I would think that "CP24" still has a lot of brand equity in Toronto, why mess it up. There's already a "CTV News Channel", so what else could you call it? If "CFTO News" still existed, Bell could have probably tied CP24 to that brand. 

None of the networks seem to have had the same respect Bell has with CP24 when it came to the local brands/call signs of our local TV stations. I kind of wish the local brands (CFTO, BCTV, CFCF 12, etc) survived and somehow were integrated with the network brand. 

I guess it comes down to if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. A bit of CP24 trivia, when they launched they decided to stick with 3/4” tape as the industry was trying different formats, like Beta SP etc. but things were a bit up in the air. They scooped up 3/4” machines for a pittance as a result and shortly after it all went digital, and they did as well.

I actually would be surprised if they ever changed it, it's so well known by now. But if anyone ever asks what the "CP" stands for, there's no real answer that makes sense.

I'm just commenting on the fact that when it was originally branded, it was because of CityPulse, which has long since disappeared. 

But you're absolutely correct. It no longer really matters and no one ever asks!

In the U.S., A&E stood for Arts & Entertainment.   They would carry more upper class programming like symphony orchestras, etc.   

Also, the U.S. has HN which stood for Headline News.   It was a branch of CNN.   There’s no news at all here just crime shows all the time.

My guess is viewers get used to a name brand and will go with the change of programming but want the name to remain.

newsguy1 wrote:

Most of the original specialty cable channels have lost their meaning.
Or they play shows that are very lamely associated with their original intent.
Like The History Channel showing old episodes of The Rat Patrol (well, it is about the Second World War isn't it?)
Or the Discovery Channel running Antiques Road Show --(well people are making discoveries aren't they?)
Or National Geographic playing "Diners Drive Ins and Dives (well, Guy Fiero travels to different national geographical locations, doesnn't he?)
OK I'm sort of joking but some of those channels have evolved into content that was not their original purpose.




 

It's been somewhat of a standing joke for years to watch execs of the History Channel claim that reruns of Law and Order or NCIS are in fact "historical representations of police work done in the U.S. in the early 21st century."  Similarly "Swamp People" which features a variety of Cajuns shootin' gators and other critters in the the bayous of Louisiana, is an actual depiction of "a hunting tradition that dates back hundreds of years." The breathtaking hypocrisy can sometimes leave one truly speechless.

and the CP24 bean counters will want to avoid the substantial cost that comes with a name change and all the work of switching from one to another on everything in the building and online

Last edited by betaylored (May 2, 2024 6:09 pm)

newsguy1 wrote:

Most of the original specialty cable channels have lost their meaning.
Or they play shows that are very lamely associated with their original intent.
Like The History Channel showing old episodes of The Rat Patrol (well, it is about the Second World War isn't it?)
Or the Discovery Channel running Antiques Road Show --(well people are making discoveries aren't they?)
Or National Geographic playing "Diners Drive Ins and Dives (well, Guy Fiero travels to different national geographical locations, doesnn't he?)
OK I'm sort of joking but some of those channels have evolved into content that was not their original purpose.

 

The Weather Channel - Now it's reality shows loosely connected to weather

HLN - Headline News, started out as a legitimate news channel. Now it's the crime channel.
 

Could it be that
Bell won't change the name of CP24 to Toronto24 because they don't want to be thought of as being only a Toronto news station. 
As CP24, everyone knows to count on it for Toronto driven news, but also news from all over. 

This is just a thought passing through my mind, and not necessarily a fact.