Astral Media

Background
Astral Media (also known as Astral) was a Canadian media conglomerate. It was Canada's largest radio broadcaster with 84 radio stations in eight provinces, and was a major player in premium and specialty television in Canada, including 23 specialty channels and two conventional stations. Astral also had a presence in out-of-home advertising. In March 2012, Bell Media announced its intent to acquire Astral for $3.38 billion. Although an attempt to acquire the entirety of the company was blocked under competition law, the CRTC approved a revised offer on June 27, 2013, which saw various Astral specialty channels and radio stations divested to competitors such as Corus Entertainment, DHX Media, Newcap Radio (later acquired by Stingray Group), and Remstar. The sale was completed on July 5, 2013. It was dissolved the same year as a result of Bell Media completing its acquisition of Astral Media. The new Bell Media had by then rendered the former obsolete. The new company machinery of the latter assumed some of Astral's television functions and absorbed some of its premium television services. Astral didn't use an on-screen ID until 2003.

1st Logo (2003-2005)


Visuals: On a wavy blue/black background, many circular blue and white light streaks are seen as a large "A" is seen moving toward the camera at an angle. The "A" then reappears in the middle of the screen, and yellow ring-shaped streaks cut out a hole in it. The words "A network of" above and "Astral Media" below appear by zooming and blurring. Several light streaks are then seen zooming in from behind the logo.

Technique: CGI.

Audio: A descending wind sound effect followed by a techno beat.

2nd Logo (2005-2007)


Visuals: On a black background, white streaks form the 2000 Astral Media logo and a byline. The background becomes blue.

Bylines:
 * English: entertainment for your world
 * French: pour divertir votre monde

Technique: CGI.

Audio: A one-note fanfare and whooshing sounds.

Availability: Check your old tapes.

3rd Logo (2007-2010)
Visuals: On a white background, we see a bronze-colored marble showing a town with people, trees and a dog catching a frisbee. The marble briefly becomes the globe showing North America before it becomes the 2000 Astral Media logo. The byline appears below.

Bylines: Same as before.

Technique: A mix of cut-out animation and CGI by Imaginary Forces.

Audio: A four-note tune. This theme has been done in synthesized, country, whistled, upbeat rock (reused for the 3rd version of the next logo), piano (preceded by a child giggling), bells and violins, acoustic guitar, pop, metal rock, soft rock, and disco. Composed by Musikvergnuegen.

Availability: Check your old tapes.

4th Logo (2010-July 4, 2013)
Visuals:
 * Version 1: On a white background, we see the logos for The Movie Network, HBO Canada, Mpix, Viewer's Choice, Family, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Teletoon, and Teletoon Retro appear rapidly in turn, one by one, followed by the 2010 Astral logo.
 * Version 2: On a white background, we see streaks of blue, lime green, purple, red, and orange form the "a" in the 2010 Astral logo. The word "astral" appears next to it.
 * Version 3: On a white background which quickly becomes the colors of the Astral "a", we see orange dolphins jumping (including at the beginning where a man jumps into a dolphin) and then disappear. The colors become streaks and form the "a". The word "astral" appears next to it.
 * Version 4: On a white background which quickly becomes the colors of the Astral "a", we see the people playing and then disappear. The colors become streaks and form the "a". The word "astral" appears next to it.

Technique: Depending on the variant.

Audio: Depending on the variant.

Availability: Version 3 was seen at the end of programs on The Movie Network, Mpix/TMN Encore, Family, and Disney Junior, and during commercial breaks on Disney XD, CFTK, and CJDC. This never appeared on Teletoon, Teletoon Retro, Cartoon Network, and HBO Canada, due to the former three of them being co-owned with Corus Entertainment at the time, while the latter is being co-owned with Bell Media. Check your old tapes.