Rogers Media yesterday parted ways with Senior VP/Hockey Production Gord Cutler, and though company sources said that the dismissal "was a financial move," it instead "hinted at the turmoil" in the media entity, according to David Shoalts of the GLOBE & MAIL. The timing of the move "was extraordinary," as "no one could remember a network firing its head of production with the NHL playoffs days away." While Cutler "cannot be held responsible" for a 16% decline in "Hockey Night in Canada" ratings, his departure "is a sign there may be unhappiness with the on-air product at the highest level of Rogers." Shoalts: "The problem for Rogers is that the loss of viewers is so severe that it has to give out far more make-goods [free commercial time] than was planned." Sources said that the free spots, "two of which are being given for every paid ad, have eaten up a significant portion of Rogers's playoff hockey inventory." The company is "putting some make-goods" on its Blue Jays broadcasts and entertainment shows. However, the "trouble signs" for Sportsnet began at the start of the '15-16 NHL season "thanks to the network's unexpected success story" in the Blue Jays' run to the ALCS. Sources said that some major advertisers "took advantage of provisions in their contracts with Rogers that allowed them to switch their commercials from the hockey broadcasts to the Blue Jays." Sources have suggested that Rogers "could get some revenue relief by selling games from its national package to TSN." However, a source close to TSN senior management said that the network, which "remains profitable, is not interested in buying any NHL games" (GLOBE & MAIL, 4/7).
