Sportsnet

Sportsnet, a multiplatform sports media brand in Canada

Sportsnet describes itself as a Canadian sports media brand that reaches fans through four platforms: television, radio, online and mobile. Its own presentation calls it Canada's #1 sports media brand, a claim the network attributes to its position in the Canadian market. The brand groups Sportsnet, sportsnet.ca, Sportsnet 590 The FAN, Sportsnet 960 The FAN, Sportsnet 650 Vancouver, Sportsnet+ and the Sportsnet apps.

According to the company's account, the network launched in 1998 and has been owned by Rogers Media since 2001.

Television channels and regional structure

The television side comprises four regional channels — Sportsnet East, Sportsnet Ontario, Sportsnet West and Sportsnet Pacific — alongside the nationally distributed Sportsnet ONE, Sportsnet 360 and Sportsnet World. This structure allows the network to combine regional feeds with national signals.

Broadcast rights and sports covered

Sportsnet states that it holds the official Canadian NHL national multimedia rights. It also describes itself as the official regional television rights holder for four NHL franchises, with radio rights attached in three cases:

• Calgary Flames, including radio rights on Sportsnet 960 The FAN
• Edmonton Oilers
• Toronto Maple Leafs, including radio rights on Sportsnet 590 The FAN
• Vancouver Canucks, including radio rights on Sportsnet 650

In baseball, the network presents itself as the Canadian leader in MLB television broadcasts and as the official home of Toronto Blue Jays games, the MLB Postseason and the World Series. Its stated lineup also includes the Toronto Raptors, the NBA, the WNBA, Grand Slam of Curling, The National Bank Open, WWE and the FA Cup.

News programming and digital services

Sportsnet Central is the network's nightly news programme, covering the day's events at regional and national level. Online and mobile distribution runs through sportsnet.ca and the Sportsnet apps, while Sportsnet+ is the brand's streaming service, with a dedicated support channel for subscriber questions and issues.

Radio stations

The radio division includes Sportsnet 590 The FAN in Toronto, Sportsnet 960 The FAN and Sportsnet 650 Vancouver. The Toronto station publishes contest and open phone lines for local, toll-free and cell calls, plus a text line, and maintains a separate general enquiries address for its radio operation.

Ownership and regulation

Sportsnet operates under Rogers Media ownership and references its CRTC licence, the Canadian regulatory framework for broadcasters. The network's mailing addresses for television, radio and Sportsnet+ payment matters are located in Toronto, Ontario.