Rogers Media Receives CRTC Approval to Launch Citytv Saskatchewan

- New channel expected to launch July 1, securing expanded national platform for Citytv's original and acquired programming -

- Commitment to educational content continues with Citytv Saskatchewan's commercial-free educational daytime programming block -

- Rogers Media to invest in Saskatchewan-based television and digital production created exclusively by independent producers -

TORONTO, June 21, 2012 /CNW/ - Rogers Media today received approval from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission to acquire Saskatchewan Communications Network (SCN).  The deal is expected to close later this month, with Citytv Saskatchewan to launch on July 1.

Citytv Saskatchewan marks the first official expansion for the brand in recent years, as Citytv moves towards a national footprint for its premium programming.  As previously announced, Citytv will be expanding to the Montreal market, pending regulatory approval, and Citytv programming recently became available long-term in three key markets in Western Canada - Kamloops, B.C., Prince George, B.C., and Medicine Hat, AB.

By fall 2012, Citytv will be available in eight provinces and reach nine million homes.

Today's announcement follows the previous Rogers Media program supply agreement with SCN, which took effect January 2012, in which SCN airs Citytv programming from 3 p.m. to 6 a.m. each day.

"This is a vital step in the evolution of the Citytv brand, as we continue to aggressively pursue national distribution for our world-class content.  In this competitive landscape, it is paramount to expand Citytv's reach to better serve Canadians and engage audiences across the country.  We won't stop until we reach our goal of becoming a fully national network," said Scott Moore, President, Broadcast, Rogers Media.  "With its growing economy, Saskatchewan is exactly the right market for the Citytv brand and we're excited to grow this service and become an active and integrated member of this robust community."

Maintaining all of SCN's educational broadcast obligations, Citytv Saskatchewan will continue to air commercial-free educational content during the 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. time block.  Throughout the remainder of the day, Citytv Saskatchewan will air original and acquired Citytv programming, including Cityline, America's Got Talent, Modern Family, and the upcoming The Bachelor Canada, as well as Saskatchewan productions such as The Neighbors Dog, 15 Minutes of Fame, and The Edge of War.

Rogers Media continues to be a strong supporter of independent producers and has already begun working with the local Saskatchewan production community to produce content, giving creators a voice on both a regional and national platform across Rogers Media's suite of assets.

In addition, Rogers Media will offer Citytv Saskatchewan in High Definition to viewers within the coming year.

Citytv Saskatchewan will continue to operate out of Regina with support from the extended Citytv and Rogers Media family.

About Rogers Media Inc.
Rogers Media Inc., a division of Rogers Communications Inc., (TSX: RCI; NYSE: RCI), operates Rogers Broadcasting Limited and Rogers Publishing Limited.  Rogers Broadcasting has 55 AM and FM radio stations across Canada.  Television properties include five Citytv stations, five OMNI multicultural television stations, Sportsnet (consisting of four regional channels and the nationally-distributed Sportsnet ONE), and The Shopping Channel, a televised and internet shopping service.  Rogers Publishing produces many well-known consumer magazines, such as Maclean's, Chatelaine, Flare, L'actualité, and Canadian Business, and is the leading publisher of a number of industry, medical and financial publications.  All media properties are integrated with their own popular websites.  Rogers Media Inc. owns Rogers Centre stadium, a year-round sports and entertainment facility, and the Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club.