| Olympic broadcast bid by CBC-Bell denied | | Print | |
| Written by Jillian Cecchini | ||
| Tuesday, 17 January 2012 13:50 | ||
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Canadians could be without a domestic broadcaster for the 2014 Winter Olympics and the 2016 Summer Games, now that the International Olympic Committee rejected a joint offer from Bell Media and CBC to televize the coverage.
If this worst case scenario occurs, Canadian viewers will be forced to watch NBC for coverage of the games, but would have no French-language feed. A partnership between Bell Media and Rogers Communications in the winter of 2010 helped the International Olympic Committee receive $153 million for the rights of the Vancouver and London Olympics. They also sold $190 million worth of advertising for Vancouver. The Toronto Star reported Tuesday that Rogers executives have come to the decision of no longer affiliating themselves with the Olympics, stating that it allows them to pursue new opportunities in regards of serving their viewers, advertisers, and shareholders. Bell Media and Rogers Communications offered $70 million for the Canadian rights to the Games in Russia and Brazil. This is less than half of what the IOC received for London and Vancouver. Scott Henderson, Vice-President of Communications with Bell Media, told thedailyplanet.com on Tuesday he is not willing to comment on any negotiations. Canadian ratings could also be in jeopardy if the National Hockey League players do not participate in the Winter Games. It is another reason why the Bell Media and CBC bid is low. The NHL and the union will determine future Olympic participation through collective bargaining, which is set to take place after the current season. The 2014 Winter Olympics will be held in Sochi, Russia, and the 2016 Summer Games will be held in Rio.
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