To many, until this week, TSN was the unquestionable sports
broadcasting leader in Canada.
Now that Rogers Communications Inc. has purchased the rights
to broadcast all NHL games nationally in Canada for the next 12 years, I don't
think it is even debatable that Sportsnet has become the dominant power in
Canadian sports.
That is a gigantic overnight change.
I have read a lot about the implications of this deal for
the NHL, Sportsnet, TSN and the CBC. I have even heard speculation that this deal ensures a lockout after the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) expires by driving up the salary cap next year.
How this deal will affect Canadian sports fans, however, is not yet clear.
From talking to other fans about this deal, the sense I get is that many are disappointed.
Everyone I talked to
considers TSN’s hockey broadcast to be the superior product. These fans referred to the sleek look of the sets,
the play-by-play crews, and on-air talent such as Bob McKenzie and James Duthie
as the reason they preferred TSN’s coverage.
Many even said that Sportsnet’s broadcasts look cheap.
Personally, I was shocked by this deal. I expected the NHL to go with an NFL model of
making deals with multiple networks rather than going all-in on one. The NFL system which plays networks off against each other is a proven moneymaking model.
I am also a little nervous about this arrangement. While I also like games on Sportsnet, I prefer TSN’s hockey broadcasts.
I am also worried that the lack of competition for
broadcasting NHL hockey will mean Sportsnet puts less resources into improving
their product.
There are some things I am excited about. It seems that Sportsnet will no longer
blackout any of their hockey coverage.
If this is true it means that living in Winnipeg, I can watch my favourite team, the Ottawa Senators, play more often on TV.
It also seems the deal with Sportnet may include more online
content. I am optimistic about this and
hope that Sportsnet and the NHL will make online broadcasts a major part of
their product.
Though I am worried, I am looking forward to next season to
see what this deal will mean for Canadian hockey fans.
