TSN (that's The Sports Network, NOT Turner Sports Network as so many Americans seem to think) has had a partnership with the WWF/E for well over 10 years. They have been the only Canadian broadcaster of Monday Night Raw since it's inception. That will apparently change in the very near future.
The show will be moving to The Score, 'Home For The Hardcore'
Neither party, the WWE or TSN have been very happy with their deal lately. TSN signed Monday Night Football a few months back, and will begin broadcasting those games this season. That would mean that every episode of Raw would be preempted until Midnight Eastern. Obviously, the WWE was not thrilled with this arrangement.
TSN has received viewer complaints for years about preempting Raw. They've also received complaints from viewers and the CRTC (Canadian Radio & Television Commission) about the content. Recent skits like Edge's like sex celebration, DX's simulated oral and more probably made this decision a lot easier for TSN.
In addition to all of this is the simple fact that the WWE ratings on TSN have slid considerably for quite some time now. Decreasing audience, CRTC complaints and too much broadcast inventory made this decision rather elementary.
Some viewers may feel that once Raw gets to the Score, much of the editing or preempting may change. Don't hold your breath.
The Score will be held to the same CRTC regulations TSN was. They also have a deal to broadcast NBA games - and that could affect Raw on occassion.
An official press conference is expected tomorrow. At this time, no one seems to be quite sure when Raw's last night on TSN will be.
1 comments: on "Raw making a move in Canada"
It's going to be interesting how the WWE fares with Monday Night Football being on both ESPN and TSN.
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