AMI-tv

AMI-tv
CountryCanada
Broadcast areaNational
HeadquartersToronto, Ontario
Programming
Picture format480i (SDTV)
1080i (HDTV)
Ownership
OwnerAccessible Media Inc.
Sister channelsAMI-audio
AMI-télé
History
LaunchedJanuary 29, 2009, 16 years ago
Former namesThe Accessible Channel (2009–2012)
Links
WebsiteAMI-tv

AMI-tv is a Canadian, English-language, digital cable specialty channel. Owned by Accessible Media Inc. (AMI), it primarily broadcasts programming relating to accessibility and disabilities. All programming is broadcast with accommodations for those who are visually or hearing impaired, offering described video (DV) on the primary audio track, and closed captioning.

It was launched on January 29, 2009, as The Accessible Channel (TAC), by the National Broadcast Reading Service (now AMI), the non-profit organization that operates the radio reading service VoicePrint (now AMI-audio). Initially, most of AMI-tv's programming were general entertainment programs, as well as occasional broadcasts of news and sporting events (the latter primarily including coverage of the Paralympic Games); these programs were acquired in partnership with other Canadian broadcasters and broadcast in its "open" format. By the 2020s, the bulk of AMI-tv's programs have been original productions, including factual, reality, and entertainment programming with themes relating to accessibility and disability.

AMI-tv is licensed by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) as a discretionary "must-carry" service; it must be carried on the lowest level of service by all licensed digital cable, satellite television, and IPTV providers in Canada. On December 16, 2014, AMI launched a French-language version of the network, AMI-télé, under a second Category A licence.