This innovative television station contrasts dramatically with the CBC's formality. Housed in a beautifully restored early 20th-century building, it's a television factory where cameras are not hard-wired to studios or control rooms. Instead of formal shows confined to studios, programs can flow minute by minute from any working area in the building, including the hallways and rooftop. From this location, the cutting-edge company operates three channels: Citytv, a popular local news and "infotainment" station; MuchMusic, which is devoted to interviews with rock stars, videos, and live music; and Bravo, a 24-hour arts channel. ChumCity has 100 permanently fixed remote-control cameras, 25 mobile news cruisers, plus remote terminals at key locations such as City Hall, Metro Hall, the TTC, and police headquarters. The results air on "CityPulse" at noon, 6, and 11pm.
This futuristic, interactive TV station invites casual visitors to air their opinions and grievances. Simply enter Speakers Corner, a video booth at the corner of John and Queen streets, and bare your soul before the camera. If you're compelling or bizarre enough, you'll get your 15 seconds of fame on a weekly half-hour show, or in short blurbs on Citytv and MuchMusic.
299 Queen St. W.Phone: 416/591-7400 ext 2770.Free tours; by appointment only.Subway: Osgoode.