Canadian Trash, American Treasure: YTV, Nickelodeon, and the Production of Canadian Children’s Television Distribution

Abstract

Background: YTV was one of Canada’s most popular television networks during the 1990s. Despite its many contributions to a vibrant and influential children’s television industry during that period, research on the network is scarce. Analysis: This article analyzes the relationship between YTV, Canada’s first dedicated children’s network, and Nickelodeon, the popular U.S. children’s brand. It also examines how YTV was discursively and practically organized in relation to Nickelodeon in its nascent years. As well, it considers how YTV built on Nickelodeon’s production of its audience as “consumer citizens.” Conclusions and implications: This once dynamic relationship has come to favour the U.S. industries through the Canadian entertainment conglomerate Corus Entertainment’s transnational-vertical business operations.