The Canadian Radio-Television & Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has approved NFL Network for carriage by Canadian cable companies on a digital basis (NFL Network). The HOLLYWOOD REPORTER’s Norma Reveler notes the CRTC ordered that if NFL Network broadcasts live NFL or CFL games, “it would have to black out games whose broadcast rights already were held by Canadian broadcasters.” NFL Network told the CRTC that it is in the “final stages of completing a four-year renewal agreement with” TSN and a three-year extension with Global Television Network for the continued broadcast of NFL game packages in Canada (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, 11/19).
GREY CUP SOLD OUT: The HOLLYWOOD REPORTER’s Etan Vlessing reports the CBC has sold out its ad inventory for Sunday’s CFL Grey Cup in record time. The CBC is charging advertisers C$65,000 per 30-second spot, compared to C$40,000 for a last-minute 30-second spot during the last game of the NHL playoffs (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, 11/19).
OVERPLAYED? In Toronto, James Rusk reports the owners of the “Hockey Night in Canada” theme song are suing the CBC for C$2.5M for allegedly violating the licensing agreement that allows the net to use the music (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 11/19). CBC Head of Media Relations Ruth-Ellen Soles on Thursday said, “We have just received the statement of claim and are reviewing it” (TORONTO STAR, 11/19).
