TORONTO – Add the CBC to the list of programmers to sign on with Rogers.
The two companies announced a “programming alliance” Friday which will see some of CBC’s series, news, children’s and sports programming made available to Rogers customers through its digital cable, on-demand platform, Rogers On Demand Online portal, and the soon to be launched Rogers On Demand Online platforms.
"This agreement helps us bring more great CBC content to Canadians in more ways, from mobile to On Demand to on-line," said Steve Billinger, GM of digital programming and business development for CBC English Services, in the announcement. "Our objective as the public broadcaster is to be the country’s leading provider of Canadian content on multiple platforms. Our agreement with Rogers expands our engagement with Canadians while providing new potential sources of revenue, which we can use in turn to create more programming."
According to the press release, the programming alliance includes:
– extended linear channel availability and cross-platform content from CBC’s specialty channels bold and documentary;
– more than 20 hours of CBC News Network, bold and documentary programming available on Rogers On Demand, in addition to Rogers On Demand Online and Rogers On Demand Mobile to those with matching cable subscriptions;
– cross-platform access to premium sports programming including this summer’s 2010 FIFA World Cup; and
– various CBC primetime and daytime programming available in catch-up viewing on Rogers On Demand, Rogers On Demand Online and Rogers On Demand Mobile.
"Rogers is proud to welcome the CBC as the newest major network to join the Rogers On Demand and Rogers On Demand Online entertainment offerings," said David Purdy, Rogers’ VP of video product management, in the announcement. "With CBC content, our cable and wireless customers will have access to an incredible variety of entertainment, available to them when they want, where they want it. It’s about giving control to our customers and providing the ultimate entertainment experience they can expect from Rogers."
