| Z | |
| Picture Format: | 1080i (HDTV) 480i (SDTV) |
| Owner: | Bell Media |
| Country: | Canada |
| Area: | National |
| Headquarters: | Montreal, Quebec |
| Former Names: | Canal Z (2000–2005) Ztélé (2005–2014) |
| Language: | French |
| Sister Channels: | Noovo CTV Sci-Fi Channel Canal D Canal Vie |
Z in French pronounced as /zɛd/ is a Canadian French language specialty channel owned by Bell Media. Z focuses on programming primarily from the science fiction, fantasy, and technology genres consisting of dramas, films, and documentaries.
In May 1999, Radiomutuel Inc. was granted approval by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) for a television broadcasting licence for a channel called Canal Z, aux limites du savoir, described as "a national French-language television specialty service that is dedicated entirely to science and technology, the earth and its secrets, space exploration, the paranormal and science fiction, lifestyles and computer science."[1]
Before the channel was launched, in June 1999, Astral Media announced its intention to purchase Radiomutuel,[2] which was approved by the CRTC on January 12, 2000[3] and closed shortly thereafter.
The channel launched on January 31, 2000[4] as Canal Z (often referred to as simply Z). The channel was renamed Ztélé in 2005 and a new logo was introduced. In 2006, an HD feed debuted.
Astral Media was acquired by Bell Media on July 5, 2013, making Ztélé a sister channel to the English-language science-fiction channel Space, while retaining its other sister stations. Disney Junior was sold to DHX Media, and MusiMax and MusiquePlus were sold to V Media Group, both deals occurring the next year.
As of August 25, 2014, the channel has been renamed Z.[5]
On August 16, 2023, Z and Vrak were removed from Vidéotron, a cable service serving most major markets in Quebec.[6]
On October 30, 2006, Astral Media launched "Z HD" (then-known as "Ztélé HD"), a HD simulcast of Z's standard definition feed.[7]