1 of 1- ED1
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CBC promos on CTV (redux)
I know this has been discussed before where CBC has bought commercial airtime on CTV, but I couldn’t find the original thread…
This evening during SNL, CTV ran a promo for CBC’s Eurovision contest on which musical artist would represent Canada. Previously, CBC has bought airtime on commercial networks to promote the Juno Awards, and their “Make the Season Kind” Christmas initiative.
Last edited by ED1 (November 1, 2026 12:10 am)
- Radiowiz
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Re: CBC promos on CTV (redux)
As far as I know, CBC is only allowed to advertise "specialty" content and not regular every day programming.
As an example, I doubt CBC will run an ad telling people to watch Dragon's Den...especially during Shark Tank on CTV...even more so if Dragon's Den could be bold enough to air at the same time...
(or worse, to air an ad for Dragon's Den during the previous hour leading up to Shark Tank...hey everybody! Don't watch Shark tank next...switch over to CBC and watch Dragon's Den instead...
)
- RadioActive
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Re: CBC promos on CTV (redux)
I guess it's legit advertising and no one wants to turn down money in a fragile industry. But why you would accept something promoting the competition is baffling to me. Are they not allowed to turn down ads from the government-supported station? I don't think there's such a rule (as there is for politicians during an election) but surely they can find something better to fill those spots.
- Radiowiz
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Re: CBC promos on CTV (redux)
RadioActive wrote:
I guess it's legit advertising and no one wants to turn down money in a fragile industry. But why you would accept something promoting the competition is baffling to me. Are they not allowed to turn down ads from the government-supported station? I don't think there's such a rule (as there is for politicians during an election) but surely they can find something better to fill those spots.
As I said, it's not advertising that is head on threat to CTV content. It's "specialty" advertising.
CTV also has the benefit of advertising what will air at the same time.
Some people might record one channel and watch the other. So be it.
Like I said, what you WILL NOT see is an ad for Dragon's Den or any regular programming that is considered to be way to similar to what CTV has to offer.
- Shorty Wave
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Re: CBC promos on CTV (redux)
Here’s one for ya! In 1995, the CBC aired a series “TV TV - The Television Revolution”, hosted by and produced by Moses Znaimer of Citytv fame. As a result, the CBC ran promos for it on Citytv. I was working for City at the time and many of us were surprised to see a promo from a competitor air on our channel! Looking back, Moses probably insisted they promote it one of his many channels, which makes sense, but was practically unheard of in 1995. (Good series for its time!).
- paterson1
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Re: CBC promos on CTV (redux)
I haven't seen any since last year but CBC Toronto use to run ads for CHFI in prime time, and to a lesser extent 680 News. I always thought this could be some sort of contra or an agreement between CBC and Rogers tied into the Hockey Night In Canada agreement. And CBC promos appeared throughout the hockey broadcasts on Rogers. TSN and Sportsnet have a ton on CBC promo during the Olympics
- RadioActive
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Re: CBC promos on CTV (redux)
I know this has been discussed before where CBC has bought commercial airtime on CTV, but I couldn’t find the original thread…
This evening during SNL, CTV ran a promo for CBC’s Eurovision contest on which musical artist would represent Canada. Previously, CBC has bought airtime on commercial networks to promote the Juno Awards, and their “Make the Season Kind” Christmas initiative.
I hope they got their money's worth! Turns out, the CBC has had a last minute scheduling change to their Eurovision special, which will now air very late on Tuesday. The special, designed to introduce Canadians to the chosen five who will compete to sing overseas, won't air until very late - 11:30 PM.
That seems like an odd time to show it - most people will likely miss it when it's on that late, although they can see it anytime after it airs on CBC Gem. Considering all the hype surrounding this thing - going so far as to advertise it on CTV - it just seems like an odd hour to schedule it on the main network.
CBC announces new timing for Horizon Eurovision as CBC/Radio-Canada present Canada’s Eurovision Song Contest finalists