The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has authorized performing arts-focused broadcast and streaming platform Stageview.TV for distribution within Canada.

The CRTC added it to its list of non-Canadian programming services and stations authorized for distribution. The independent streaming service, from Stratford, Ont.-based Stageview Media, first launched in beta stage as an SVOD platform in 2021, with help from streaming consultancy firm Grace Street Media. In October 2023 it was certified by the Canadian Audio-Visual Certification Office, allowing it to trigger federal tax credits for Canadian productions.

Craig Thompson, Stageview president and CEO, told Playback Daily that with the broadcast license getting the go-ahead from the CRTC on Feb. 20, the platform is now in “advanced discussions with Canada’s major BDUs” with plans to officially launch the channel in September. Thompson is also the CEO of Stratford-based prodco Ballinran Entertainment.

In terms of its digital offering, Stageview.TV will comprise subscription-based streaming and FAST channels. Regarding its FAST plans, Stageview.TV is looking at partnering with includes Roku, LG, Samsung and Pluto TV to coincide with the September launch. The company is also developing an app for its SVOD offering.

The current plan is to launch with a library of approximately 600 hours of existing content for the SVOD platform, of which 200 to 250 hours will also go to FAST channels. Programming will encompass arts-focused documentaries, acquired fiction films as well as theatre, opera, dance and classical music performances. The platform’s growth strategy, according to Thompson, is to generate enough revenue to commission original factual productions from Canadian producers and arts organizations.

Stageview.TV’s board of directors includes actor, director and producer Megan Follows; Oscar-nominated filmmaker Deepa Mehta; filmmaker and journalist Peter Raymont; and executive producer Brad Pelman.

In January, Ballinran proposed the construction of a more than 33,000 square-foot film and television production facility in Stratford under the name Stageview Studios.

Image courtesy of Ballinran Entertainment