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Star Choice Denied NHL Hockey
Shaw Communications subsidiary Star Choice - one of two Canadian providers of direct-to-home satellite services - is being forced to blackout certain NHL games to its hockey-loving subscribers. The company is halting the broadcasts in response to a court order sought by rival communications company Rogers Sportsnet.
According to reports, Star Choice had stopped conducting the blackouts in an effort to address subscriber frustration and confusion resulting from Sportsnet's frequent blackouts of NHL games. The company said Sportsnet blackouts make it impossible for Star Choice subs to see games of the Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks outside the local markets.
The court order obtained by Sportsnet means the blackouts must now be reinstated.
Shaw Communications President Peter Bissonnette said the company is "very disappointed with the actions of Rogers Sportsnet and the NHL" because hockey is thriving throughout the country. "Every arena is sold-out and advertising is at an all time high," he said. "It doesn't make any sense to us why Canadians should be denied access to their favorite teams."
Star Choice is providing the phone number to Rogers Sportsnet (877.288.7767) in case subscribers want to call and complain. The can also contact the National Hockey League directly at media_feedback@nhl.com.
Star Choice Denied NHL Hockey
Shaw Communications subsidiary Star Choice - one of two Canadian providers of direct-to-home satellite services - is being forced to blackout certain NHL games to its hockey-loving subscribers. The company is halting the broadcasts in response to a court order sought by rival communications company Rogers Sportsnet.
According to reports, Star Choice had stopped conducting the blackouts in an effort to address subscriber frustration and confusion resulting from Sportsnet's frequent blackouts of NHL games. The company said Sportsnet blackouts make it impossible for Star Choice subs to see games of the Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks outside the local markets.
The court order obtained by Sportsnet means the blackouts must now be reinstated.
Shaw Communications President Peter Bissonnette said the company is "very disappointed with the actions of Rogers Sportsnet and the NHL" because hockey is thriving throughout the country. "Every arena is sold-out and advertising is at an all time high," he said. "It doesn't make any sense to us why Canadians should be denied access to their favorite teams."
Star Choice is providing the phone number to Rogers Sportsnet (877.288.7767) in case subscribers want to call and complain. The can also contact the National Hockey League directly at media_feedback@nhl.com.
