Bell Media axes VRAK, the French-language youth TV channel based in Montreal

Bell Media announced Friday that it will cease operating VRAK, aFrench-language televisionchannel based in Montreal, as of Oct. 1.

The channel has been offering programming geared toward Quebec's youth for the past 23 years.

In a news release, Bell Media said"significant challenges" withinthe Canadian media industry are partially to blame for the closure.

"The regulatory framework with which broadcasters must comply is outdated and does not take current challenges into account," said theCanadian media conglomerate on Friday.

The company also notes that its competitor, Vidotron, recently announced its decision to no longer offer the VRAK channel to its subscribers.

"BellMedia must therefore reassess the range of programming offered to its customers to comply with its objective of aligning the offer with its revenue potential," the release reads.

VRAKgot its start as Le CanalFamille The Family Channel in 1988, distributed by aVidotronsubsidiary. It changed its named to VRAK.TVin 2001, was bought by Bell Media in 2013 and switchedits audience focus to the 13-to-35 age group in 2016.

"VRAK is a unifying, entertaining and contemporary specialty channel that has left its mark on several generations of Quebec viewers," saidKarine Moses, seniorvice-president of content and news atBell Media.

Whileending VRAK's operations was not a decision Bell Media wanted to make, "there justaren't enough viewers anymore," Moses said.

Viewers will be able to watchthe current seasons of on-air series until midnight on Oct. 1.