CableVision Clarifies Olympics Broadcast Rights
Bermuda CableVision today [Jan 24] clarified the rights issues surrounding televised coverage of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, which will take place from February 7 – 23, in Sochi, Russia.
International Media Content, Ltd. [IMC], parent company of the two SPORTSMAX channels, is the exclusive rights holder for this coverage throughout the Caribbean region and Bermuda. Consequently, SPORTSMAX and SPORTSMAX2 will be the only networks able to broadcast select coverage from the Winter Games, while all other coverage is required to be blacked out.
Terry Roberson, CEO of Bermuda CableVision, explains: “We – along with all other cable companies and broadcasters in the Caribbean region and Bermuda – received notice on January 21 from IMC stating that, although coverage is expected on a number of channels originating from North America, this coverage must be blacked out during broadcast of all Olympic events.
“This includes coverage on NBC, CNBC, MSNBC and CTV. We regret any inconvenience this may cause our valued customers, but we trust they will understand the necessity of complying with these international distribution contracts, which are outside of our control.
“On the other hand, we are pleased to be bringing viewers the coverage that is available to Bermuda and hope they will understand these requirements.”
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Thankfully we still have the internet.
No Terry, we don’t understand why we pay for hi-definition channels and receive no refund when they are blacked out because of conflicting “rights” on other channels which you offer us. The quality on 350 and 351 is pathetic, not to mention most of the content is likewise. At least when BELCO have a power outage we do not get charged for electricity.
I was contemplating switching to Cablevision for internet access; thank you for making my decision an easy one.
Your “valued customers” do not understand why you can’t reach into your pockets and pay more to secure better content and delivery, instead of using the money for hocus-pocus galas that are obviously self-serving.
I hope the RA demand more of you soon!
As a commentator pointed out, IMC was likely able to seize the rights to exclusive broadcast to Bermuda from the IOC because no competing bid was received. In other words, if Terry and Stan had joined forces and bid for the rights, Bermuda could very likely have had its choice of broadcast sources for the Olympic coverage – USA/NBC, Canada/CBC, BBC. With HD and all the trimmings. But of course, that would mean CV and WOW would have to dig into their pockets a bit. Goodness, what an imposition! Imagine, actually having to serve their customers!
Some businesses take pride in the product and service they deliver to their customers and subscribers. Fortunately our broadcast services are not among them.
Thank you Dishnetwork
I will find a way to watch. No as***e from the Carribean or in particular IMC will tell me what I can and can not watch. 350 and 351 are crap anyway. Internet service is spotty at best with speed. So they can dictate to ZBM and ZFB as well? Time to take the 4 boxes back and see what wow has to offer. Has to be better,
Sportsmax does suck giant donkey balls.
Still not acceptable in 2014 not to have HD coverage of the Olympics. Especially when the original source is HD. Come on CV please do it. The rights issue is somewhat understandable but to dumb the picture quality down is not, especially if CV are going to ask for additional payment for it.
I suppose Bermuda gets another instalment of unsatisfactory Olympics coverage. In past years I have tended to forget about it and ignore it, as it is too bad to watch, which is a crying shame as it is the biggest sporting event there is.
I am hoping I can watch Olympics online. Just praying!
Dish Network all the way! Cablevison sucka. They couldn’t pay me to have their service!
Bermuda triple play
Cable TV: horrible, no true HDTV, crazy expensive, poor choices, blackouts, channels cut out with a mild blow
Internet: horrible, never speeds you pay for, beyond crazy expensive
Mobile Phone: poor data speed, routinely cuts out, messaging doesn’t always work, expensive
Add all that and the poor service you get from all three and you would think we live in a third world country!
I feel your pain as both 350 and 351 are poor quality. More people need to complain directly to the Telecoms regulatory Authority as i have been made to believe that there are service level agreements in place so that customers who are not happy might be able to get some form of compensation. IF it is not true it should be!
POWER – GREED -POWER – GREED – POWER – GREED -
I wonder if Cable Vision will get the major Digital Services to go along with there madness!
because I’m sure a lot of people will be watching the Winter Games on Computer/tablet
What does this mean for English Football during the 2 weeks of the Olympics, which is normally carried on these 2 channels?
Time to cancel Cable and go straight to the internet
Thank God for XBMC. For those who are unaware, go to Google and educate yourself about what you are missing…for FREE!
There has got to be a better way NBC has bin advertising the Olympics since last year and now are blocked say it ain’t so
We must do better. Bermuda deserves better
FORGET THE OLYMPICS…..BRING MY FOOTBALL BACK!!!!!
Remind me again of the benefits of being linked to the Caribbean…
We regret any inconvenience this may cause our valued customers, but we trust they will understand the necessity of complying with these international distribution contracts, which are outside of our control.” – CV has the ability to negotiate these contracts. I bet there are few sports fans on island that could care less if Sportsmax was eliminated due to distribution contracts, and NBCSports (IN HD!) was its replacement.
“On the other hand, we are pleased to be bringing viewers the coverage that is available to Bermuda and hope they will understand these requirements.”- I really hope CV doesnt throttle internet speed during the Olympics.
Guess what! it is going to be the same for the World Cup this summer.
Poor picture quality, poor sound, bad commentary and of course unexplained blackouts right when you are ready to watch your game.
This is what happens when you pay $20 for Sports max !
One has to imagine that CV are losing subscribers that are UK footie fans. It is time not only for the CV TV scheduling information to be fixed and able to be relied upon, but also to provide live the UK footie matches on Sportsmax that are (not) available on NBC Sports before CV current subscribers desert en masse.