WWE Network (Canada)

WWE Network
Launched August 12, 2014
Owned by WWE
(distributed by Rogers Media)
Country Canada
Availability
Satellite
Shaw Direct Channel 117
Bell TV Channel 1446
Cable
Rogers Cable Channel 512
Eastlink Channel 430
Cogeco Channel 427 (SD) - 858 (HD)
Shaw Channel 225
Vidéotron Channel 198 (SD) - 798 (HD)
IPTV
Optik TV Channel 947
Bell Fibe Channel 1446

WWE Network is a Canadian English language pay-per-view (PPV) channel operated by Rogers Media through a distribution agreement with WWE.

History and distribution

The channel launched on August 12, 2014 using a dedicated channel within the existing Sportsnet PPV licence, similar to how Rogers initially distributed the Sportsnet World service.[1] The channel is offered on a subscription basis on Rogers Cable and, according to Rogers, has been offered to all other cable, satellite, and IPTV service providers across Canada.[2] Rogers has indicated that other providers have shown interest in carrying the channel, but that negotiations are ongoing and may "take some time".[3]

Rogers also sponsored an application by WWE to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to add the WWE Network (U.S.) linear channel as a non-Canadian programming service authorized for distribution, which will ultimately replace the Rogers-operated PPV channel.[2] This application was published on September 10, 2014, and was open for public comment until October 10.[4]

The launch of WWE Network in Canada as a traditional cable TV channel is part of an exclusive Canadian distribution agreement between Rogers and WWE, which runs through 2024, and includes Rogers' Sportsnet 360 retaining exclusive rights to WWE's weekly programming. (Canadian broadcasts of the WWE-produced reality television series Total Divas, which airs on Bell Media-owned E! Canada, does not currently appear to be affected by this agreement.) This means that Rogers controls the Canadian distribution of WWE Network and will not immediately be making it available on an over-the-top basis (i.e. without going through a service provider such as Rogers), though Rogers has not ruled out making it available via OTT in the future.[1]

On November 26, 2014, The CRTC approved the adding of the WWE Network to List of non-Canadian programming services authorized for distribution (the list), part of the approval the WWE Network-[5] Rogers confirmed that the WWE Network service that it proposed to distribute in Canada would broadcast the same content as that broadcast by the WWE Network service in the United States and that the service would complement its other offerings, such as various sporting programs on Sportsnet 360 and live events on pay-per-view.

On December 17, 2014, the network launched on Eastlink, making it the first provider other than Rogers to carry it.[6]

On February 12, 2015, Rogers announced a carriage agreement with Cogeco, Shaw, Vidéotron and Telus. It will launch on Telus TV, Videotron, Bell TV and Bell Fibe TV on February 25, Cogeco Cable on March 24, and Shaw and Shaw Direct on March 17.[7]

As of March 9, for people who have subscribed to the WWE Network via a cable or satellite provider can now access it via the Over The Top streaming service via WWE.com. This service is currently available to Rogers, Eastlink, and Optik TV subscribers, with more to be added in the future.

Programming

The channel itself carries approximately 20 hours of programming each day, seven days a week, drawn directly from the U.S. streaming service's linear channel.[1] The subscription also includes access to a video on demand library with a limited number of offerings, accessible via cable set-top box (somewhat similar to the former WWE Classics on Demand package), but does not currently provide access to the Internet-based on-demand library.[3]

As of August 14, 2014, Rogers-owned Sportsnet 360 has stopped airing NXT, making it available only on the WWE Network, with Main Event replacing it on Sportsnet 360.

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Nowak, Peter (2014-08-01). "Working from NHL playbook, Rogers locks down 10-year cable deal with WWE wrestling". Canadian Business. Retrieved 2014-08-06.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Rogers Communications; WWE (2014-07-31). "Rogers and WWE® Announce Landmark Television and WWE® Network Agreement". Retrieved 2014-08-06.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "RogersDarrell" (2014-08-15). "WWE Net Pak FAQs". Rogers Community Forums. Rogers Communications. Retrieved 2014-08-16.
  4. ↑ "Broadcasting Part 1 Applications Open for Comment". Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission. Retrieved 2014-09-28.
  5. ↑ "Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2014-613". CRTC. Retrieved 3 December 2014.
  6. ↑ "Eastlink launches WWE Network HD and breaks 200 HD milestone". CNW Group Ltd. Retrieved 2014-12-22.
  7. ↑ http://www.wwe.com/wwenetwork/expands-in-canada-27096674