The summer has been hotter than ever for Canwest’s specialty portfolio as the channels experience exceptional growth over last year. To-date, Canwest has seen an impressive combined growth of 23% versus last summer.

The viewership increases can be seen across Canwest’s broad spectrum of specialty channels including staggering growth on the following channels*:

HGTV: +45%
MovieTime: +78%
TVtropolis: +33%
BBC Canada: +46%
SLICE™: +31%
National Geographic: +37%
History Television: +22%

Twelve of Canwest’s specialty channels are also enjoying their most successful Summers to-date. The list includes, Food Network, History Television, HGTV, SLICE™, TVtropolis, Action, Showcase Diva, National Geographic Channel, BBC Canada, DejaView, IFC and MovieTime.

“Canwest’s remarkable growth this Summer on the specialty channels is a direct result of our unwavering commitment to providing engaging and thrilling content throughout the entire broadcast year combined with the strength of our brands,” says Barbara Williams, Executive Vice President, Content, Canwest Broadcasting.” “We look forward to continuing this momentum as we head into one of the most exciting and jam-packed Fall seasons yet for our specialty brands.”

The growth is destined to continue into Fall with a slew of brand-new exclusive series premiering across the channels. Some highlights include American Pickers and William Shatner’s Weird or What on History Television, as well as Lost Girl and Burn Notice, airing on Showcase. Viewers can catch Top Chef DC and The Opener on Food, while HGTV is set to launch Selling New York and Home to Keep.

* Source:
Summer 2010-BBM Canada PPM data, May 31 to August 8, 2010 (excluding DIY and Global Reality Channel)
Summer 2009-BBM NMR Data, June 1 to August 9, 2009