Rogers Sportsnet realizes no one watches them, rebrands

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

The strangest thing in all this is the launch of a new sports print magazine - in an environment where mags are suffering big time.

Not sure if that's a sound business move.

Copying ESPN which may not be a bad thing. If you are an ESPN insider like me you get their magazine bi-weekly for free. It actually makes for good bathroom reading. That said I'm not sure if I would read a magazine from SN because I'm not a fan of their sports personalities as a whole. I will say that signing Steven Brunt was a stroke of genius. He's possibly my favorite Canadian Sports Columnist.

[VladtheImpaler]

Originally Posted by burn_this_city

Wouldn't surprise me if they've got some guy from another Rogers business unit running this one into the ground. "Phil, you've done wonders with our cellular division, go see if you can't work some magic at sportsnet".

I think I'll ask my sister how they came up with that logo. She is internet management but should know.

[VladtheImpaler]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Copying ESPN which may not be a bad thing. If you are an ESPN insider like me you get their magazine bi-weekly for free. It actually makes for good bathroom reading. That said I'm not sure if I would read a magazine from SN because I'm not a fan of their sports personalities as a whole. I will say that signing Steven Brunt was a stroke of genius. He's possibly my favorite Canadian Sports Columnist.

That's why I decided to have a look at 4 free issues. Hopefully, he'll do a boxing piece in one of them.

[TopChed]

Here's the part I'm excited by:

TV – Sportsnet and Sportsnet World

On October 3, the new name of the network becomes Sportsnet (abbreviation SN). The on-air presentation will have a new logo, font, theme music, graphics and animation package. Sportsnet has added three new sets, refurbished three studios, and built two new studios – the BlackBerry studio at Rogers Centre and the Sportsnet 590 The FAN TV studio. Setanta Sports Canada, which Rogers Media launched in 2007, will be renamed Sportsnet World on October 3, and will employ the same on-air package as Sportsnet.

If Setanta stops charging $17/month for SD, that would be an awesome thing.

[TopChed]

Setanta to Rebrand as Sportsnet World

The Globe and Mail has reported that Setanta Sports Canada will rebrand as Sportsnet World this fall. The rebrand comes months after Rogers acquired 100% of the channel. Previously Rogers had only owned 53% of the channel, with Setanta Ireland owning the rest. This move also comes just months after The Fan radio stations in Calgary and Toronto were rebranded as Sportsnet Radio and just a couple months before the first issue of Sportsnet Magazine is set to hit newsstands.

This move will probably result in more synergy between the two networks. In the past Sportsnet produced Setanta Connected, a morning highlights show, and Soccer Central Thursday for Setanta. Now, they will probably produce more shows for the channel, with an increased presence for Soccer Central personalities. This could include Soccer Central personalities doing pregame and halftime reports on Setanta’s Premier League and Champions League broadcast. Since Rogers acquired the channel, it and Sportsnet have split rights to the CONCACAF Gold Cup. This could happen for more events, possibly including rugby and Indian Premier League cricket.

[Vulcan]

I read somewhere that Hazel Mae is coming back to Sportsnet. Now if they can only get rid of that clown in Vancouver, I'd watch them more.

[Sainters7]

Originally Posted by Vulcan

I read somewhere that Hazel Mae is coming back to Sportsnet. Now if they can only get rid of that clown in Vancouver, I'd watch them more.

It's crazy how much people in B.C. love that guy, I don't get it. He's such a nerd.

[nik-]

Setanta needs to be a multi station package with the rights to a wider range of games. Then I'd pay the $15.

[TopChed]

Originally Posted by nik-

Setanta needs to be a multi station package with the rights to a wider range of games. Then I'd pay the $15.

Yeah, it seems that they will keep the same pricing structure but I read in the Globe and Mail that they were reluctant to bid on rights to certain events because Setanta was only half owned by Rogers.

Hopefully now that it's a Sportsnet channel, they'll expand it's coverage a bit. Multiple channels would be great too, especially on Saturday mornings so that every game is live instead of some being on a delay.

[TurnedTheCorner]

Bush league garbage is still bush league garbage, no matter what you name it.

[Stay Golden]

Does this mean it might actually happen that when the Flames vs the Oilers it won't always be a Edmonton broadcasting crew and when the Flames play the Canucks it won't always be a Vancouver broadcasting crew.

[Sainters7]

Originally Posted by Stay Golden

Does this mean it might actually happen that when the Flames vs the Oilers it won't always be a Edmonton broadcasting crew and when the Flames play the Canucks it won't always be a Vancouver broadcasting crew.

Whoever is the home team gets their broadcasting crew covering the games. When it was Coilers/Cansucks @ Flames last year Loubo did the games.

[Drake]

Originally Posted by rayne008

I watch a lot of sportscentre, I find everyone does a good job ~
although its nice to see Jay mixing it up with other anchors.

Really? Bryan Mudryk is one of the worst out there, once called Niklas Hagman, Niklas Backlund. The list goes on names he has got mixed up too.

[shermanator]

Looks like TSN needs to start a magazine as well. A swimsuit edition....

[Eastern Girl]

You just can't wait to see Bob McKenzie in a two piece, can you?

[GirlySports]

I picked up a copy this morning. I still like good magazine writing and having something in my hand to read at my desk.

Brunt, Joyce, Grange, Spector, that's pretty quality writing.

and this:

Fall of the Boogeyman

[shermanator]

Originally Posted by Eastern Girl

You just can't wait to see Bob McKenzie in a two piece, can you?

You couldn't be further from the truth. It's Rod Smith in a one piece I'm after...

[Iceman90]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

The strangest thing in all this is the launch of a new sports print magazine - in an environment where mags are suffering big time.

Not sure if that's a sound business move.

That is very weird.

[Shasta Beast]

Originally Posted by Sainters7

Rebrand all you want, its not gonna change anything if you have crappy on-air hosts. Poor talent is poor talent, no matter what kind of pants you let Jason Portuondo wear.

This. I have no allegiance to any of the sport highlights channels, I just go where the hosts are the best.

The Score is the best right now, even if a couple of their new guys suck. Jay Onright is good on TSN but I hate the rest of em, that chick too.

[Peanut]

If it increases synergy, it's gotta be a sound business decision.