Sportsnet Named Playback’s Cross-Platform Media Brand of the Year

- Multiplatform Fuelled By Fans campaign receives international attention -

TORONTO (December 1, 2011) – Fresh off unveiling its new integrated brand campaign across multiple platforms, Sportsnet today was named “Cross-Platform Media Brand of the Year” by Playback. The award is part of Playback’s annual “Best Of the Year” list, which shines a spotlight on the year’s best players in the industry.

In early October, Sportsnet became the first Canadian sports media company to extend its brand across five platforms: television, radio, print, digital and mobile. Bringing the powerful Sportsnet brand under one umbrella, the new logo, tagline and broadcast package was incorporated throughout Sportsnet’s robust portfolio of assets to engage audiences on a local, regional, national and global level. The brand campaign coincided with the launch of Sportsnet magazine, Canada’s first bi-weekly sports publication.

“In just two short months, we have transitioned Sportsnet to an integrated brand that delivers unique, engaging and expansive content across multiple platforms,” said Dale Hooper, Senior Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Rogers Media. “We have invested heavily in our growth and brand integration to fuel the passion of Canadian sports fans, providing one source that delivers content to sports fans how, when and where they want.”

Added Scott Moore, President of Broadcasting, Rogers Media: “We want to be the number one sports media brand in Canada. With world-class content from the top sports writers and commentators in Canada across TV, radio, magazine, online and mobile, we are able to service our fans like never before.”

Below is an overview of the Sportsnet platforms and their offerings:

TV – Sportsnet

Viewers on Sportsnet can watch regional, national and global events across its six channels including Sportsnet East, Sportsnet Ontario, Sportsnet West, Sportsnet Pacific, Sportsnet ONE and Sportsnet World. Sportsnet Connected is the network’s nightly news program, providing local and national coverage of the day’s events in the world of sports, including weeknights at 6 p.m. (ET) with new anchor Hazel Mae and the prime-time edition at 10 p.m. (ET). Sportsnet Connected draws content from all Sportsnet platforms on a nightly basis.

Digital and Mobile – sportsnet.ca, Sportsnet Mobile, Hockey Central app on iPad and Playbook

The Sportsnet digital platforms offer fan-focused interactive features, such as a rich companion viewing experience that includes live data and fan chats for every Canadian NHL team game. Regular text, video and podcast contributions are delivered by Sportsnet's industry-leading contributors including Stephen Brunt, Michael Grange, Mark Spector, Shi Davidi, Jeff Marek, Nick Kypreos, Mike Brophy, Joe Ferraro, Paul Jones, Perry Lefko, Jim Lang and more. With a renewed commitment to original content across all media platforms, sportsnet.ca, Sportsnet Mobile and the Hockey Central app on iPad and Playbook are the go-to destinations for sports fans on the go.

Print – Sportsnet magazine

Sportsnet magazine, Canada's first bi-weekly sports magazine, is the country’s leading source for in-depth perspective and inside reports on hockey, baseball, football, soccer and other professional and amateur sports that matter most to Canadians. Sportsnet magazine’s lineup of columnists features some of the most powerful and engaging voices in the world of sport, including Bob McCown answering letters and questions from readers, Jim Lang and Greg Brady debating the hottest topics in sports, Scott Feschuk examining the absurdities of our pro sports culture and back page columnist Stephen Brunt with the “Last Word”.

Radio – Sportsnet 590 The FAN and Sportsnet 960 The FAN

Sportsnet 590 The FAN in Toronto and Sportsnet 960 The FAN in Calgary are the leading sources for breaking news and in-depth interviews with the biggest names in sports. Sportsnet 590 The FAN features the Brady and Lang morning show weekday mornings from 5:30 a.m. (ET) to 9 a.m. (ET) and simulcast live on Sportsnet ONE, the first nationally-broadcast all-sports morning radio show on television in Canada. As Canada’s No.1 Sports Radio Personality, Bob McCown hosts Prime Time Sports weeknights on Sportsnet 590 and Sportsnet ONE from 4 p.m. (ET) to 7 p.m. (ET). Sportsnet 960 The FAN is the home to all 2011-12 Calgary Flames games with extensive pre-game and post-game analysis. Dean Molberg and Rhett Warrener co-host the morning show, the number one source for all Flames news, weekdays from 6 a.m. (MT) to 10 a.m. (MT).

For more on Sportsnet’s award and a complete list of winners, visit: www.playbackonline.ca

About Sportsnet

Sportsnet connects Canadian sports fans to their favourite teams and athletes, using five platforms: TV, Radio, Print, Online and Mobile. Sportsnet is Fuelled By Fans, and delivers storytelling on a local, regional, national and global level. The multiplatform brand consists of Sportsnet, sportsnet.ca, Sportsnet 590 The FAN, Sportsnet 960 The FAN, Sportsnet magazine, Sportsnet Mobile and the Sportsnet iPad app. Sportsnet is the Canadian leader in NHL and MLB television broadcasts and is home to 162 Toronto Blue Jays games, plus MLB Playoffs and the World Series. Sportsnet is an official broadcaster of the London 2012 Olympic Games, and also offers an exciting sports lineup including the NFL, the Rogers Cup tennis tournament, the Memorial Cup, and soccer programming with UEFA Champions League, Barclays Premier League, MLS Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and Canadian national team matches for men and women. Sportsnet Connected is the network’s nightly news program, providing regional and national coverage of the day’s events in the world of sports.

Social Media Links:

Twitter: @RogersSportsnet

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Sportsnet

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