Bell Media

What Bell Media does

Bell Media is Canada's largest diversified media and entertainment company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of BCE Inc. (Bell Canada Enterprises), operating across five integrated platforms: broadcast television (CTV — Canada's #1 network with 35 local stations — and Noovo for Quebec), streaming (Crave with 4.6 million subscribers), sports networks (TSN and RDS), radio (103 stations via iHeartRadio Canada under license from iHeartMedia), digital properties (25 million monthly visitors, 548 million monthly page views, 75% reach of Canadian internet users), and out-of-home advertising (Astral in 50+ markets and 4 airports, expanded via the C$410 million acquisition of OUTFRONT Media's Canadian business).

The company's technology infrastructure includes a fully virtualized production environment built on Matrox Extio 3 KVM technology supporting 17 systems across four control rooms with 16 Unreal Engine servers for virtual sets (proven during a 72-hour Montreal flood recovery), Connected TV advertising inventory integrated with TELUS TV+, the proprietary Bell Marketing Platform for omnichannel ad buying using first-party data, and AI-mediated capabilities including GeniusIQ computer vision for sports broadcasts, Shopsense AI for shoppable television, and Spalk multi-language commentary. Sphere Abacus, acquired in March 2025, provides in-house international distribution for original content.

Bell Media generates revenue through advertising (across TV, radio, digital, OOH reaching ~90% of Canadians monthly), subscription streaming (Crave at $11.99+/month with TSN/RDS and Radio-Canada ICI TOU.TV bundles distributed via Prime Video Channels), sports broadcasting rights and licensing (including the CFL six-year deal valued at approximately $500 million), content licensing and international distribution (via Sphere Abacus to HBO Max, Sky, AMC+), and brand partnerships/sponsorships (over 500 campaigns annually with advertisers including TD, L'Oréal Paris, Couche-Tard, and Lincoln). In 2024 the segment contributed approximately $3.2 billion CAD (13%) to BCE's $24.4 billion CAD consolidated revenue, with 1% year-on-year growth.

Name

Bell Media

Legal name

Bell Media Inc.

Website

https://bellmedia.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1960

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Bell Media is Canada's largest diversified media company, operating broadcast television (CTV, Noovo), streaming (Crave, 4.6M subscribers), sports networks (TSN, RDS), 103 radio stations, digital properties, and out-of-home advertising (Astral), reaching approximately 90% of Canadians monthly as a subsidiary of BCE Inc.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Broadcast Media and Entertainment

NAICS

Television Broadcasting Stations (51612), Radio Broadcasting Stations (51611), Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (51621)

SIC

Television Broadcasting Stations (4833), Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832), Cable & Other Pay Television Services (4841)

akta.pro primary industry

National General-Entertainment Broadcast Networks (MPABAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sports Cable Networks (MPABAFAD), General Entertainment Cable Networks (MPABAFAA), 24/7 National & International News Channels (MPABAIAA), Business & Financial News Channels (MPABAIAB)

Keywords

• Television broadcasting
• Streaming services
• Radio broadcasting
• Out-of-home advertising
• Sports media networks

Headquarters

HQ city

Toronto

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel

Revenue model

1. Advertising Revenue: Bell Media generates advertising revenue across television (CTV, specialty channels), radio (103 stations), digital (25 million monthly visitors), and out-of-home advertising through Astral network. The company serves nearly 90% of Canadians monthly.
2. Streaming Subscriptions: Crave streaming service generates subscription revenue with over 4.6 million subscribers. Pricing tiers include ad-supported starting at $11.99/month, with bundles available with TSN and Radio-Canada's ICI TOU.TV.
3. Sports Broadcasting Rights: Bell Media holds extensive sports broadcasting rights including CFL (60 games plus Grey Cup), NHL regional games for Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens, WNBA including Toronto Tempo, NFL, NBA, FIFA World Cup, Formula 1, NASCAR, and FIBA tournaments.
4. Content Licensing and Distribution: International distribution of original Canadian content through Sphere Abacus, Bell Media's UK-based distribution arm acquired in March 2025. Successful shows like Heated Rivalry are licensed to HBO Max, Sky, AMC+, and other international platforms.
5. Partnership and Sponsorship Revenue: Brand partnerships and sponsorships across platforms including TD, L'Oréal Paris, Cashmere, Giant Tiger, Joe Fresh for programming like Project Runway Canada. Media creativity services deliver over 500 campaigns annually.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Bell Media is Canada's largest diversified media and entertainment company, operating broadcast television networks (CTV, Noovo), a streaming service (Crave with 4.6M subscribers), sports networks (TSN, RDS), Canada's largest radio broadcaster (iHeartRadio Canada with 103 stations), and an out-of-home advertising network (Astral). The company produces original Canadian content for domestic and international distribution, generates advertising revenue across all platforms, and reaches nearly 90% of Canadians monthly.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Crave Streaming Service Crave is a subscription streaming service offering HBO content, Crave Originals, live television from CTV and Noovo, live sports, and awards shows to Canadian consumers. Available as standalone subscription and on Prime Video Channels.
• CTV Television Network CTV is Canada's leading conventional English-language broadcast television network with 35 local stations, comprehensive entertainment, news, and sports programming reaching nearly 90% of Canadians monthly.
• TSN (The Sports Network) TSN is Canada's English-language sports network covering CFL, NHL regional games (Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens), WNBA, NFL, NBA, FIFA World Cup 2026, Formula 1, NASCAR, FIBA tournaments, and more. Available via broadcast, streaming subscription, and Prime Video Channels.
• RDS (Réseau des sports) RDS is the French-language sports network serving Quebec and French-speaking Canadian audiences with coverage of CFL, NHL (Montreal Canadiens), FIFA World Cup 2026, Formula 1, and other major sports properties.
• Noovo Television Network Noovo is Quebec's French-language general interest television channel offering entertainment, drama, reality programming, and localized French content for francophone Canadian audiences.
• iHeartRadio Canada iHeartRadio Canada is Canada's largest radio broadcaster with 103 stations across more than 50 markets, offering digital audio content, podcasts, playlists, and on-demand programming to Canadian listeners.
• Astral Out-of-Home Advertising Network Astral is a leading Canadian out-of-home advertising network with presence in more than 50 markets and 4 airports, offering outdoor billboards, transit advertising, urban furniture, and digital displays to national and local advertisers.
• Bell Marketing Platform Bell Marketing Platform is an omnichannel, self-serve advertising platform for business and enterprise, leveraging Bell's first-party data for precise planning, activation, and measurement of campaigns across Bell Media's TV, radio, digital, and out-of-home inventory via Direct, Programmatic Guaranteed, and Private Marketplace deals.
• Sphere Abacus International Distribution Sphere Abacus is Bell Media's UK-based international distribution arm handling global sales for Canadian original content including Heated Rivalry (licensed to HBO Max, Sky, Movistar Plus+), YAGA, and other productions.
• BNN Bloomberg Business News Channel BNN Bloomberg is Bell Media's business and financial news channel providing Canadian business news coverage and market analysis.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1.5 million new Crave subscribers from Heated Rivalry
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability5 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• National Film Board of CanadaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 June 2026National Film Board of Canada co-produced The Anta Claus of the South Pole with Tonic DNA in association with Crave/Bell Media. The 24-minute alternative Christmas special is scheduled for 2026 release.
• Tonic DNAminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 June 2026Tonic DNA co-produced The Anta Claus of the South Pole with the National Film Board of Canada in association with Crave/Bell Media.
• FremantlecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 June 2026Fremantle partnered with Bell Media and Reel World Management to develop Thunder Point, a 10-episode romantic drama series based on Robyn Carr's nine-novel book saga. This follows the success of Sullivan's Crossing which was renewed for a fifth season and sold in over 180 territories.
• Point Grey Pictures (Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 June 2026Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg's Point Grey Pictures partnered with Bell Media and Lionsgate to revive The Littlest Hobo as a 10-episode live-action scripted drama. This is part of a broader creative and financial alliance first announced in December 2024.
• DAZNcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 28 May 2026CFL signed 6-year broadcast agreement with Bell Media, DAZN, and YouTube reportedly worth $500 million. DAZN gains exclusive Saturday night streaming rights and global broadcasting rights outside Canada and the U.S.
• YouTubecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 28 May 2026YouTube becomes CFL Premiere Platform Partner with access to pre-season games, CFL Combine coverage, and unscripted series content as part of the 6-year $500 million broadcast deal.
• CineplexminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 15 May 2026Cineplex partnered with Bell Media's TSN to broadcast select FIFA World Cup 2026 matches live in participating theatres across Canada at $9.99 per ticket.
• Random Order StudiosminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 April 2026Bell Media entered first-look and co-development deal with Random Order Studios (Jae and Trey Richards) to create globally-focused cultural content. The Office Movers sold to Sky UK for Seasons 1-3 with Sphere Abacus holding first look at international rights.
• WNBAcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 22 April 2026WNBA and Bell Media announced historic multi-year agreement making Bell Media official media partner for broadcasting WNBA games in Canada starting 2026. TSN covers Toronto Tempo games, regular-season matchups, All-Star, Playoffs, Finals, and Draft.
• Formula 1coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 21 April 2026Bell introduced Bell GPCanada as unified brand identity for official promoter of Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada. Bell operates as owner, promoter, and official broadcaster through TSN, RDS, CTV, and Crave.
• Ticker TakeminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 April 2026Ticker Take, a creator-driven financial media network, partnered with Bell Media for BNN Bloomberg distribution. The network surpassed 3 billion total views since launching in October 2024.
• NBCUniversal Global TV DistributioncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 13 April 2026Bell Media acquired Saturday Night Live from NBCUniversal for exclusive Canadian simulcast on CTV and Crave, plus on-demand access and library content. SNL is the #1 non-scripted series among Adults 18-49 in Canada.
• Ottawa SenatorscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 7 April 2026Ottawa Senators and Bell Media renewed regional broadcast deal for TSN and RDS in English and French, including radio on TSN Radio 1200 and regional streaming options in Eastern Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada. Extended through 12 years.
• Shopsense AIcoreTechnology or Integration · 20 February 2026Shopsense AI and Bell Media expanded content-to-commerce partnership, making Bell Media the only Canadian media company offering shoppable television at scale. Revlon's Elizabeth Arden activation delivered 339% sales increase.
• Radio-CanadacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 December 2025Bell Media and Radio-Canada launched Crave + ICI TOU.TV EXTRA subscription bundle offering broader content access across languages at a lower combined price.
• Loblaw AdvancecoreTechnology or Integration · 3 December 2025Bell Media and Loblaw Advance launched first-to-market closed-loop measurement solution combining linear TV and Connected TV inventory with verified purchase data using Environics Analytics' privacy-compliant clean room environment.
• FIBAcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 November 2025FIBA agreed to multi-year exclusive broadcast partnership with Bell Media's TSN and RDS networks, making them exclusive home of FIBA national team basketball in Canada starting November 2025. Covers Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 and Basketball World Cup 2027.
• TubicoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 24 October 2025Bell Media and Tubi announced long-term strategic partnership: Bell Media is exclusive Canadian sales partner for Tubi, Bell Media's FAST channels (CTV News, TSN, Corner Gas Channel) launch on Tubi, and co-development of original content for global distribution.
• Montreal CanadienscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 14 October 2025Montreal Canadiens regional broadcast rights extended in new long-term deal with Bell Media's TSN and RDS, including 50 games on TSN and 45 on RDS each season in Quebec and Atlantic Canada.
• iHeartMediacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 12 September 2025Bell Media extended iHeartRadio licensing agreement to continue operating iHeartRadio in Canada, expanding digital audio offerings and introducing new features for Canadian listeners.
• Blink49 StudioscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2025Bell Media invested in Blink49 Studios and entered production and distribution agreement to support the company's growth in scripted and unscripted content. Blink49 has produced multiple Crave Originals including YAGA.
• Sphere AbacuscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 March 2025Bell Media acquired UK-based Sphere Abacus in March 2025, establishing its own international distribution capability to shop Canadian content globally. Sphere Abacus secured Heated Rivalry distribution deals with HBO Max, Sky, and Movistar Plus+.
• NASCARcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 17 January 2025NASCAR and Bell Media expanded decades-long partnership to make Bell Media exclusive home of all three NASCAR national series (Cup, Xfinity, Craftsman Truck) across linear and digital platforms. NASCAR is Bell Media's largest international market.
• OUTFRONT Media Inc.coreOthers · 10 June 2024OUTFRONT Media sold its Canadian outdoor advertising business to Bell Media for C$410 million in cash, strengthening Bell Media's out-of-home advertising position through its Astral network.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• iHeartMedia: iHeartMedia is the U.S. radio broadcaster whose iHeartRadio platform Bell Media licenses for its Canadian radio operations (103 stations). As the U.S. radio market leader, iHeartMedia is a direct comparable for Bell Media's radio broadcasting business and digital audio strategy.
• CBC/Radio-Canada: CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's public broadcaster, operating CBC Television and Radio-Canada along with the ICI TOU.TV streaming service. While publicly funded, it competes with Bell Media in Canadian content production, news broadcasting, and now directly via the new Crave + ICI TOU.TV EXTRA bundle.
• Rogers Media: Rogers Media is Bell Media's closest direct competitor in Canada, operating Citytv and OMNI television networks, Sportsnet (competing with TSN), multiple radio stations, and the Toronto Blue Jays. It shares the same Canadian broadcast, sports rights, and advertising market structure as Bell Media.
• Corus Entertainment: Corus Entertainment is a Canadian media company operating Global Television Network, multiple specialty cable channels (including HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada), and radio stations. It directly competes with Bell Media in Canadian television advertising and content licensing.
• Quebecor (TVA Group): Quebecor operates TVA Group, a major French-language broadcaster in Quebec competing directly with Bell Media's Noovo and RDS networks. Both companies compete in Quebec French-language content production, advertising sales, and sports rights.

Emerging players

• DAZN: DAZN is a global sports streaming platform that partners with Bell Media on CFL broadcast rights (Saturday night streaming) and competes with TSN for sports streaming subscribers in Canada. It is a focused emerging player in the sports streaming category that intersects directly with Bell Media's sports business.
• Netflix: Netflix is the dominant global streaming service competing directly with Crave in Canadian subscription streaming, and is the primary peer benchmark Bell Media aims to emulate with its original content strategy (e.g., Heated Rivalry). It is an emerging competitor to traditional broadcasters globally, including Bell Media.

Broad incumbents

• Warner Bros. Discovery: Warner Bros. Discovery is a broad incumbent global media company providing content (HBO) and networks (CNN, Discovery) that Bell Media licenses for Crave. It is comparable as a broad-based media incumbent with cable, broadcast, and streaming assets competing for advertising and subscriber attention in the broader North American market.
• The Walt Disney Company: Disney operates broadcast (ABC), cable (ESPN, FX), and streaming (Disney+) globally. It is comparable to Bell Media as a vertically integrated media incumbent with sports rights (ESPN competing with TSN), original content production, and multi-platform distribution — though at much greater scale.
• Paramount Global: Paramount Global operates broadcast (CBS), cable networks (MTV, Nickelodeon), and streaming (Paramount+), competing in the same North American media space. It serves as a comparable broad incumbent with similar broadcasting, content production, and advertising sales operations.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/bellmediapr

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A7 records

Investments2 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bell Media