Alliance Atlantis has reached an agreement with Discovery Networks International to partner on its soon-to-be-launched Category 1 digi-channel Health Network Canada.

Under the agreement, DNI, the global programming distribution division of Discovery Communications, assumes a 35% ownership interest in the new channel, with AAC holding the remaining 65%.

The new deal will also see the channel rebranded as Discovery Health Channel, a move that remains consistent with the Canadian broadcaster’s strategy to launch only the most well-branded products among the deluge of digi-nets going to air in September.

‘By combining the strength and resources of the Discovery brand with our knowledge of the Canadian market and our ability to produce great original programming, we will be able to give our viewers a comprehensive look at the world of health and wonders of medical science from a Canadian vantage point,’ says Phyllis Yaffe, CEO of Alliance Atlantis Broadcasting.

Versions of Discovery Health Channel are currently available to more than 49 million subscribers in the U.S., Europe and Latin America.

The new Canadian version is launching in September, along with six other AAB digi-nets. *