Bell gets Gusto

Gusto founder Chris Knight

Canadian broadcast group Bell Media has acquired the Gusto TV brand and will launch a food-centric cooking and lifestyle network this year.

The relaunched version of Gusto will feature food programming as well as shows on fashion, travel and lifestyle. Its line-up will include Canadian series and 4K content, with the channel marking Bell Media’s first foray into the culinary genre.

It joins Bell’s portfolio of speciality cable channels that already includes Bravo, E!, Animal Planet, and Investigation Discovery.

Bell has also signed a multi-year deal with Gusto TV’s distribution arm, Gusto Worldwide Media, for shows including A is for Apple, One World Kitchen and Fish the Dish. Gusto Worldwide Media will retain all rights for markets outside Canada.

Ottawa-based channel Gusto TV was founded by established TV producer Chris Knight in December 2013.