Space (TV channel)

Infobox TV channel
name = Space
logofile = Space TV Logo.svg
logoalt =
logosize = 130px
launch = October 17, 1997
owner = CTVglobemedia
CTV Limited
slogan =
country = Canada
broadcast area = National
headquarters = Toronto, Ontario
former names =
replaced names =
sister names =
timeshift names =
web = [http://www.spacecast.com Space]
terr serv 1 =
terr chan 1 =
sat serv 1 = Bell TV
sat chan 1 = Channel 627
sat serv 2 = Star Choice
sat chan 2 = Channel 528
cable serv 1 = Available on most Canadian cable systems
cable chan 1 = Check local listings, channels may vary

Space (styled SPACE) is a Canadian English language cable television specialty channel owned and operated by CTVglobemedia. It features science fiction, fantasy, horror, and paranormal programming including films, documentaries, scripted television series and more. SPACE often uses the subtitle "The Imagination Station" following its name.

History

The channel was licensed by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) in 1996. It debuted on October 17, 1997 at 6:00 p.m. EST, under the ownership of CHUM Limited, airing the film "Forbidden Planet", followed by a commentary on that film by author Robert J. Sawyer, followed by the film "Mars Attacks!". The Sawyer commentary was the first example of the interstitial materials — mostly produced by Mark Askwith — that have become SPACE's signature: short, snappy, mini-documentaries on science fiction and science topics shown between programs, collectively known as "SPACE Flow". Daily installments include "Space News" (formerly "SPIN", for "Space Information and News").

As with Teletoon and MuchMusic, Space was created specifically to prevent the import of a similar American television network, thereby maintaining Canadian content whenever possible. In this case, Space was introduced in lieu of Canadians receiving the Sci Fi Channel; it has been criticized for not carrying the same type of programming as its U.S. counterpart, although most (but not all) original Sci Fi programming eventually finds its way onto Space. There are some delays, however. For example, the popular Sci Fi series "The Invisible Man" didn't begin airing on Space until after it had finished its run on Sci Fi. It does currently run "Stargate SG-1" delayed from its initial airing on Sci Fi, and as of January 22, 2006, began airing the companion/spin-off series "Stargate Atlantis". There are some shows that air on Space that do not air on Sci Fi, such as such as "Primeval" and "Relic Hunter".

CTVglobemedia took over Space on June 22, 2007, as a result of a takeover of CHUM Limited.

Trivia

*The station is mentioned in Tanya Huff's book, "Smoke and Ashes".

Annual events

; "The Spacey Awards": Space presents its own awards called the Spacey Awards to the best in sci-fi, fantasy and horror films, television series and video games. Some of the awards are voted on by viewers and the others by Space.

; "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians": Every Christmas, Space airs Santa Claus Conquers the Martians, a "so bad it's good"-category film, as a salute to bad sci-fi.

Programs on Space

First-run programming

Original programming

*"The Circuit" - News and information as from the entertainment industry with a sci-fi and fantasy slant.
* "Behind the Scenes" - A look at the creation and bringing to life of various sci-fi series and specials, features interviews with writers, editors, stars and others
* "HypaSpace" - News and information as well as the latest gossip from the entertainment industry, specifically science fiction and fantasy genres
* "It Came From The Basement!" - A look at people's eclectic collections of sci fi related material
* "Shadow Hunter" - A series that focuses on the paranormal as seen by a ghost hunter (hosted by Darryll Walsh)
* "Shelf Space" - A look at and interviews with authors of science fiction, fantasy, comic books, and science fact
* "SpaceBar" - Late night movie "host segments" reminiscent of Mystery Science Theater 3000
* "Space Interstitials"
* "SpaceNews" - News tidbits relating to space, NASA, CSA and Earth-based satellites
* "Space Top 10 Countdown" - Space counts down what’s hot and what’s caught our attention in genre film and television, from superheroes, movie villains, aliens and killer cyborgs. Hosted by Space on-air personalities Kim Poirier and Jonathan Llyr.

External links

* [http://www.spacecast.com Space]