Canada tucks into Gusto TV

The founder of Canadian indie Knight Enterprises has launched his own independent food and lifestyle channel in Ottawa.

Gusto TV, founded by established TV producer Chris Knight, launched on Wednesday with a free preview on Bell TV and Bell Fibe TV, potentially reaching 2.4 million homes in Canada.

The female-skewing channel will target adults in the 25-54 demographic and acquire food and lifestyle programming from around the world for its Canadian premiere.

It has already acquired a slate of UK programming from BBC Worldwide. The 56-hour package will begin airing later this month and includes three series from chef Nigel Slater, Rachel Allen Cake Diaries (13×30’), Rachel Allen Easy Meals (12×30’), Rick Stein Mediterranean (6×60’) from Denham Productions, and season two of Indian Food Made Easy (6×30’).

Knight is known for his culinary and lifestyle programming, publishing and merchandising as founder of Knight Enterprises.

The prodco’s programming includes Cook Like a Chef, License To Grill, Edible Roadshow and This Food That Wine, seen in more than 170 countries.

The launch of Gusto TV coincides with the channel’s online presence, www.gustotv.com, which will be a destination for fresh recipes and tips, including special video content and web-only show material.