Ottawa Senators and Bell Media Announce Major 12-Year Broadcast Partnership
The Ottawa Senators have solidified their media future with a landmark agreement that ensures fans will continue to enjoy comprehensive coverage of their favorite team. During the first intermission of Thursday night's game against the Buffalo Sabres, the Senators and Bell Media jointly revealed a 12-year extension of their English and French broadcast rights, set to commence after the current season concludes.
Comprehensive Coverage Across Multiple Platforms
This extensive partnership guarantees that Senators games will remain accessible to viewers across multiple platforms. Regionally broadcast games will continue to air in English on TSN and in French on RDS, while TSN 1200 AM will maintain its position as the exclusive radio home for Senators broadcasts. The agreement represents a significant commitment from both organizations to provide consistent, high-quality coverage for hockey enthusiasts throughout the region.
Senators owner Michael Andlauer expressed his enthusiasm for the renewed partnership during an interview with TSN's Claire Hanna and analyst Cheryl Pounder. "We are very happy to extend our partnership with Bell Media for our regional broadcast rights in English and in French," Andlauer stated. "Our fans appreciate the passion and professionalism that go into our home broadcasts on TSN, RDS, and TSN 1200, and we are excited to build on this strong relationship in the years ahead."
Expanded Regional Reach and Blackout Relief
The Senators' regional broadcast rights encompass a substantial geographic area, including Eastern Ontario, Quebec, and all of Atlantic Canada—covering Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. This broad coverage ensures that fans across these regions can follow their team throughout the season.
In a significant development for hockey fans, the Senators and Montreal Canadiens have agreed to lift blackout restrictions in their respective markets. This arrangement allows supporters in both Ottawa and Montreal to access more hockey content, enhancing the viewing experience for dedicated followers of both franchises.
Building on a Decade-Long Partnership
TSN first became the home of Senators regional broadcasts at the start of the 2014-15 season, following Rogers Sportsnet's acquisition of national rights. The network also holds regional rights for the Winnipeg Jets and Montreal Canadiens, positioning TSN as a premier destination for hockey coverage in Canada.
Shawn Redmond, vice president and general manager of Bell Media Sports, emphasized the importance of this extended agreement. "With ascending young stars across their roster, the Ottawa Senators are a key pillar of TSN and RDS's industry-leading hockey coverage, and this new extended agreement represents the continuation of the successful partnership we've built together," Redmond commented. "With this new long-term agreement in place, TSN and RDS subscribers across the region can enjoy exceptional live coverage of the team for years to come from our all-star broadcast teams in English and French."
Radio Component and Organizational Stability
Andlauer highlighted the radio aspect as a crucial element of the deal, noting his personal connection to TSN 1200. "It's our sports radio. It's the way we connect. Listening to our passionate fans calling in is important to me," he explained, revealing that he often listens to the station on his way home after games.
The owner also reflected on the stability he believes he has brought to the organization since taking over three years ago. "It's a big. It's huge," Andlauer remarked about the deal. "It's been a great partnership." The announcement was showcased live in the arena during the game, underscoring its significance to the team and its supporters.
Looking ahead, the expectation is that TSN and RDS will broadcast 52 Senators games next season, maintaining the comprehensive coverage that fans have come to expect. This 12-year agreement not only secures the Senators' broadcast future but also reinforces Bell Media's commitment to delivering top-tier hockey content to audiences across Eastern Canada.
