3 Reasons Why We’ll See 3 New TSN Channels

BCE’s move is good news for both sports fans and shareholders.

| More on:
The Motley Fool

Sports fans, it’s time to rejoice. TSN, Canada’s number 1 specialty channel, announced three new channels to be launched this fall. They will appropriately be named TSN3, TSN4, and TSN5.

People less interested in sports must be wondering how five TSN channels could be really necessary — especially since there are already seven Sportsnet channels. But there are reasons why this move makes sense for owner BCE Inc (TSX: BCE)(NYSE: BCE). Below are the top three.

1. A response to Rogers

The move allows BCE to more effectively compete with Rogers (TSX: RCI.B)(NYSE: RCI) after the latter snapped up NHL rights in Canada for the next 12 years in November. In fact BCE had been pondering a TSN expansion for two years, but when Rogers won that contract, it put TSN under a brighter spotlight.

At the time, Rogers was predicting that owning the NHL rights would make it the number one sports network. And in this competitive battleground, that outcome was not acceptable to BCE.

2. Cord cutting

It is no secret that TV’s traditional model is under threat by upstart rivals like Netflix, and many consumers are less willing to pay the sky-high fees that come with TV service subscriptions. This has led to so-called “cord cutting”, which until recently was a major trend in the United States only. But last week, a new report showed that Canadian subscriptions to cable TV dropped for the first time.

Sports is known as one of the last major advantages that traditional TV carriers have over their new rivals. Best of all, sports are almost exclusively viewed live, making the content DVR-proof. This leads to more advertising dollars.

Interestingly, BCE CEO George Cope told shareholders that consumers would not have to pay for the new channels. So it looks like he acknowledges that BCE simply needs to offer more to consumers to prevent them from cutting the cord.

3. Plenty of content

Based on the first two motivations, it seems that BCE is playing defence with this announcement. But while outside pressures may have influenced the timing, and the price point, the move can also be seen as an act of strength.

This is because the TSN stations currently have access to much more sports content that can be shown on two channels. Sports like football, tennis, and curling tend to have numerous matches being played at once, forcing BCE to pick the one that will be most popular. As a result, events that would be popular among viewers often don’t air. Now viewers can look forward to choosing between multiple games from the same league or tournament. And BCE can look forward to more dollars from subscriptions and advertising.

Should shareholders be wary?

The move by Rogers, as well as the growing trend of TV subscription alternatives, should certainly be a real concern to BCE and its shareholders. But with the announcement on Tuesday, it is at least clear that the company is taking the right steps. Shareholders should be just as satisfied with BCE’s management as Canada’s sports fans are.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Benjamin Sinclair holds no positions in any of the stocks mentioned in this article. David Gardner owns shares of Netflix. The Motley Fool owns shares of Netflix.

More on Investing

analyze data
Investing

Got $500? Buy These Canadian Stocks to Kick Off 2025

Here are two top Canadian stocks investors looking to kick off 2025 right may want to consider right now.

Read more »

grow money, wealth build
Stocks for Beginners

2 Top Canadian Blue-Chip Stocks to Buy Now

Both of these blue-chip stocks offer a safe dividend yield of 5.5%. Which will you choose?

Read more »

a man relaxes with his feet on a pile of books
Dividend Stocks

Value Hunters: The Best Canadian Stocks to Add to Your TFSA With $7,000

if you're looking for cheap names to pick up this January, consider adding the following two to your shopping list.

Read more »

Car, EV, electric vehicle
Dividend Stocks

Is Magna International Stock a Good Buy?

Depending on the direction the automotive industry takes in the next few years, many stocks in this industry can soar…

Read more »

Income and growth financial chart
Tech Stocks

Prediction: MDA Space Stock Will Keep Skyrocketing in 2025

MDA's Q3 revenue soared 38% as the space tech leader expands satellite production and wins NASA contract. Discover why this…

Read more »

monthly desk calendar
Dividend Stocks

Monthly Dividend Leaders: 3 TSX Stocks Paying Dividends Every 30 Days

These high yield Canadian stocks offer monthly dividends, making them top investments for passive income in 2025 and beyond.

Read more »

Tractor spraying a field of wheat
Metals and Mining Stocks

Nutrien Stock: Buy, Hold, or Sell in 2025?

Choosing the right time to let go of a stock can be just as crucial for your returns as identifying…

Read more »

A worker gives a business presentation.
Investing

Canadian Dividend Giants: BCE and Enbridge Are Key Buys for 2025

BCE (TSX:BCE) and another dividend stock are worth checking out in the new year if you love value.

Read more »