Bell Media Secures Long Term Rights to FIFA World Cup

2011-10-27

Bell Media announced today it has reached an agreement with the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) securing media rights to a comprehensive soccer programming package from 2015 through to 2022, including exclusive Canadian broadcast rights to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar and the FIFA Women's World Cup 2015 in Canada.

Canadians can expect to see complete FIFA World Cup coverage in both English and French exclusively on Bell Media's platforms between 2015 and 2022. This includes English language coverage on CTV, as well as on TSN, TSN2, TSN Radio, TSN.ca and TSN Mobile TV. French language coverage airs exclusively on RDS, along with RDS2, RDS.ca, and RDS Mobile TV.

"The FIFA World Cup is an event that galvanizes the world and has a demonstrated ability to touch all communities and cultures. Bell Media is proud to be Canada's leader in soccer broadcasting and we know the passion for the sport is sure to grow," said Kevin Crull, President, Bell Media. "We are honoured that FIFA has put their trust in Bell Media to bring these events to all Canadians. Our strategic vision has always been to give Canadians the industry's best coverage of the biggest events and we are fully committed to delivering the World Cup across multiple platforms like never before. All of us are looking forward to getting it all started on Canadian soil for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup."

"We are particularly pleased with the development of our media rights and the reach of our events. For every cycle we are reaching more fans than ever, and with the channels and media platforms of Bell Media we are in very good hands for the 2015-2022 period," said Niclas Ericson, Director of FIFA TV Division.

"This is a historic day for Bell Media and sports broadcasting in Canada. We are thrilled that FIFA has recognized our unmatched ability to produce, promote and market the World Cup to all Canadians," said Phil King, President, CTV Programming and Sports. "Our production team has a long legacy of delivering outstanding coverage of major international events across multiple platforms. In this partnership, FIFA can expect Bell Media's coverage to not only serve avid Canadian soccer fans but also showcase their marquee events to non-traditional sports fans. We'll be working closely with our partners to put a national spotlight on the 2015 Women's World Cup ensuring the event has a long-term impact on the future of soccer in Canada."

Canada hosts the FIFA Women's World Cup 2015 featuring the top female soccer players from around the globe. Host cities and venues for the landmark event will be confirmed in the coming months.

The full programming package also includes other FIFA events between 2015 and 2022 including the Women's World Cup in 2019 along with the FIFA Men's and Women's U-20 and U-17 World Cups, FIFA Confederations Cup, FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup and FIFA Futsal World Cup.

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CTV and TSN To Provide Coverage of Skate Canada Events

2011-10-21

Bell Media's CTV and TSN deliver world-class figure skating coverage this fall, helmed by the industry's top figure skating broadcast team. Brian Williams hosts the Skate Canada events, bringing his extensive experience covering the Olympic Winter Games and Canadian and World Figure Skating Championships. Rod Black, the voice of figure skating in Canada, returns to the rink to cover all the drama and excitement. Joining Black is analyst Tracy Wilson, a decorated Canadian figure skating champion, as well as rinkside and backstage reporter Sara Orlesky, who covered figure skating events at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

As official broadcasters of Skate Canada domestic events, CTV and TSN's broadcast team debuts with coverage of the 2011 Skate Canada International on October 28-30 at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga, ON.

Black is one of the most familiar voices to Canadian figure skating fans, having covered the sport for more than 20 years throughout his career, including dramatic moments from the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Wilson, who won seven consecutive Canadian titles, three World bronze medals and the bronze medal at the Calgary 1988 Olympic Winter Games during her successful figure skating career, has established herself as one of the world's most in-demand skating broadcasters for her insider knowledge and genuine passion for the sport.

CTV and TSN's coverage of the 2011 Skate Canada International begins with the Ladies and Pairs Short Programs on Friday, Oct. 28 on TSN. The event will feature some of Canada's biggest stars including 2011 World Champion Patrick Chan, Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Ice Dance Champions Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, 2011 Canadian Champion Cynthia Phaneuf and 2011 ISU World Junior Champion Andrei Rogozine.

Earlier this year a 10-year rights agreement was announced, making Bell Media's CTV, TSN and RDS the official broadcasters of Skate Canada domestic events beginning with the 2011-12 season. As part of the agreement, CTV, TSN and RDS acquired exclusive multimedia rights to Skate Canada's premier domestic events including Skate Canada International and the Canadian Figure Skating Championships.

CTV and TSN's figure skating coverage continues with the 2012 CANADIAN FIGURE SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS running Jan. 16-22 in Moncton, NB.

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Live Online Sports and Hockey Streams Boost Cable Registrations

2011-10-17

Online streaming of professional sports games, like the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey games that are now on the Rogers On-Demand Online video streaming service, has helped the provider push its subscriber registration 'over-the-top.'

More than 40 Maple Leaf hockey games will be live streamed online by Rogers this season, even as the games air on its Sportsnet specialty service or the Leafs TV specialty channel owned by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd., owners of the team itself.

The telecom provider is pushing its sports content across multiple media platforms, and its customers are embracing the additional viewing options across digital devices of all sizes and shapes.

"We're really happy about being able to offer hockey online," said David Purdy, Rogers's vice-president of video products. "It helps us deliver on two of our main commitments to our customers. One is to deliver TV anywhere, anytime, to any device, be it a TV, a PC or mobile. Second, is our sports offering. We want to deliver the best Toronto sports experience, and having the Maple Leafs is crucial to that."

Last summer, Rogers began offering live baseball games of the team it owns, the Blue Jays, online. Now, it's adding more hockey; based on the response, the company plans to expand its offerings, Purdy says.

He says the weekly registration numbers for Rogers subscribers signing up to the service has tripled.

Rogers Digital TV customers in the Leafs' media territory will have access to 29 online streaming Leafs games as part of their cable package, with registration and completion of a Rogers account profile. Subscribers to Rogers Digital VIP package can watch 12 additional streaming games from Leafs TV.

However, the hockey content deal is not an exclusive one, Purdy says, referencing a recent regulatory decision in Canada that says cable and satellite companies that also own TV stations or content could not hoard such assets for themselves, or for specific devices, nor should such services only be offered to their own TV and wireless subscribers.

"We do not believe in exclusives, and we support the CRTC in its recent decision," Purdy noted. "This content will ultimately be available on other providers' systems. The template is there now, and we do expect other providers to offer the same content."

It marks a general shift in attitudes among TV providers and sports rights holders, who have generally been slow to put the action online or a portable media device.

But Purdy says sports and TV anywhere services are now being recognized as a benefit for the viewer, the carrier and the rights holder. While the opportunity to use licence fees to make significant financial gains is increasing, offering such services is also seen a way to fight, or at least provide an alternative to, online piracy.

Rights holders also see the added relevancy of offering sports content anywhere as a way to build a fan base, especially in those communities where sports, or the popular North American versions thereof, are not ubiquitous.

In Rogers' case, some forty four per cent of its customer base in Toronto does not speak English as a first language at home. Using multiple media platforms to reach and engage a multicultural audience helps build that audience for tomorrow, as Purdy sees it.

Rogers had to negotiate with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd. (MLSE) for extra digital rights, and it will seek to do so with other rights holders, like TSN, and its Leafs games as well as other sports content.

Negotiations with the sports leagues themselves has shown a growing comfort with digital media content delivery, as issues such as multi-platform rights, technology boundaries, geo-location boundaries, content security and anti theft provisions, a re addressed.

Rogers' expanded hockey offering does not include mobile, for now.

But Purdy says it will.

The company is committed to its TV anywhere strategy, and it's committed to being the #1 sports brand in the country, Purdy describes, no matter what the platform, referencing the renewed energy and commitment to sports and media shown by Rogers executives like Keith Pelley and Scott Moore, and the new platforms themselves, such as the new print magazine and rebranded TV services.

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Unions File Complaint With CBC Ombudsman Over Anti-Union Comments

2011-10-14

The National Union of Public and General Employees, along with its Ontario Component, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, today filed a formal complaint with the CBC Ombudsman against television personality Kevin O'Leary for offensive anti-union comments he made on an episode of CBC's The Lang and O'Leary Exchange last month.

During the September 19, 2011 episode, Mr. O'Leary stated that if he were elected Prime Minister, he would "make unions illegal" and union members should be "thrown in jail". Later, he evokes religious imagery to promote the destruction of unions, stating that "Unions are sheer evil." ... "Unions themselves are born out of evil. They must be destroyed with evil." ... "Look, no one could contain unions in hell. They were so evil they came out of hell and they came upon earth."

The complaint is signed by NUPGE National President, James Clancy, and OPSEU President, Warren "Smokey" Thomas.

"These comments are not only highly offensive, they are very disturbing, irresponsible and potentially illegal," says Clancy. "Mr. O'Leary's wilful promotion of contempt and hatred towards unions reflects a viewpoint that has often ended in violence perpetrated against union members and leaders around the world."

The complaint refers to several instances of violence against OPSEU members participating in a legal strike against their employer, Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology, around the same time Mr. O'Leary made his despicable remarks.

"Mr. O'Leary's comments help foster an environment in which violence against union members, as occurred during the recent OPSEU strike, is deemed acceptable behaviour," says Thomas.

In the letter of complaint, both Clancy and Thomas request that CBC take immediate steps to address the remarks made by O'Leary.

"In dealing with this matter, we urge CBC to demand that Mr. O'Leary publicly apologize for his comments and take proactive steps, with the aim of making Mr. O'Leary accountable for future behaviour on the CBC." file complaint with CBC Ombudsman over offensive anti-union comments by Kevin O'Leary

OTTAWA, Oct. 14, 2011 /CNW/ - The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), along with its Ontario Component, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), today filed a formal complaint with the CBC Ombudsman against television personality Kevin O'Leary for offensive anti-union comments he made on an episode of CBC's The Lang and O'Leary Exchange last month.

The complaint is signed by NUPGE National President, James Clancy, and OPSEU President, Warren "Smokey" Thomas.

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DECLARATION OF THE OCCUPATION OF NEW YORK CITY

This year 79M has teamed up with 723M (299 Queen Street) to bring you a Union Children's Holiday/Christmas party. The party is Sunday December 4th from 10am to 2pm at Neb's Fun World. Please visit http://www.ceplocal723m.com/xmas/x2.html for more information and to register. The registration deadline is Friday November 4th. We're looking forward to seeing you there.

Randy Kitt
CEP79M President

Congratulations to the winners of The Todd Wonacott/ Marc Plume Memorial Scholarship: Avery Elizabeth Hughes, daughter of Doug Hughes & Janna Golzari, daughter of Alex Golzari who will each receive $1500.00

On behalf of CEP79M we wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

In Solidarity,

Randy Kitt
CEP79M President

Sports Broadcasting Award for Duthie, NHL on TSN

2011-10-04

NHL ON TSN's James Duthie was honoured with the Excellence in Sports Broadcasting award at the Sports Media Canada awards ceremony. Duthie was recognized for his work as host of TSN's extensive NHL coverage.

Duthie was also honoured last month with his third Gemini Award, winning Best Host or Interviewer in a Sports Program or Sportscast, for hosting this year's NHL ALL-STAR FANTASY DRAFT. At the 2009 and 2010 Gemini Awards, Duthie was named Best Sportscaster/Anchor.

"Congratulations to James on his award - it's a well-deserved honour," said Stewart Johnston, President, TSN. "James' style really connects with viewers at home. On top of being good at what he does, James is a class act and a true professional. We are very proud of him for this accomplishment, but even prouder to have James on the TSN team."

Sports Media Canada also recognized legendary CTV broadcaster Lloyd Robertson with The President's Trophy for covering national news and sports stories throughout his illustrious career.

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Wendy's Kick for a Million final airs live on October 14 during CFL ON TSN halftime show

2011-10-03

And then there were two! After another exciting quarter-final event, 23-year-old Queen's University student Nick Green of Mississauga, ON booked his place in the Wendy's Kick for a Million semifinal at Hamilton, ON's Ivor Wynne Stadium on October 7. Green will face off against Western Canada semifinalist Greg Wilson, 51, of Calgary for a chance to kick for $1 million in TSN and Wendy's seventh annual international award-winning million-dollar giveaway.

Green defeated Mike Tompkins of Brockville, ON in the Eastern Canada quarter-final at Rogers Centre during halftime of the Hamilton @ Toronto game. Fellow semifinalist Wilson secured his place in the next round by beating Morinville, AB's Daymeon Neno earlier today in the Western Canada quarter-final, which took place at halftime of the Saskatchewan @ Calgary game. Highlights and results of both quarter-final events are available on-demand at TSN.ca.

Green defeated Tompkins by a final score of 40 to 30 to advance to the next round. Both participants were given three kicks from distances of their choice, ranging from 15 to 50 yards, and were awarded points equal to the distance (i.e.: 15 yards = 15 points) for each successful field goal, with their final kick being a Wendy's Double and worth double the points.

Both Tompkins and Green were unsuccessful at their first and second field goal attempts, with Tompkins lining up twice from the 15 yard line and Green from the 20 yard line. On his final attempt, Tompkins split the uprights from the 15 yard line for 30 points but was passed by Green, who was good from 20 yards for 40 points.

On October 7, Green and Wilson will go head-to-head in the Wendy's Kick for a Million semifinal during halftime of the Winnipeg @ Hamilton match-up (game begins at 7:30 p.m. ET). Following the same event format as the quarter-finals, the participant who scores the most points after three kicks will advance to the final in Toronto on October 14 and get the chance to kick a 50-yard field goal for $1 million. Highlights of the semifinal event will air during the second half of the game on TSN and will also be available on-demand at TSN.ca.

On October 14, the one remaining participant will attempt to win outstanding prizes by kicking field goals from 20-, 30-, 40- and 50-yards, live on TSN, during halftime of the CFL ON TSN: WENDY'S FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL broadcast featuring Calgary @ Toronto (game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET). The prizes for this year's Wendy's Kick for a Million final include:

20 Yards - Samsung $25,000 Family Package

30 Yards - Nissan Titan Crew Cab Pro

40 Yards - $100,000 cash

50 Yards - $1 million in a one-time payout - or, if the 50-yard attempt falls short, $1,000 for every yard the ball is kicked in the air

Wendy's is an official partner of the Canadian Football League.

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tsn.ca Delivers Comprehensive Coverage of NHL Season

2011-09-30

TSN.ca is Canada's definitive destination for all things hockey, as the sports website keeps fans up-to-date on the NHL throughout the 2011-12 season.

Along with the latest NHL scores, stats and news delivered across all of TSN.ca's platforms - web, mobile and apps for BlackBerry, iPad and iPhone - the website also features daily offerings from TSN's all-star roster of hockey experts and Insiders that complement the network's 151-game national NHL broadcast schedule and regional game schedules for the Montreal Canadiens and Winnipeg Jets.

Fans can catch last night's game-winning goal or spectacular save on TSN.ca, as the website has highlights of every NHL game, along with special features and games available live (Wednesday Night Hockey only) and on-demand. NHL games are also available live on TSN Mobile TV.

Hockey Insiders Bob McKenzie and Darren Dreger return to TSN.ca with regular columns and blogs all NHL season long. Joining McKenzie and Dreger online are TSN Scout Craig Button, who delivers a blog focused on the best prospects for the 2012 NHL Draft, and Kerry Fraser, who returns with his popular "C'Mon Ref!" column. TSN 1050 Radio's Jonas Siegel also checks in to the website with The Leaf Report - a compilation of his latest blogs and podcasts as he follows Toronto all season.

In addition, TSN.ca features live blogs during all nationally-televised NHL games on TSN, plus regular live chats giving fans the opportunity to interact directly with TSN's hockey experts and Insiders.

TSN keeps the Twitterverse up-to-date on all the latest happenings in the NHL with tweets from the network's hockey experts, including McKenzie, Dreger, Pierre LeBrun, James Duthie, Dave Hodge, Gino Reda, Chris Cuthbert, Gord Miller, Ray Ferraro, Aaron Ward, Marc Crawford, Mike Johnson, Jamie McLennan, Steve Kouleas and more. Fans can get all hockey-related tweets on TSN.ca by checking out the website's new Hockey Tweetbox.

Fans can once again get their fantasy fix on TSN.ca with TSN Fantasy Hockey - the industry-leading online league manager powered by ESPN and featuring multiple draft methods, live box scores, player trades and waivers, custom player updates, free agency, league bulletin boards, sortable stats and more. In addition, fans have the chance to win an all-new 2011 Kia Optima SX Turbo just by playing the game.

Complementing TSN Fantasy Hockey is the TSN Hockey Challenge, which gives fans the chance to win a hockey getaway by picking a weekly lineup that fits under the salary cap.

Poolies can get an edge in their games by following TSN Fantasy Sports expert Scott Cullen all season long. Cullen's 2011-12 Draft Kit is available online, along with his latest blogs, player rankings and more. He will also post a weekly mailbag with responses to fans' fantasy hockey questions and take part in regular live chats with fans looking to pick his brain.

The TSN Predictor: Hockey Edition, is back for another season. Playing on TSN.ca or Facebook, fans compete to put together the longest winning streak of the month by predicting the outcome of nightly hockey match-ups. Each monthly winner nets a $1,000 prize and is entered into a Grand Prize draw for a 1-in-7 chance to win a new 2012 Kia Rio.

Available both in text and video format on TSN.ca, Ice Chips features daily hockey updates from TSN's reporters at rinks across the country.

The countdown to the 2012 NHL Trade Deadline and NHL Draft has already begun and TSN.ca keeps fans updated on both fronts. Fans can track NHL trades all season long at TSN.ca/TradeCentre or by downloading the TradeCentre app for iPad or iPhone.

Fans can also follow the NHL's top prospects at TSN.ca/DraftCentre, which features insight and rankings from Craig Button and Bob McKenzie. Button will update his personal rankings on a regular basis, which McKenzie's scout consensus rankings are released during the pre-season, at mid-season and at the conclusion of the season leading up to the NHL Draft.

Fans can pick their favourite play of the 2011-12 NHL campaign for the annual honour.

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