The CRTC has okayed the purchase of Vancouver’s Channel M by Rogers Media.

The multi-language channel runs news, entertainment and lifestyle shows in more than 20 different languages, including Mandarin, Cantonese and Punjabi. It takes its place in the Rogers channels next to the multilingual OMNIs 1 and 2.

‘The expansion and collaboration of OMNI properties across the country provides Rogers with a national platform for ethno-cultural audiences and advertisers,’ says a Rogers spokesperson.

Rogers argued for the deal last summer, about the same time it was preparing to pick up Citytv Vancouver and the other Citys from CTVglobemedia. The Toronto media giant said at the time that buying the channel, previously held by Multivan Broadcast Corp., gives it a platform in the west to launch other special projects and initiatives.

‘It’s an enhancement of the local programming. There’s an opportunity for more documentaries and for maybe adding regional and national elements to the broadcasts,’ said Alain Strati, VP of business and regulatory affairs.

From Media in Canada