Bell TV removes Sun News Network

Bell TV has removed Sun News Network, channel 213, this morning and is airing the following message

Sun News was removed from your satellite service on May 3 at the request of the owners of Sun News.

I contacted Bell and had an on-line chat with a customer service person:

Me: I have lost channel 213 message says the channel has been removed. Why?

BELL: I apologize for that inconvenience. Effective April 18, 2011, Sun TV SD and Sun TV HD are no longer available because the content provider has stopped broadcasting this channel. Bell Satellite TV will broadcast Sun News Network SD and Sun News Network HD in its place until May 3, 2011. After May 3, 2011 Sun News will be removed at the broadcasters request.

Me: Are there any plans to bring the channel back?

BELL: At the moment we haven't received any feedback from the broadcaster if the channel will still be aired. However we assure you that bell TV's programming management is doing everything in their power to provide the content of this channel.

Me: Thank you.

Update: This post has been generating some traffic here. Please let Bell know that you want your Sun News Channel back. You can contact them at http://support.bell.ca/ or by calling 310-BELL (2355)

Update 2: Sun News has posted the following on their Facebook page:

Sun News Network's Facebook notes

URGENT MESSAGE FOR BELL TV CUSTOMERS
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 1:45 PM

Since launching on April 18, Quebecor Media Inc. has concluded agreements with a number of cable and satellite providers to offer Sun News to millions of Canadians. We have tried, unsuccessfully, to reach an agreement with Bell TV -- the owners and operators of CTV News Channel, the Business News Network and CP24.

As it would be unfair to our paying customers for Bell to continue to offer the station without a fair agreement between our two companies, we have asked them to suspend broadcasting the signal. It should be noted that Sun News is seeking lower subscription fees than CTV News Channel, the Business News Network and CP24. As Bell owns these channels, it obviously gives themselves an undue advantage.

If you want Sun News, and we hope that you do, please contact Bell immediately to demand they offer the station. Bell TV customers can contact Bell at 310-BELL (2355) or visit www.bell.ca

We are hopeful that if enough Canadians speak out, Bell will again bring Canada's new home for Hard News and Straight Talk to your living rooms.

As a free and democratic country we are strengthened by more news media voices, not less.

Bell isn't the only game in town. You can get Sun News from the following:

Shaw Digital - Channel 177
Shaw Direct - Channels 149 and 517
Rogers in Toronto - Channel 15
Rogers in Ottawa - Channels 66 or 142
Shaw Cable Hamilton - Channel 21
Cogeco Cable Hamilton - Channel 16
Videotron - Channels 79 and 679