from the Orange Carpet in L.A. As the stars arrive The Zone’s Suki and Lisa Gilroy will co-anchor the show in front of a live YTV studio audience, along with appearances from YTV’s Duhin, Victor and kid contributors Miley and Ethan, as they relay the action and keep fans up-to-date with what’s trending in each award category. Audience members and viewers at home will be able to share their countdown moments using #YTVKCALive for the chance to be selected for customized social shout outs. Just in time for the main event, the preshow will end with the ultimate KCA moment, when one of the YTV hosts gets slimed!

28th Annual Kids Choice Awards – Saturday, March 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT
YTV will air Nickelodeon’s 28th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards live on Saturday, March 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT and the show will be simulcast on Nickelodeon (Canada). Multi-talented singer/songwriter and actor Nick Jonas is set to take the stage from L.A.’s legendary ‘Fabulous’ Forum. With four new categories added, this year’s new nominees include Iggy Azalea, Sam Smith, Angelina Jolie, 5 Seconds of Summer, Channing Tatum, Meryl Streep, Meghan Trainor, Chris Pratt, Fifth Harmony, Echosmith, Jessie J, Liam Hemsworth, Elle Fanning, Imagine Dragons, Kira Kosdearin and Laura Marano. Kids also picked superstar nominees Beyoncé, Cameron Diaz, Jamie Foxx, Ariana Grande, OneRepublic, Hugh Jackman, Bruno Mars, Nicki Minaj, Ben Stiller, One Direction, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Garner, Maroon 5, Scarlett Johansson and more.

MARCH BIG FUN MOVIE PREMIERES

The Pirates! Band of Misfits (2009)
Pirate Captain sets out on a mission to defeat his rivals for the Pirate of the year Award. The Pirates! Band of Misfits premieres Sunday, March15 at 6 p.m.

Wreck-it Ralph (2012)
A video game villain wants to be a hero but his quest brings havoc to his world. Wreck-it Ralph premieres Friday, March 20 at 7:30 p.m.

The Bee Movie (2010)
Barry the Bee develops a relationship with a florist in New York City, and as their relationship develops, Barry discovers humans eat honey, and he decides to sue them. The Bee Movie premieres Sunday, March 22 at 6 p.m.

MUCHO MARCHO MOVIES AND MARATHONS

Monday, March 16
Over the Hedge (2006) airs at 9 a.m
Madagascar (2005) airs at 10:40 a.m
Madagascar 2 (2008) airs at 12:20 p.m
Megamind (2010) airs at 2:05 p.m.

Tuesday, March 17
Scooby Doo 2 (2004) airs at 9 a.m
Aliens in the Attic (2009) airs at 10:45 a.m
Frankenweenie (2012) airs at 12:30 p.m
Paranorman (2012) airs at 2:15 p.m

Wednesday, March 18
Barnyard (2006) airs at 9 a.m
Open Season (2006) airs at 10:45 a.m
Surf’s Up (2007) airs at 12:30 p.m
Puss in Boots (2011) airs at 2:15 p.m

Thursday, March 19
Open Season 3 (2010) airs at 9 a.m
How to train your dragon (2010) airs at 10:30 a.m
Kung Fu Panda  (2008) airs at 12:25 p.m
Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011) airs at 2:15 p.m