We might be in a bit of luck. Here is a summary of an interview from another board with the head of Setanta...
INTERVIEW ON EPL TALK with Shane O'Rourke, President of North America and Australia - Setanta Sports, discussing the deal with Canada.
The following are just 'notes' I took down, and don't necessarily represent actual words or phrases used.
Setanta Canada will be different than Setanta US. The major difference is that Setanta Canada will broadcast more EPL games than Setanta US. This is because Fox Soccer Channel handles some of the EPL games in the US.
O'Rourke mentioned 200* EPL games. He confirms that the only deal completed is with Rogers and Bell ExpressVu, and by affiliation, any cable companies feeding off the Rogers 'hub'.
O'Rourke confimed that every EPL game will be shown on Setanta Sports Canada (he called it Setanta International Sports Pack), except the 2nd choice Saturday game at 10 am on Sportsnet and the 11 am game on Sundays. He said that some games will be 'delayed' transmission as there are 4 games usually played at 10 am on Saturday, besides the Sportsnet 2nd choice which is exclusive to that network. He also said that regardless of the number of games played midweek (I think he mentioned Wednesday as an example, besides the normal Monday) that Setanta would show them all.
O'Rourke confirmed that they are in negotiations with Shaw Cable and Star Choice, that he is hopeful that a deal will be done soon, but that viewers should continue to lobby Shaw and Star Choice for Setanta's inclusion. He added that Shaw Cable was 'cool' at first to the idea of adding Setanta, but their interest is gaining. He confirmed that Setanta will not be carrying PPV services for EPL games for those unable to obtain the regular sports pack through their Cable provider.
O'Rourke suggested that those who are unable to obtain the Setanta channel, could purchase Setanta Broadband for the interim.
O'Rourke indicated that Canada will have its own Setanta Broadband (he didn't seem to indicate when, but suggested by August 11) because Setanta Broadband US does not carry some of the EPL games that are broadcast by Fox Soccer Channel. O'Rourke also said that the increased speed transmission to 600K will be introduced soon.
O'Rourke confirmed that, amongst others, the Canadian Sports Pack will include French, Dutch, Scottish leagues, plus Euro and Asian qualifiers, Coca Cola Championship, Carling Cup, Manchester United and Chelsea TV.
O'Rourke confirmed that TSN, through ESPN, will carry Champions League.
O'Rourke said that due to CRTC regulations, Setanta would not (for now) be able to show their 'magazine type shows' in Canada, which they do in the States. Would someone verify this when they listen, please.
O'Rourke explained that, unlike the US, Setanta had to undertake a partnership with an existing Canadian network to abide by CRTC regulations.
If I have any of the interview mis-interpreted, please amend.
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