Gary Bettman announces the imminent end of TVA Sports and RDS

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Greg Wilson
October 15, 2024 (8:58)

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It's no surprise: traditional TV has been struggling for several years, and let's just say that this year, with the arrival of Prime Vidéo on Mondays, things aren't looking good for broadcasters like RDS and TVA Sports.

During an interview, 90 minutes before the game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Penguins, Gary Bettman said this about digital platforms:

The world is moving away from cable television. The phenomenon of cord-cutters and cord-nevers is continuing, and the reach of cable and satellite (linear) is not what it used to be. The world, without including us, is moving toward other forms of distribution, and we are very aware of that. It is also important to note that Prime is distributed in Canada more widely than any other service. - Gary Bettman

Yeah, if I were the big boss of Bell Media or Quebecor, this statement wouldn't please me at all.

Live on RDS, Bettman even admitted that the future was digital platforms. He said that LIVE ON RDS with Alain Crête. Wow, you have to do it, anyway!

So, don't be surprised if in a few years, the Canadiens will be available only on Prime Video, Apple TV+ or even Netflix, probably in two languages, a bit like the case with MLS in soccer, right now.