Spire

As I understand it the Giro is not on in Canada but the TDF should be on OLN, but I can't even find that in my TV Times in Montreal. Anybody know the specific information.

mikey

Apparently, OLN will bless us canucks with another year of the TdF. Here's the link to their broadcast schedule:

https://www.facetheelements.com/tourdefrance/

velocipedio

Spire:

OLN is only available on Videotron's digital service in Montreal.

Spire

Gack.... noooooooooo! I only have the analog videotron cable.

velocipedio

Ride with my group, Spire. We'll be having some TdF viewing nights.

Spire

I think I'll take you up on that, thanks. I'll also try and find a friend of mine who does recieve the station and throw him 7 VHS cassettes...

RoAdRaGeR

You poor canadians, Ive been watching the giro on OLN here in sunny Florida, and will soon be watching the TDF. Why don't they show the giro on OLN in canada?

Spire

Broadcasting rights I guess. OLN of Canada didn't want to pay is the only explanation that I can come up with.

RoAdRaGeR

I thought OLN was one big network, I didn't know they had OLN of canada, and OLN of USA. Maybe if you buy one of those rediculously big satelite dishes, then you will be able to pick up the giro on your t.v.

velocipedio

OLN Canada isn't actually related to OLN in the US, except by name. The company that runds OLN Canada -- CTV -- has simply licensed the OLN name and consequently acquired some rights from the American network. The situation really stinks, because OLN in the US owns all North American broadcast rights to the Giro, the Vuelta a Espana and other races, which OLN Canada can pick up under the terms of its license agreement. The problem is that, if another network, say Sportsnet, wants to air a different feed, like Europsport's, they're SOL because ONLY OLN has the English-language rights. So, if OLN Canada takes a pass on cycling and choses instead to air fishing shows and out-of-date strongman contests [which is wahat they're airing during the Giro], then that's what we get.

As for satellite... well, there are two satellite television providers in canada, and neither of them carry the American OLN. Under the Canadian Broadcasting Act, moreover [at least as recently ruled by our Supreme Court], it is illegal to go across the border and buy an American satellite service.

So, what do we do? We complain. Send an e-mail to audiencerelations@tsn.ca .