Book Television is a brand new digital television service, which will launch in Canada on September 1, 2001. It'll be all about books, writing, literature -- interview and magazine shows, footage of literary events, dramatization of novels, and writing tips for developing authors. With the best in television programming plus Web site content, Book Television will delight every literary lover.

How did it come to be? Well....

In Canada, a television service requires a license from the federal regulator, the Canadian Radio Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). To get a license, a broadcaster submits an application, which is reviewed by the Commission and supported or opposed by interested individuals, perhaps granted and then renewed every 5 to 7 years.

A license application outlines the full scope of the proposed television service, and indicates the ways the service will serve Canadian viewers. An application for a new or renewed license becomes something of a 'promise of performance' - a commitment between the television service, its licensing body, and the Canadian people who own the airwaves (and by extension the emerging digital television system, too). A CRTC license application must contain policy, programming, and pizzazz: a goal of the text is to make the reader want to watch the service being proposed.

As a consultant to Learning and Skills Television of Alberta (LTA), I 'blue-sky'-ed programming possibilities with television host/author Daniel Richler (now Editor in Chief for the new service), then researched and wrote Book Television's license application. I worked with Daniel and LTA's programming manager to determine scheduling strategies and programming possibilities, and tailored the document accordingly.

The CRTC received hundreds of submissions in response to last year's call for digital television service applications. The Commission awarded just 15 category 1 licenses, including one for Book Television. As a Category 1 service, Book Television makes certain commitments regarding Canadian content and public service and receives the right to priority distribution by cable and satellite distributors.

Currently, I'm researching the availability of foreign-language book programming worldwide. We hope to subtitle and offer the best book television from around the planet -- if there's sufficient top-quality inventory.

This was a very fun project! I got to exercise many of my strengths. Creative and strategic thinking. Expertise with respect to the broadcasting system and the services within it. Understanding of digital media. Appreciation for the kind of content that Book Television proposes to broadcast. Knowledge of television viewers' preferences. And an ability to appeal to those using deliberately up-beat language. (You'll see that the license application is written in a friendly, inclusive style, speaking of "our" ideas and plans for Book Television.)

Of course, every exciting new option I thought up and described has financial implications for LTA. The key challenge of this project was to balance the number and expense of possible Book Television initiatives with the fiscal imperative of a profit-making enterprise.

Book Television will feature English-language programs -- magazines and talk shows, dramas, documentaries -- that have the printed and published word as their base.

Part book club, part library, part mentor, Book Television and its Web site will be wholly entertaining, informative, and useful digital media.

Book Television will cover all genres of writing -- from classics to crime, kidlit to romance, political science to science fiction -- using every television format and dozens of web-based resources. Viewers will turn to Book Television for dramas based on books. We'll offer shows and news that feature authors, critics, publishers, booksellers, and readers. As a tier 1 digital service, we will launch with a minimum of 35 percent Canadian content and reach 50 percent by the end of year three, both as a percentage of the overall broadcast day and prime time.

Book Television -- also to be known as The Channel for Book Lovers -- will promote reading and writing to Canadians of all ages, interests, and literary capacities.

Book Television will program for readers from cradle to grave. We'll bring young children and parents together through books and reading; engage our youth with content based in their own genres -- kidlit/music/rap/spoken word; compel the dedicated older aficionado with challenging idea-based content; and offer literacy options to adult learners.

Book Television will also meet needs of emerging Canadian writers, providing them with funding, information, feedback, and exposure on our network and website. Our website will be a digital drop-in centre for writers and readers of all interests, as well as a venue to market and promote literature, books, reading, and literacy.

Book Television and its Web site will create a virtual Canadian community devoted to the pleasures of the written word.

What's New • Contact Me • Home

E-mail Kathleen • Privacy Statement • Site Map

No part herein may be reproduced, modified or used in any way without explicit written permission.

Web site design and maintenance • All Rights Reserved
Copyright © Jocey Designs, 2001-2008