CBC revamps doc channel, inks Sundance pact

Canadian public broadcaster CBC has relaunched two of its digital channels and inked a number of major programming deals with the Sundance Channel and BBC Worldwide.

It has revamped the Documentary Channel, which it bought from Canadian media group Corus in 2007, and inked a volume deal with Robert Redford/NBC Universal owned Sundance Channel for documentaries including The Devil Came On Horseback, the story of US military officers uncovering genocide in Darfur.

The channel will also air acclaimed nature series Planet Earth and rock music biopic Seven Ages of Rock after inking a deal with UK distributor BBC Worldwide.

Meanwhile, CBC has also relaunched its digital lifestyle channel Bold, formerly known as Country Canada. The channel will air drama, entertainment and cultural shows, 80% of which will be locally made.

Acquired programming on the station includes Sony Pictures Television International’s The Tudors, a Reveille production for US cable net Showtime, British comedy thriller Funland and FremantleMedia’s live music series Live From Abbey Road.