CRTC Releases New Broadcasting Policies, Impacts TSN, Sportsnet
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) Thursday "released new policies on broadcasting" that will "eliminate regulatory constraints on TSN and Rogers Sportsnet," according to William Houston of the GLOBE & MAIL. TSN, a national service, "will be able to air as much regional content as it wishes," while Sportsnet, a regional service, "could, if it chooses, carry an unlimited amount of national programming." Rogers Communications Vice Chair Phil Lind, whose company owns Sportsnet, said, "We basically get to play in the same sandbox." Houston notes the rule changes, "many of which will kick in next year, would allow TSN, if it wanted, to compete with Sportsnet for NHL regional TV rights." With the ruling, Sportsnet "wins big because it will be able to negotiate its cable fee with distributors." The CRTC's move to deregulate "appears to affect mostly TSN and Sportsnet," as The Score "remains protected as a news headline service." It is "believed the removal of genre protections will allow channels such as TSN and Sportsnet to expand programming to include sports movies and original dramas." Houston notes deregulation also will "probably make it possible for companies such as Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment to start general-interest sports services" (GLOBE & MAIL, 10/31).
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