Alliance Atlantis Communications is expanding into the Internet and new media with the creation of Alliance Atlantis New Media.

As owner of four specialty channels – hgtv, History Television, Life Network and Showcase, with a shared interest (with Astral Communications) in two new French specialties, Canal Fiction and Canal Histoire – aac plans to spin off its programming to develop new content and products for Internet users.

Heading up this new division is Juris Silkans, previously president of Atlantis Broadcasting. Todd Goldsbie has been appointed vp of Alliance Atlantis New Media. Goldsbie has been with Life and hgtv in new media, marketing and development.