CBC’s sports operations dwindle toward extinction

[TMC]

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sport...rticle1896588/

Well-funded CTV/TSN and Rogers have set their sights on the next Canadian Olympic TV bids, CFL rights, curling, NFL and the NHL contract starting in 2014. Newly minted Shaw/Global is rushing to follow them with its application for a sports channel. Telus is also aggressively pursuing strategies to allow it to control sports content as well.

The current management of CBC’s television operations seems focused on sitcoms and reality TV at the expense of its news and sports operations. But how long can it afford that if CBC loses its Hockey Night revenue? There is some hope that the NHL will want to perpetuate the institutional memory of Hockey Night on CBC. Hockey Day in Canada next Saturday, from Whitehorse this year, is a valuable asset, too.

[Marvo301]

Wow! It's hard to imagine the CBC without a sports department! CBC has always been known for it's sport's coverage from Major League Baseball to CFL football, the Commonwealth and Olympic Games, World Cup skiing, figure skating, curling and many others. But the cornerstone of the CBC has always been Hockey Night on Canada. I can't even imagine a CBC without Saturday night hockey!!!

[Schmoopie]

Originally Posted by Marvo301

Wow! It's hard to imagine the CBC without a sports department! CBC has always been known for it's sport's coverage from Major League Baseball to CFL football, the Commonwealth and Olympic Games, World Cup skiing, figure skating, curling and many others. But the cornerstone of the CBC has always been Hockey Night on Canada. I can't even imagine a CBC without Saturday night hockey!!!

I'm in Seattle and I agree with Marv. We can get CBC "down here" and I actually loved their coverage during the Olympics. Without CBC we may not be able to see any Canadian sports in Seattle! I kind of like being able to watch both US and Canadian sports. Makes me feel 'multi-national'!

[TMC]

Originally Posted by Schmoopie

I'm in Seattle and I agree with Marv. We can get CBC "down here" and I actually loved their coverage during the Olympics. Without CBC we may not be able to see any Canadian sports in Seattle! I kind of like being able to watch both US and Canadian sports. Makes me feel 'multi-national'!

In the '90s, I was able to get the CBC on C-Band. NHL Network in the United States in the past few years, has run only the first game of the Hockey Night in Canada doubleheader.

[Marvo301]

Originally Posted by TMC

In the '90s, I was able to get the CBC on C-Band. NHL Network in the United States in the past few years, has run only the first game of the Hockey Night in Canada doubleheader.

As a Vancouver Canuck fan I would hate that since they often play in the late game on HNIC. But at least you still get to see Coach's Corner with Don Cherry!