Comments on: Go Als Go!

By: jean.naimard

jean.naimard — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:55:38 +0000

I had thought that having the CFL and Grey Cup on cable only would hurt ratings, but these impressive numbers sure disproved that.

Do set-top boxen report back which shows are being watched?

By: Fagstein

Fagstein — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:55:35 +0000

I don't think anyone seriously would subscribe to either channel just to get the Grey Cup. They either already get it as part of their basic cable/satellite package, or they subscribe to get the Canadiens (RDS) or Leafs and other sports (TSN).

By: Shawn

Shawn — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:42:00 +0000

I had thought that having the CFL and Grey Cup on cable only would hurt ratings, but these impressive numbers sure disproved that. Wonder how much CFL-driven new subscribers and ad dollars have added to TSN and RDS's bottom line, at 18 mill a year for rights? I seem to remember that TSN shares in the merchandise end of things, as well, as part of their partnership.

By: Fagstein

Fagstein — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:19:18 +0000

NFL football will never drive subscribers to TSN in this way because with the exception of Monday and Thursday games, you can watch them for "free" on the US networks. So the simulacast route is the best way to line their pockets. Whereas with an exclusive TV property like the CFL, it just makes the most sense to sequester it away on pay.

I'm not disputing this. I'm just pointing out that the only reason to have NFL on CTV and CFL on TSN is money.

do you have a take on how much the new audience measurement system introduced this fall is distorting the "record" TV audience for the game?

That's a good question. I'm not an expert on ratings, but I have no reason to believe what they say isn't true. There wasn't much better on television that night, Montreal and RDS are strongly connected to their teams, and the Roughriders have a very loyal fan base.

By: Shawn

Shawn — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:30:58 +0000

I still disagree a little. I just think it's win-win for CTV/TSN this way. NFL football will never drive subscribers to TSN in this way because with the exception of Monday and Thursday games, you can watch them for "free" on the US networks. So the simulacast route is the best way to line their pockets. Whereas with an exclusive TV property like the CFL, it just makes the most sense to sequester it away on pay. Heck, they were even promoting Sunday Night Football on TSN2, during the Grey Cup. I just think they're trying to maximize profits on all their various properties, and the way they've got it lined up DOES make the best business sense, IMO. Steve, on a related note, do you have a take on how much the new audience measurement system introduced this fall is distorting the "record" TV audience for the game?

By: Fagstein

Fagstein — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 05:16:55 +0000

CTV's Grey Cup plans were made long before it had any idea which teams would be in the Grey Cup final. It would have been the same either way. The issue is Canada vs. U.S., not Toronto vs. the rest of Canada.

By: Fassero

Fassero — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 04:14:21 +0000

I just wonder if CTV would have acted different if the final was Toronto vs. B.C. instead of what it turned out to be.

Now they're touting up to 6.5 million viewers watched the Cup. I know "Amazing Race" is CTV's biggest show but that would be at least, what? Triple the audience?

Buffoons!

By: jean.naimard

jean.naimard — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:05:30 +0000

Pro sports: the new people’s opium.

Brought to you by the bourgeois who won’t benefit from the little people taking interests in politics because that would make democracy WORK.

By: Fagstein

Fagstein — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:03:38 +0000

That's Digital Home's interpretation. The real reason has more to do with lucrative simultaneous substitution ad revenue from NFL broadcasts (which are carried on CTV) versus the Grey Cup which can't take advantage of simultaneous substitution because it's not aired in the U.S.

The number of people who care about football but don't have cable (and TSN) are minimal. But CTV putting NFL games on the main network and the Grey Cup on TSN shows a lot.

By: Shawn

Shawn — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 03:08:20 +0000

We choked.
They choked more.

By: Shawn

Shawn — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:21:20 +0000

Well, as of half-time, they're choking.
Why do good things happen to other people?

By: Shawn

Shawn — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 21:22:30 +0000

Of course, what the article really says is that CTV is trying to drive profits at TSN by forcing people to subscribe. It's not quite how you frame it, Steve, but you knew that. You're just being cheeky.

Don't get me wrong, I don't like cable-only deal that the CFL made. I think it was driven by BC Lions uber-owner Braley, who may or may not own TWO teams soon, and his irrational hate for the CBC.