This just breaking in Canada. CBC, the long-time home of Hockey Night in Canada and once the home of the CFL, has announced that it will no longer bid for professional sports rights.
To make up for funding cuts from the Canadian government and a CDN$130 million shortfall, the public broadcaster will slash 657 jobs across the board. It’s a sad day for a once-proud network.
CBC/Radio-Canada President Hubert Lacroix said the network could no longer compete with Bell and Rogers which own sports networks and multiple platforms.
CBC has aired Hockey Night in Canada dating back to 1952, but lost the rights to Rogers late last year. In a content sharing agreement, CBC will air games over the next four seasons, but will not be receiving any revenue under the arrangement.
Lacroix said the loss of HNIC was part of the reason for the cuts and decision, but not the main one.
Lacroix did not rule out bidding for the Olympics and various amateur events, but said pro sports is out.
CBC has been suffering a slow decline of its sports department losing long-time events such as the CFL, curling and Hockey Night in Canada. With the latest move, one wonders what is the long-term future for CBC Sports and whether it eventually may close up shop leaving sports for Sportsnet and TSN in Canada.
TSN’s public relations department did post this tweet on what is a very tough day for the CBC.
Thinking of our friends at @CBC, on an extremely tough day.
— TSN PR (@TSN_PR) April 10, 2014