
TORONTO – Rogers Communications has launched a sports-themed barker channel called Sportsnews designed to promote its sports services and content.
Available free to digital cable customers in Ontario and Atlantic Canada on channel 999 in SD and HD, the channel promises timely information on scores, stats, fantasy information and breaking news for sports fans.
One third of the screen will feature a scoreboard, while the rest is made up of the “headline zone” and a Twitter feed from Sportsnet personalities (see screen grab below).
“Sportsnews is the first cable service of its kind in Canada”, said Anthony Antonelli, senior director of sports and on-demand services, in Thursday’s announcement. “It's where customers can learn about our sports programming as well as what's happening in the world of sports – 24/7 and right at their fingertips. Whether you're at a sports bar with friends, the gym, or at home in front of your big screen TV, Sportsnews will keep you up-to-date with the day's key match-ups, headlines, scores, stats and breaking news through a real-time Twitter feed.”
