February 29, 2008

New home not so sweet for CFL?: The Canadian Football League's move solely to cable network TSN is apparently not all roses.

posted by Spitztengle to football at 05:17 PM - 9 comments

I just don't know what it is, but for some reason this league just can't seem to get it right, especially when it comes to its position in/with the media. And, while the move away from the CBC (whose role in broadcasting the CFL had been in decline over recent years anyway) was wildly celebrated, this move to TSN has not been seamless, or even marginally "better" (of course, yet to be determined). Last week, the release of the schedule was the first flashpoint that set off the fan boards. And, according to this article, TSN has a whole heck of a lot of input into the schedule too. With all the talk about the NFL arriving in Toronto meaning the end is in sight for the CFL, I simply can't understand how or why there hasn't been a better effort on the part of the league and its broadcaster(s) to solidify its place in the market.

posted by Spitztengle at 05:29 PM on February 29, 2008

With all the talk about the NFL arriving in Toronto meaning the end is in sight for the CFL It might be the end of the CFL for Toronto, but it'll keep on thriving out west.

posted by grum@work at 06:14 PM on February 29, 2008

grum - you hit it on the head. No one outside of the mistake by the lake really gives a hoot anymore about what goes on there. Adding another perennial loser to their stable of sports failures isn't about to change that. Probably be a good thing - the rest of us would get a chance to follow a variety of games, not just those involving the 3 lame teams from TO. Before I hit the send button, I'll add ..... TSN blows !! Trade - you allow us to subscribe to ESPN and we'll give you Toronto and Quebec.

posted by cixelsyd at 09:13 PM on February 29, 2008

Not sure if the ESPN ownership situation is different now, but the Canadian Grand Prix was aired on CTV for several years, despite TSN owning the rights. (The actual host broadcaster is French, so it wasn't a case of CTV being the host.) This was before TSN stop giving a crap about F1. (They treat that sport so fucking bad.) And I agree. TSN fucking blows. They are absolutely useless. Their F1 coverage (my favourite sport) is so dire I watched Speed from the US instead. They ONLY show the fucking Jays baseball. About all they have going for them is the fact they show boxing. TSN is an absolutely terrible channel and has been for a very long time. And Vic Rauter is the anti-christ.

posted by Drood at 12:43 AM on March 01, 2008

There are only eight teams in the CFL? Really? I had no idea.

posted by BitterOldPunk at 12:03 PM on March 02, 2008

I just hope Doug Flutie has another good year.

posted by Knuckles at 06:38 PM on March 02, 2008

The Montreal Expos team died largely due to sheer fucking neglect from the TV networks and fans. (Fuck the Blue Jays is all I have to say.) I know a lot of Canadian football fans. Not one of them watches the CFL. It's NFL only for them.

posted by Drood at 04:52 AM on March 04, 2008

I know a lot of Canadian football fans. Not one of them watches the CFL. It's NFL only for them. I am a few blocks from Taylor Field. There are a lot of Canadians who love the CFL.

posted by deep dish at 09:16 PM on March 04, 2008

I know a lot of Canadian football fans. Not one of them watches the CFL. It's NFL only for them. I love the CFL, and the NFL. Both are great leagues, two different games really. There is excitement and drama in both. Positives and negatives to both leagues. Television ratings in Canada indicate that more Canadians watch CFL than NFL games.

posted by tommybiden at 08:21 PM on March 05, 2008

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