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CBC, Bell Media, Corus Partner for Canadian Screen Awards

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, January 30th 2026 at 16:42 GMT by Toronto Star
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TORONTO - January 30th, 2026 - In a move hailed as a 'landmark moment' for the Canadian film and television industry, CBC, Bell Media, and Corus Entertainment have announced a groundbreaking partnership to jointly broadcast the upcoming Canadian Screen Awards. The collaboration, revealed Tuesday, aims to significantly amplify the reach and visibility of the awards, which recognize and celebrate the best in Canadian cinematic and televised content.

For years, the Canadian Screen Awards have faced a challenge common to many industry accolades: limited exposure. While critically acclaimed within the industry, the awards show has often struggled to capture widespread public attention, hindering its potential to truly showcase the wealth of talent and creativity blossoming across Canada. This new partnership represents a decisive effort to address that issue head-on.

The joint broadcast will leverage the combined resources and extensive platforms of Canada's three largest media companies. CBC's national reach via free-to-air television and streaming services will be complemented by Bell Media's diverse portfolio, including CTV, TSN, and Crave, and Corus Entertainment's network of channels like Global and W Network. This multi-platform approach promises to deliver the awards show to a significantly larger audience than ever before.

"This is a landmark moment for the Canadian Screen Awards and for the Canadian film and television industry," stated Helene Messier, President and CEO of the Canadian Academy, the organization responsible for hosting the awards. "By coming together, we are creating a bigger, better, and more accessible platform to celebrate the incredible achievements of Canadian screen creators."

Industry analysts believe this collaboration signals a potential shift in how major Canadian events are broadcast. The increasingly competitive landscape of streaming services and the fragmentation of viewership have forced traditional broadcasters to explore new strategies for maintaining relevance and reaching audiences. Co-broadcasting events like the Canadian Screen Awards allows these companies to pool resources, share costs, and collectively attract a broader audience - a win-win for all involved.

Looking Beyond Broadcast: A Broader Industry Impact

The impact of this partnership extends beyond simply increasing viewership. By pooling marketing budgets and promotional efforts, the three media companies can create a more robust campaign to generate buzz around the awards and the nominees. This increased awareness can translate into greater public appreciation for Canadian content and potentially boost viewership of Canadian-made programs throughout the year.

Furthermore, the collaboration could inspire similar partnerships in other areas of the Canadian media landscape. The success of this venture could demonstrate the benefits of cooperation rather than competition, paving the way for future initiatives designed to strengthen the Canadian cultural sector. There has been ongoing debate regarding the funding and support of Canadian media, particularly in the face of intense competition from US-based streaming giants. This joint effort could be seen as a proactive step towards ensuring the continued viability and growth of Canadian storytelling.

The Canadian Screen Awards are scheduled to take place in Vancouver in May. Details regarding the broadcast schedule and specific platform coverage are expected to be released in the coming weeks. Organizers are optimistic that this new partnership will elevate the awards show to its rightful place as a premier national event, showcasing the brilliance and innovation of Canada's screen industry. Vancouver, a significant hub for film and television production, will undoubtedly benefit from the increased media attention the event will generate.

The Future of Canadian Content in a Global Market

The increased visibility afforded by this partnership is particularly crucial at a time when Canadian content is facing challenges in gaining traction in the global market. With the rise of international streaming platforms, competition for audience attention is fierce. Showcasing Canadian talent and creativity on a national stage, and amplifying that message through a coordinated broadcast effort, can help raise the profile of Canadian productions and attract international interest and investment.

Analysts predict the collaboration could also encourage increased production of high-quality Canadian content, knowing that there's a unified commitment to its promotion and celebration. This represents a long-term investment in the future of the Canadian screen industry, ensuring its continued success and global competitiveness. The stakes are high, but the potential rewards - both cultural and economic - are substantial.