CBC Signs Skating Contract

[Annes]

This is a four-year deal that includes 4CC, the GPF and Worlds.....Yaaaaaaay!!!!!!!!!

I learned of this from the sale-pelletier webboard:

http://www.sale-pelletier.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=6&t=001804

[Artemis]

Halleluja! Yippee! Hoooorrrraaaaay!

I thought this deal might be in the offing ... but I wasn't certain they'd get it in place for this season. I'm a very happy camper now!:D :D :D

[jcspkbfan]

Woo-hoo! Thanks, Annes--this is definitely the best skating-related news I've heard in quite some time! :D

I hoped CBC (or another Canadian network) would be able to hammer out some kind of deal to at least broadcast 2004 Worlds and 4CCs (since Canada is hosting 4CCs, after all). But I never expected them to broadcast this year's GPF and "a minimum of three Grand Prix events" starting next season, too! Definitely the icing on the cake. :D

Now if only all those other countries which haven't worked out a deal with the ISU yet can get similar coverage...

[skate talker]

If anyone has a media source for this information please provide the link. So far it seems this info has only surfaced on the J&D board without a quoted source or media link, although it does look like a copied story complete with headline. I hope it is true, but as they say in Missouri - Show me!

[pairs_guy]

It's about time. I haven't been able to watch anything this year. The only thing I got to see was part of Skate Canada since CTV only played part of the days. Maybe this means that more t.v. contracts will start to pop up, maybe they like this new judging system?!

[jcspkbfan]

Originally posted by skate talker
If anyone has a media source for this information please provide the link. So far it seems this info has only surfaced on the J&D board without a quoted source or media link, although it does look like a copied story complete with headline. I hope it is true, but as they say in Missouri - Show me!

The post on the S&P board definitely looks like an official news release to me--the last few paragraphs may have been condensed/rewritten, but the headline and the first two paragraphs definitely look official to me. :)

I looked around to see if CBC posted this release to their official site--it's not there yet (although there is a release about their upcoming broadcast of Kurt's Gotta Skate show if anyone's interested), but the news release posted on the S&P site looks like it's written in the same format (complete with all-caps headlines) as all the others listed here:

http://www3.cbc.ca/sections/news.asp

[Nicki]

I really hope that this is true because it would mean double the skating coverage for me. I loved being able to watch the olympics on both CBC and NBC and hearing all of the different commentators opinions.

[Fruit Loops]

I generally like CBC's coverage of the "other" sports (and hockey too;)) so I really hope this is true. I remember enjoying the commentary by Underhill and Martini and that thrid guy (who was he??:?: ) That unknown third guy was a nice voice for the casual fan (like myself) without being too hammy (still like Rob though:roll: ). I was also getting annoyed with CTV coverage since they partnered with TSN they have relegated the majority of competitions there. Since I don't have cable or satellite that really sucks. Also, during the Olympics the coverage seemed to be more about the skating and not as much fluff.

[expo86]

Fruit Loops, Chris Cuthbert usually works with Barb & Paul on CBC. He also does Hockey Night in Canada.

[Justine_R]

YAA!Now i can watch it on my favourite channel!!!!

[Steffi]

The girl on the S&P board who posted the press release works in advertising, apparently, and that's how she got it. I guess she got it earlier than before a formal announcement because of that. I would expect an announcement (in the papers, CBC site, etc.) really soon (today or tomorrow, maybe?).

Anyway, I am absolutely THRILLED by this news!!! :D :D :D

[evereg]

I am thrilled by this news!!! I really hope that it is true! I checked the CBC's website and there isn't anything about it. Like many of you, I have been really annoyed by the CTV/TSN coverage. The coverage of the pairs competitions has been on TSN & I have missed them. I won't have the same problem with the CBC. :) Also, I really like Chris Cuthbert. I actually think that he is better than Rod Black. Cuthbert isn't as baised or something. Anyway, if this is true, I will be doing the happy dance!

[Artemis]

Chris Cuthbert is probably the best non-skating-expert skating commentator I've ever heard. He has that most wonderful feature of knowing when to shut up (i.e., when he has nothing to contribute!), and instead focusses on asking questions of Barb and Paul (or whoever, as the case may be).

[skate talker]

Here is the link to the news story
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1069197010611&call_pageid=1044529391071&col=1044529389142

[evereg]

Originally posted by Artemis
Chris Cuthbert is probably the best non-skating-expert skating commentator I've ever heard. He has that most wonderful feature of knowing when to shut up (i.e., when he has nothing to contribute!), and instead focusses on asking questions of Barb and Paul (or whoever, as the case may be). I think that Cuthbert is one of the best because he isn't "star struck". Unlike, say Rod Black. Anyway, it states in the Toronto Star article that Mark Lee will be doing the call. His name does not ring a bell. I guess that Cuthbert is tied up with Hockey Night in Canada.

[skate talker]

Mark Lee is a longtime CBC commentator, a bit younger than Cuthbert I would say. He has a deeper voice and is not prone to asking silly questions or gushing about athletes either. Several years ago he was the main CBC Winnipeg sports guy, but he has been on the CBC national and international scene for some time now and has experience at major games and sports events. He is a keeper in short.

Edited to make clear I do not mean that Cuthbert was a gusher or asked silly questions because he certainly did not. I was thinking more of a certain RB on another Canadian network.

[Greek Chic]

Hello Everyone,

It seems as if the quote is true. I have an aunt who works @ CBC who has told me that it is almost 100& percent true that they will get the coverage. They have done the coverage in the past, and I am pretty sure that the ISU will give them permission to. She has not heard offical news yet, but I will keep everyone posted if something devastating happens. If it is 100% true, HAIL TO THE GODS AT CBC

Edited for improper grammer/spelling mistake.

[duane]

I guess it can be assumed that CBC will televise the skating events live, and not weeks after they occur?

Whatever, I guess. As long as there is more coverage, I am happy.

[evereg]

Originally posted by skate talker
.Edited to make clear I do not mean that Cuthbert was a gusher You hit the nial on the head. That is what I was trying to say. Cuthbert did not gush over the skaters.

[juzub]

I sent am email to CBC yesterday asking if this information was true and here is their reply:

"Yes, CBC Sports will be airing several figure skating events this
season. Our season gets underway with the ISU Grand Prix Final on
December 27 at 3 p.m. ET and December 28 at 3 p.m.
We will also have coverage of the Four Continents Championships and the
World Championships in March. Check back with cbc.ca/sports for times /
dates for those events.
Thanks for your question."

So this is wonderful news.

[Emanfan]

Originally posted by juzub
I sent am email to CBC yesterday asking if this information was true and here is their reply:

"Yes, CBC Sports will be airing several figure skating events this
season. Our season gets underway with the ISU Grand Prix Final on
December 27 at 3 p.m. ET and December 28 at 3 p.m.
We will also have coverage of the Four Continents Championships and the
World Championships in March. Check back with cbc.ca/sports for times /
dates for those events.
Thanks for your question."

So this is wonderful news.

CANADA ROCKS AGAIN!!:bow: :bow:

[Artemis]

Story just posted at the CBC site: story here. (http://www.cbc.ca/pcgi-bin/templates/sportsView.cgi?/news/2003/11/19/Sports/cbc-isu031119)

[Annes]

Yay! Junior Worlds in 2005...I've always wanted to see a televised Jr Worlds...

I'm sending an email to cbcinput@toronto.cbc.ca to thank CBC for showing skating...any skating on Canadian tv at all is wonderful...

[Canadian Chick]

The contract includes Jr. Worlds!? That's awesome :D

[Fruit Loops]

I've never had major complaints about CTV's style of coverage (until they dumped everything onto TSN, that is) but watching the Olympics on CBC last year made me realize how superior it is. Martini was a bit nit-picky for this casual fan but it taught me more about the rules of skating.

I do feel kinda bad for Debbi Wilkes and Traci though. They were pretty good and didn't talk too much. The thing I hate is when a skater(ie Sasha) is performing a beautiful program and all the commentator can think of doing is talking throughout the entire thing about some trivial 'she used to be a gymnast' info. Who cares?? Let me enjoy the program!:lol:

Is CBC going to cover the Nationals as well? I know that CTV still has the rights for this year, but what about the future?
And it's too bad that Cuthbert won't be doing the commentating. I hope Lee is good.

[LTM]

All I can say is ----yipee!!!!!!
CTV has done a pretty good job over the years but I always liked CBC's coverage. They just seem to be more in the moment.
They tend to show stuff like -- oh --- the medal ceremony, maybe a few more skaters than the top plus Canadians.
I know Paul Martini can bang on a bit but at least he calls a spade a spade (sorry sometimes those Russian guys do look like they are hauling around a sack of potatoes during those death spirals)

[Artemis]

I'm just guessing here, but ... I have a feeling that CTV will continue to do SkateCan and Nationals, and CBC the rest. Part of the reason that CTV/TSN dumped doing the out-of-Canada events was that they didn't want to invest in international travel costs.

But my "in a perfect world" scenario would be:
~ CBC does all events
~ the CBC team is Barb and Tracy for the colour commentary; Debbie could do one-on-one interviews (which is what she's best at, along with the written pieces); Paul's okay but if someone has to go I'd prefer it be him

[Layback]

HURRAY for showing jr worlds in 2005!
seriously, if a major event is being held in canada, then if no where else, it should always be covered by a canadian network. thank god CBC has the brains to do this.
ALL HAIL THE CBC! :)
i'm a happy skater now!

[Xiaoxue]

This is so great...I have no words...

THANK YOU CBC!

[skate talker]

For those of you who are wondering who Mark Lee is this may refresh your memory - He's the guy in this picture whose head is on the Hockey Night in Canada logo.
Mark Lee (http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/hnic/wallpaper/2003-04/hniccrew_800x600.jpg)

[Tigger]

Mark Lee is an excellent commentator and he knows when to keep quiet. He does all the colour commentary for Women's Hockey on CBC and was the one who called the Women's Gold Medal Hockey Game in SLC.

The fact that Mark is taking on CBC's skating coverage instead of Chris Cuthbert confirms something I've thought for a long time now. Chris is the Heir Apparent to the Hockey Night In Canada play by play seat. He calls one heck of a hockey game and I love listening to his play by play. Good Luck to him on HNIC. Can't wait till Chris gets the big chair and gets to finally call Leafs games. :)

[jcspkbfan]

Thanks for the additional info about Mark Lee, skate talker and Tigger! I know I must have seen him during SLC or one of the other sports broadcast on CBC, but his name didn't seem to ring a bell for me for some reason.

I must admit I'm disappointed Chris Cuthbert won't be returning to the CBC skating broadcast team--I always thought he did a wonderful job when CBC last broadcast Worlds during the late 80's/early 90's--but at least it sounds like his replacement will be more than capable of filling his shoes! Especially the part about Mark Lee knowing "when to keep quiet"--that's always a good thing (and something far too many other commentators are incapable of doing), IMO! :D

And I've always liked Barb and Paul commentating together much better than when both of them were on their own. I've always found Paul a little too negative on his own and I found Barb to be a little too "perky" (for lack of a better word!) on her own, but together, they balance each other out just right. :)

[love2sk8]

This is amazing! I was so disappointed after I heard that CTV wasn't broadcasting skating anymore...but this seems even better!!

[Artemis]

Barb posted a brief message at the board that used to be "hers" and is now run by Fred. Basically she says she's looking forward to getting back into broadcasting, and is optimistic about the new scoring system.

View the post here. (http://www.fredwilliams.ca/board/messages/1878.html)

[ice mommy]

Just wanted to clarify a few points. One of the conditions of being the host country of an ISU event is that there must be a broadcaster which will provide a world feed for all ISU events. So in the case of 2005 Junior Worlds, if CBC must provide the world feed as part of their contract, then they might as well use it for broadcast to us. As for CTV and Canadian events, I believe that their contract with Skate Canada is up after 2006 - 07 season. My guess is that whether they bid again depends on who is at the helm of CTV at that time. When Scott Moore left CTV I suspected that the TSN jocks would push skating to the back burner and eventually out the door. It seems that this is what happened.

[memememe76]

Originally posted by jcspkbfan
I must admit I'm disappointed Chris Cuthbert won't be returning to the CBC skating broadcast team--I always thought he did a wonderful job when CBC last broadcast Worlds during the late 80's/early 90's--

And I've always liked Barb and Paul commentating together much better than when both of them were on their own. I've always found Paul a little too negative on his own and I found Barb to be a little too "perky" (for lack of a better word!) on her own, but together, they balance each other out just right. :)

I don't believe Chris Cuthbert did figure skating in the early 80s. Toller was the man at the time, and his sidekick was Mark Reynolds. Mark was hilarious--he seemed to have a big crush on Maya Usova. I think Chris got involved when U&M replaced Toller.

[Sydney]

I've always liked Chris Cuthbert too! He presents the program very well. He never tries to butt in to get airtime, does not get overly emotional whenever a certain skater wins or loses or "was robbed". He also has a very pleasant voice. He'll be missed, but kudos to him for the promotion to HNIC.

CBC was the network that introduced me to figure skating back in the 1980s, back with Toller. Was it really Mark Reynolds (white-haired guy, right?) who was with him? I thought they made a good team.

As long as they don't separate Paul and Barb, it'll be ok. When they're on their own, they drive me nuts. As a team, they balance out (although I always think of them as Ken and Barbie, probably because he sort of looks like the blond Ken doll and her name is Barb).

I will really miss Tracy. She's the creme de la creme. I also liked Brian Williams. He always seemed like a fan, very classy... oh yeah, and I think his daughters were fans of Josee Chouinard. Good taste, I must say.

[expo86]

Ted Reynolds was the white-haired man that used to work with Toller Cranston. He had been a sportscaster for many years on CBC Vancouver.

[tollerfan]

Hi there...I haven't posted in awhile but I've been watching what little skating has been shown so far on tv, and I just wanted to say that I am delighted that CBC is going to be covering the skating! I will say, though, that I will miss Tracey (and Debbie) very much. Gosh, I hope Tracey somehow ends up on the CBC coverage (if only for the ice dance coverage)! She's a fabulous commentator.

[Sydney]

Originally posted by expo86
Ted Reynolds was the white-haired man that used to work with Toller Cranston. He had been a sportscaster for many years on CBC Vancouver.

Yes, that's it! TED! I knew it couldn't be Mark. What does he do nowadays?