Rogers Cable Moves The Golf Channel Off Its Analog Service

Rogers Television Services VP & GM David Purdy said that Rogers Cable’s decision to move The Golf Channel from its analog service to a digital tier “was based on audience figures,” according to William Houston of the Toronto GLOBE & MAIL. Purdy: “The Golf Channel is a very niche service that didn’t have mass appeal.” He added that MTV Canada, which replaced TGC on analog, “has the potential to produce huge audiences.” Purdy said that Rogers is “offering viewers ‘at least’ one year’s free subscription to TGC.” If the consumer does not have digital service, Rogers “will provide a digital box free of charge over that period” (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 8/3).

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES: GOLFWEEK’s Watchdog writes with the “chance Michelle Wie could [have one] her first professional event” at last week’s Evian Masters, it was a “little disappoint[ing] that the final-round telecast didn’t air on TGC until” 9:00pm ET, when the round was already completed. TGC’s Brian Hammons and Rosie Jones called the event from a studio in Orlando (GOLFWEEK, 8/5 issue).