About

CTV history, coverage, features

CTV Television Network, or CTV, is a Canadian terrestrial television network that was officially launched on October 1, 1961. Headquartered in Toronto, CTV operates across Canada and in parts of the northern United States via more than 20 owned and operated stations and affiliates.

Initially, CTV’s owners had wanted the network to be called the “Canadian Television Network”, but were unable to do so following complaints from the public network Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. In 2000, Bell Canada Enterprises (BCE) purchased CTV and subsequently folded the network into its subsidiary, Bell Media.

CTV’s broadcasts are offered in English and HD (1080i). Additionally, CTV offers programming via satellite, cable, and digital streaming through its CTV.ca website and the CTV App. The network has covered several football tournaments since being acquired by BCE in 2000, in particular the FIFA World Cup and MLS.

CTV’s first FIFA World Cup coverage was in 2006 when the network carried several select matches. In 2018 and 2022, it shared coverage of both World Cups with TSN. Meanwhile, for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, CTV’s broadcasts of select matches and highlights over the years include the 2015, 2019, and 2023 editions.