Canadian Network Nixes French Porn Channel

MONTREAL — The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) ruled that French adult content station XXL would be too racy to add to Canadian TV broadcasting. Canadian communications company Videotron had bid for its addition, citing a need for a French-language equivalent to Playboy TV.

The CRTC also found XXL to unfairly impede on Canadian adult broadcaster AOV TV, whose CEO said has almost the same content as is shown on his channel. Both XXL and AOV use content from Vivid Entertainment, Peach Productions and Adam & Eve.

In order for a foreign station to be approved for Canadian network sponsorship, the CRTC deems it must not compete with an existing Canadian channel and must adhere to CRTC content standards. Adult content must be broadcast at certain times and must not negatively depict women or perpetuate stereotypes.

However, the CRTC cited its reason had nothing to do with its content or its competition with AOV. Videotron's Isabelle Dessureault said it would have been too tough to have all of XXL's content screened by provincial regulators, and therefore could not guarantee that its content abided by CRTC standards.

"We did not have assurances from [Videotron] that [XXL] would comply with Canadian laws," CRTC spokesman Denis Carmel said.

Dessureault said she will continue the search for a French-language Playboy-inspired of channel.

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Brazil Launches Complaints Page for AV Violations, Other Issues

Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) on Monday debuted a portal where citizens can report possible violations of the country’s Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents (Digital ECA), which requires adult websites to age-verify users located in Brazil.

FSC Launches 'Speak Out' Media Campaign for Creators

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has announced the launch of FSC Speak Out, a media campaign for content creators to tell their stories.

Pineapple Support, Stripchat to Host LGBTQ Support Group

Pineapple Support and Stripchat are hosting a free online support group for LGBTQ+ individuals within the adult industry, titled "LGBTQ and Proud."

Pornhub Awards Fiesta: A Night of Music, Dancing and Camaraderie

The eighth annual Pornhub Awards transformed Los Candiles Night Club in Glassell Park into a celebration of glamour, glitter, fashion and fame Wednesday night, as performers, creators and industry insiders toasted the year’s winners and danced late into the night while Diplo and Midnight Mary kept the party pulsing from behind the decks.

Ukrainian Parliament Rejects Porn Decriminalization Bill

The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, on Thursday voted against passage of a bill that would have decriminalized the creation and distribution of pornography in that country — an activity that currently carries a prison sentence of three to five years.

FSC Launches Pride Fundraising Drive

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has launched its Pride Fundraising Drive to support its efforts on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community.

Cultpix Debuts AI-Generated Vintage Adult Films at Cannes

At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, B-movie streaming service Cultpix debuted a collection of AI-generated short films drawn from erotic magazine photo spreads published 50 years ago.

Ofcom Fines Youngtek Solutions $800K for AV Noncompliance

U.K. media regulator Ofcom on Wednesday imposed fines totaling 600,000 pounds (more than $800,000) against adult site operator Youngtek Solutions for failing to implement age checks and respond to information requests as required for compliance with the Online Safety Act.

Pornhub Launches Lesbian Site 'Pornhub Sapphic'

Pornhub has launched Pornhub Sapphic, a site dedicated to female and non-binary content and creators.

Brazil Invites Public Input on AV Guidelines

Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) on Friday launched a public consultation on developing guidelines for age verification mechanisms under the country’s Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents (Digital ECA), which requires adult websites to age-verify users located in Brazil.

Show More