Disney Junior programming was originally licensed to Canada and launched on November 30, 2007 as a multiplex channel of Astral’s Family Channel. The channel was re-launched under the Disney Junior brand on May 6, 2011.
On June 27, 2013, after a previous such application had been denied in 2012, the CRTC approved an application by Astral Media Inc. to sell its pay and specialty television channels, conventional television stations and radio stations to BCE Inc., including Disney Junior.
It was a condition of the approval that BCE must divest itself of ownership of several television and radio programming undertakings, including Disney Junior. Pending eventual sale, the Commission directed BCE Inc. to transfer the interim management and control of Disney Junior to a trustee pursuant to the terms of the voting trust agreement addressed in a letter of approval issued 27 June 2013, by no later than 29 July 2013.
On November 28, the divestitures demanded by the CRTC moved forward with the announcement by DHX Media that it would acquire Disney Junior and Disney Junior (French), and Disney XD, along with The family Channel, and subject to CRTC approval. This acquisition would signal DHX’s first move into television broadcasting.
Written by Pip Wedge – July, 2013
Ownership: Bell Media
Start Year: 2007