A plan to return Ron MacLean to the host’s chair at "HNIC," which "might have seemed nearly impossible not long ago, sheds new light on the influence professional sports leagues enjoy with their broadcasting partners," according to Shoalts & Bradshaw of the GLOBE & MAIL. A source said that before the switch could proceed, Rogers Media "sought and received the approval" of NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, who "signalled during the Stanley Cup final he wouldn’t oppose the move." A source said that running the move by Bettman "would have been an informal courtesy, rather than a contractual obligation." Even so, with a decade left on the Rogers-NHL contract, the power Bettman "would wield in his response is considered very real, especially as a fractious relationship with MacLean was believed to have contributed to Rogers’s decision to turn to the younger, hipper" George Stroumboulopoulos two seasons ago. Sources said that the approach to Bettman "would likely have been made" by either Rogers President of Sportsnet & NHL Properties Scott Moore or Rogers Media President Rick Brace. The latter is "known to have a good rapport with Bettman." Sources agree that Rogers "must feel a compelling need to shake up the program, likely in response to audience testing." Both Bettman and Rogers CEO Guy Laurence "were widely believed to be supporters of Stroumboulopoulos ... at least in the early stages" (GLOBE & MAIL, 6/21).
BACK TO THE FUTURE: In Toronto, Michael Traikos cites a source as saying that the change "was a long time coming." Stroumboulopoulos "was reportedly not Rogers' first choice when hiring a new host" to start the '14-15 season. However, following his first year on the job -- in which ratings for the program "took a hit -- 'there was a groundswell at the lower levels to make the change' back to MacLean or a more traditional hockey host." The source said that "unlike MacLean, who is a respected voice in the hockey world, Stroumboulopoulos seemed out of his element debating the sport's biggest issues." A CBC source indicated that with the show "struggling with ratings, there appears to be increased pressure to 'put the host that everybody's liked from the beginning and revive it.'" The question now is "whether Moore will be around." With Keith Pelley "already gone" as Rogers Media President and Stroumboulopoulos reportedly heading out the door as well, "most are expecting Moore will soon follow" (TORONTO SUN, 6/21).
EXTRA, EXTRA! An editorial cartoon in today's edition of the Halifax CHRONICLE HERALD sarcastically depicts where MacLean's potential return ranks in the mind of many Canadians (Halifax CHRONICLE HERALD, 6/21).
