Canadian Media Notes: CBC To Air Games Despite Lockout

The HOLLYWOOD REPORTER’s Etan Vlessing notes the CBC yesterday locked out 5,500 unionized employees and “scaled back its radio and TV programming.” CBC Management said that the network would continue to air CFL and NHL games, “but without the play-by-play commentary normally provided by unionized staff” (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, 8/16).

CURL PATTERN: In Ottawa, Rob Brodie reports TSN has “withdrawn from discussions aimed at finding a new broadcast partner” for the Canadian Curling Association (CCA) “because of concerns it might find itself in the middle of a courtroom fight between the CCA and the CBC.” The move “could mean the CCA will have no choice but to revert back to the formula it used last season, when the CBC shared coverage with its digital CBC Country Canada and The Score.” The CCA terminated the four-year deal after one season, leading the CBC to threaten legal action (OTTAWA SUN, 8/16).

NOTES: Rogers Sportsnet, TSN and CTV have partnered to broadcast all 64 games from the ’06 FIFA World Cup in Germany, marking the first time all tournament matches will be televised live in Canada (Rogers Sportsnet)....In Vancouver, Greg Douglas reported that “without a broadcast outlet interested” in airing the reality hockey TV show, “Making the Cut,” for a second season, Producer Derik Murray told “his freelance crew that the show is in limbo” (VANCOUVER SUN, 8/13).