Named “Vanessa,” the French-language channel will broadcast programming with "themes of sex appeal, sensuality, eroticism and sexuality."
The CRTC, an independent commission that regulates Canada’s broadcast and telecommunications industries, issued the license allowing documentary and new programming to be broadcast, as well as dramatic and comedy series, animated shows, mini-series, made-for-TV films, variety and game shows, and public service announcements.
However, the terms of the license restrict channel operators to broadcast any infomercials or any “corporate or promotional videos,” limiting the advertising potential for the channel.
The commission requires also that Vanessa comply with "general community standards within the context of a discretionary service intended for an informed public."
The commission stated further that, “due to the adult nature of the programming, [it] may only be distributed at the specific request of the subscriber and that distributors are not permitted to package the service in such a way that subscribers are obligated to purchase it in order to purchase any other programming service, other than an adult programming service.”
The license also requires distributors to take measures to fully block the reception of both the audio and video portions of the service to subscribers who request it not to be receivable in their home.
During the application process, the CRTC received “interventions” from only two individuals who felt that adult programming “offends their sensibilities and goes against their personal values.”
There was no further information indicating a projected launch date when Vanessa would begin broadcasting.
