"Canadian Idol" is being put on the shelf in 2009, CTV announced Tuesday.
The program hosted by Ben Mulroney finished its sixth season this fall and remained a Canadian TV ratings monster, scoring an average of 1.47 million viewers in September. However, it appears CTV has elected to not produce the costly reality show in a year when advertising revenues are expected to drop sharply.
The program change would preserve cash as the network braces for a recession.
"As a result of the current economic climate, production of Canadian Idol will rest for the 2009 broadcast year," said the statement.
CTV said in a statement that it isn't cancelling the popular show. It noted that versions of "Idol" in Russia, Germany and the Netherlands each took "rests" and returned for another season.
"Idol" staff were told of the decision on Monday after CTV informed the show's producer, Insight Productions, that the program was being put on hold.
The network is retaining the rights to the series.
CTV's announcement comes a week after the popular "So You Think You Can Dance Canada" wrapped up its first season.
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