Thursday November 13 2008 – 1:50pm Eastern
We are only four days away from the first Raptors game that is scheduled to appear on TSN2 and there still hasn’t been a deal reached between TSN and Rogers that would allow the alternate channel to appear on the country’s largest cable provider.
While it’s unfortunate that nothing has been worked out yet, I’ve been told that both parties are still talking and they’re trying to hammer out an agreement. In fact, I was able to get a quote / official statement from Rogers as well:
“We want to carry TSN2, but we are still in discussions and are working on an agreement with TSN that is both fair and equitable for all our customers.”
To my knowledge, that’s the first on-the-record comment we’ve heard from either side. Both sides – TSN and Rogers – have been quite quiet up until this point. However, that in itself is understandable if you look at it logically. It would not make sense for either side to comment on on-going negotiations. That wouldn’t be good business … to make public statements – pro or con – on private matters.
I can only imagine that as soon as there is something to say … it will be said … because both sides want to get this done. From a PR perspective (let alone a financial perspective), Rogers wants this done because they know the demand is there from their subscribers. And clearly TSN wants this done, because their channel is being shut-out from the country’s largest cable company right now. That can’t be good.
Time will tell how this plays out … but unfortunately time is running out on that first broadcast.
Finally, for what it’s worth, I’m in the same boat as all of you (all of you Rogers subscribers). It’s not like I have some sort of special access to a channel because I work for Rogers / The FAN. I’m looking forward to having TSN2 as well. I’m lucky enough to broadcast all 82 games, but my wife, who is a season ticket holder (tickets we PAY for (not freebies)), will miss more than a quarter of the season if this isn’t resolved. And that stings for her … knowing that she pays money for 41 home games but then can’t even watch a good chunk of the season in the privacy of her own home. I’m sure many of you are in the same boat.
That’s why I believe this deal will get done. By Sunday though? We’ll see.
E. Smith
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Eric, if nothing gets done, is the game going to be on raptors TV?
- BehzadI’m guessing that Rogers want TSN2 to be a channel that people need to subscribe to. What else is there to negotiate?
- CJhow will i be able to watch??? this TSN2 is ridiculous. I guarentee u this will be record low tv viewers for the raptors
- WarrenThink it should be pointed out Source Cable where I am in Hamilton no TSN 2 as well. They may be owned by rogers as well I have no Idea.
On a much more happier note. I was happy to be back on Hoops with all you guys. It is a lot of fun. I have made that show a part of my Thursdays for years now and I enjoy it a heck of a lot.
This is a low point for Raptors, Rogers and Bell/CTV/TSN. These are the two parties that are suppose to broadcast the Olympic Games as partners in 2010 and 2012.
This is stupid and if this was hockey it would have been fixed a weeks ago. It makes me angry as a Basketball Fan. WE GET NO RESPECT AND I AM SICK OF IT.
Obviously the folks in basketball broadcasting are not who I mean. The fat cats in the suits that only care about money and ratings.
- James BorbathRogers will get TSN2 when they figure how much to raise your rates, and not before. I have Bell and a dual PVR so it doesn,t matter.
- Richard Spackmanwhy can’t they change the game to TSN and put tennis on TSN2? I find it hard to believe that anyone really cares all that much about some tennis tournament.. and if that’s not possible why not simulcast the game on Raps TV?? This is B.S.!!
- DanJust read an article that quotes Tom Anselmi from MLSE saying “missing one Raptors game won’t be the end of the world”. Can you believe this guy? Who is he to decide on what I want to don’t want to do. Guess what? I’d rather watch ALL Raptors games. Maybe you can’t switch to Bell cos’ your employers have ties to Rogers, but I think it’s time they found out the power of the consumer. I’m switching to Bell. And I suggest other people should as well.
- CJ“I was happy to be back on Hoops with all you guys” Ya thats why we watch! Come on james… you are not apart of the show your just a caller! You need to get out of your apartment more often.
- WarrenI said I make the show a part of my Thursday not that I am part of the show.
- James BorbathThis is one of the few times that I’ve had reason to feel fortunate to be with Cogeco -TSN2 included at no extra fees.
Hey Eric, you and your wife are welcome to come over and watch the game with my family :-)
Let’s hope Jose is ready to go for the next run of games becasue it looks like CB, JO and Bargnani are starting to get comfortable. Go Raps!
- GaryJames why do you use this bolg as a personal “chat” board. You always argue over other things than basketball…?
- RichardBehzad –
From what I hear … it WON’T be on Raptors TV
I suppose my hunch/idea was … wrong.
Too bad
- E. SmithGuys … why don’t we leave the personal stuff out of it all together. We don’t have to use this ‘forum’ as a means to go after James or anybody else for that matter
- E. SmithThanks for the offer Gary. I’m lucky enough to be at every game – not having to worry about the TV … but my wife will be left with zilch
All that said, she, and all of you … are welcome to tune into Sunday’s game (and EVERY game for that matter) on the FAN 590! Jonesy and I are around for all 82 — no blackouts here!
- E. SmithDan … I’m guessing TSN feels they’ll get better ratings for tennis. I don’t know.
Or perhaps this is leverage in negotiations. I really don’t know. Only TSN could answer that/those question(s)
- E. SmithWarren
You’ll have to listen to the game on the FAN … or find a bar/restaurant/friend that has TSN2
- E. SmithIf you guys dont have TSN2….theres a site justin.tv and then go to sports….people have different servers and they show the raps game on this site, check it out.
- SunnyI can’t tell you how ticked I am with both companies. I don’t liked being used like this. Is there a gag order at the FAN (Rogers owned) because I haven’t heard anything about it on air. This needs to be resolved and this issue made more public.
- JulesYo Eric what is the point of paying for Raptors tv ? Maybe I should sell the movie rights to {Mr.& Mrs. Smith Europeian Adventure : Their is Romance after Marriage} to TSN2. Yo Mama Bell hook me up.
- john artisNobody at Rogers has ever told me to “not talk about this” Jules
- E. Smith