Fight Network

Last updated
Fight Network
Fight network logo.svg
Fight Network logo
CountryCanada
Broadcast areaCanada (National)
United States
Portugal (NOS/Vodafone Portugal)
Belgium (Telenet)
Angola (ZAP)
Mozambique (ZAP)
Turkey (Tivibu)
Middle East/North Africa (OSN)
Bosnia/Serbia/Montenegro (RTV Pink)
Italy
Africa
Headquarters Toronto, Ontario
Programming
Language(s)English
Picture format 480i (SDTV)
1080i (HDTV)
Ownership
Owner Anthem Sports & Entertainment
Sister channels GameTV
Game+
Pursuit Channel
AXS TV
HDNet Movies
History
LaunchedSeptember 22, 2005
Links
Website Fight Network

Fight Network is a Canadian English language Category B specialty channel owned by Anthem Sports & Entertainment. The network broadcasts programming related to combat sports, including mixed martial arts, boxing, kickboxing, and professional wrestling.

Contents

History

Original logo as "The Fight Network", used in various forms until 2011. TFN logo.svg
Original logo as "The Fight Network", used in various forms until 2011.

The channel was originally conceived in Canada, when it was granted approval from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) on January 30, 2004. The channel, tentatively known as "TFN – The Fight Network", was described as "a national, English-language Category 2 specialty television service devoted to programming related to the arts, skills and science of combatants." [1]

The channel launched as The Fight Network, commonly abbreviated as TFN, was created and founded by Mike R. Garrow, on September 22, 2005, initially on Rogers Cable in Ontario and New Brunswick. [2] Prior to the network's launch, Fight Network also acquired wrestling radio show Live Audio Wrestling , syndicating it under the banner Fight Network Radio. [3]

BlackOut Communications originally owned The Fight Network, but after several organizational restructurings, Fight Media Inc. assumed ownership.

In December 2010, former Canwest CEO Leonard Asper made a "significant investment" in Fight Network, marking his return to the media industry after the bankruptcy and wind-down of Canwest. Asper stated that it was "an exciting opportunity — not without its challenges, but also of course one with significant potential." [4] The following April, to coincide with UFC 129 in Toronto, the network re-branded as simply Fight Network, with a new logo and an associated marketing campaign to promote the network's expanded lineup. [5] A high-definition feed launched in March 2013 initially on Rogers Cable. [6]

On December 22, 2014, Fight Network announced that it had sub-licensed portions of the UFC's new Canadian rights agreement with Bell Media and TSN, including coverage of non-PPV preliminaries, international UFC Fight Night events, as well as other UFC archive programming, and the possibility of collaborating on other ancillary programs with TSN. [7] [8]

In March 2015, Fight Network acquired Canadian rights to TNA Wrestling programming, including Impact Wrestling , TNA Xplosion , and TNA's Wrestling Greatest Matches. [9] [ third-party source needed ] In June 2015, Fight Network announced a broadcasting agreement with the World Series of Fighting, covering Canada and other EMEA markets. [10] In March 2016, TNA expanded its relationship with Fight Network to offer its programming internationally through Fight Network's streaming platforms. [11] [12]

Acquisition of TNA and subsequent cuts

In January 2017, Fight Network's parent company, Anthem Sports & Entertainment, acquired a majority stake in TNA. Under Anthem, the promotion was renamed "Impact Wrestling" after its flagship program. [13] Following the acquisition, Fight Network began cutting its studio programming; in March 2017, long-time Fight Network personalities Robin Black and John Ramdeen were laid off by Anthem. Further layoffs occurred in October 2017, including the entire staff of Live Audio Wrestling (which the network claimed was on a "hiatus"). Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer reported that these cutbacks stemmed from the TNA buyout, citing that Anthem intended to use the promotion to bolster its programming, especially in international markets, but that the promotion's financial troubles had required Anthem to make cuts to Fight Network. [14] [15] [16]

In December 2018, Bell Media renewed its rights to the UFC, but dropped the sublicensing deal with Fight Network, making all programming exclusive to TSN. [17]

International expansion

Fight Network's first international agreement was with American IPTV provider Backspace. Fight Network launched on their system in the United States in 2007; [18] however, after several months, Backspace removed the channel from its systems.

In keeping with its plans to expand internationally, Fight Network opened an office in Ecuador to continue its planned global expansion in that region. [19] However, the network never commenced operations in South America. In 2008, FN purchased UK-based TWC Fight! subsequently renamed the network "The Fight Network UK". [20] The network was shut down on December 1, 2008.

In November 2012, Fight Network expanded into the U.S. market and launched a subscription service for live online streaming of the channel on NeuLion. [21]

In July 2015, Fight Network launched on Suddenlink Communications across the United States [22]

In July 2018, Fight Network returned to the UK on the Showcase TV service on Sky and Freesat. [23]

Programming

News and original

Fight Network produces several weekly news shows, including:

Mixed Martial Arts

Other international MMA promotions aired on FN include M-1 Challenge from Russia and the Netherlands, Ultimate Challenge MMA from the U.K. [34] Extreme Fighting Championship Africa, [35] Super Fight League from India, [36]

Other North American MMA promotions aired on FN include the Canadian MMA promotion SLAMM: Tristar Fights, [37] Battlefield Fight League, Hard Knocks Fighting Championship, Aggression Fighting Championship and Rumble in the Cage.

Boxing

Fight Network's live boxing programming includes:

Other boxing programming broadcast on FN:

FN's "From The Vault" archive includes fights from Showtime Championship Boxing, ShoBox: The New Generation, Solo Boxeo Tecate, Warriors Boxing, United Promotions, KZ Event Productions, Ballroom Boxing, 12 Round Promotions and Legends of the Ring.

Kickboxing

Grappling

Other traditional

Professional wrestling

FN's "From The Vault" archive includes matches from Impact Wrestling, Dragon Gate USA, Pro Wrestling Noah and Best of Memphis and St. Louis Wrestling.

Reality

Documentaries

On radio

On May 23, 2013, Fight Network launched three weekly talk shows on SiriusXM's Canada Talks. [57]

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References

  1. ↑ Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2004–62 Archived 2011-06-08 at the Wayback Machine ; CRTC; 2004-01-30
  2. ↑ The Fight Network Comes Out Swinging On Rogers Digital Cable Archived 2017-11-07 at the Wayback Machine , 411mania.com, 09–22–05
  3. ↑ Taking the fight to the fans Archived 2017-11-07 at the Wayback Machine , SLAM! Wrestling, 01–28–05
  4. ↑ Tedesco, Jamie Sturgeon and Theresa. "Asper returns to media with Fight Network stake". Financial Post. Archived from the original on 2017-11-07. Retrieved 2017-11-04.
  5. ↑ "New Fight Network campaign packs a punch". Marketing. Archived from the original on 2017-11-07. Retrieved 2017-11-04.
  6. ↑ Fight Network Launches in HD on Rogers Archived 2017-11-07 at the Wayback Machine , Fight Network press release, 03–14–13
  7. ↑ "UFC reaches Canadian broadcast deal with TSN, RDS". Postmedia News. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  8. ↑ "TSN, RDS, and Fight Network become new Canadian home for UFC". TSN.ca. Archived from the original on 23 December 2014. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  9. ↑ "Fight Network Signs Multi-Year TV Deal with TNA Wrestling". fightnetwork.com. Archived from the original on 2015-04-03. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  10. ↑ Rempel, Cody (June 4, 2015). "Fight Network Signs Exclusive Multi-Year Deal With WSOF". Top MMA News. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  11. ↑ "Fight Network and TNA IMPACT WRESTLING Enter Into Comprehensive Global Content Partnership – Fight Network". Archived from the original on 2016-05-03. Retrieved 2016-04-27.
  12. ↑ Morgan, Richard (17 September 2016). "Billy Corgan in talks to become majority owner of TNA wrestling". New York Post. Archived from the original on 17 September 2016. Retrieved 16 September 2016. In addition to majority owner and Chairwoman Dixie Carter, Corgan, Aroluxe Marketing and Canada's Fight Network all have equity stakes.
  13. ↑ "Anthem Acquires Majority Interest in TNA Impact Wrestling". Multichannel. 5 January 2017. Archived from the original on 2017-11-07. Retrieved 2017-11-03.
  14. ↑ "Exclusive: Jeff Jarrett Claims 'Anthem Is Out Of Money'; Impact Wrestling & Anthem Issue Response". Wrestlezone. 2017-10-23. Archived from the original on 2017-11-01. Retrieved 2017-11-03.
  15. ↑ Bixenspan, David. "Impact Wrestling Ruins Everything: Losses Lead to Journalist Layoffs". Deadspin. Archived from the original on 2017-11-02. Retrieved 2017-11-03.
  16. ↑ "WOR: Talent update, cuts, RAW recap, Survivor Series teams, more!". f4wonline.com. October 31, 2017. Archived from the original on November 3, 2017. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  17. ↑ Meltzer, Dave (2018-12-11). "UFC renews Canadian broadcast deals with TSN, RDS". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2019-03-07.
  18. ↑ Fight Network Coming to America!; BNET; February 2007
  19. ↑ The Fight Network Opens Office in Ecuador; BNET; February 2007
  20. ↑ The Fight Network Goes Global, Completes Private Placement Led By Canadian Media Heavyweights Archived 2011-07-08 at the Wayback Machine ; Canvas Chronicle; 2008-04-02
  21. ↑ "Fight Network in USA on NeuLion – Mixed Martial Arts News". Mixedmartialarts.com. Archived from the original on 2015-04-02. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  22. ↑ "Fight Network, FNTSY Sports expand U.S. distribution with Suddenlink launch".
  23. ↑ "Fight Network launches new UK TV service". Archived from the original on 2018-07-18.
  24. ↑ "World Series of Fighting 1 LIVE TODAY at 10:30 p.m." Fightnetwork.com. Archived from the original on 2015-01-16. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  25. ↑ "Apex Sports Agency Acquires One Fighting Championship North American Brand Rights : MMAPayout.com: The Business of MMA". MMAPayout.com. 2012-05-03. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  26. ↑ "RFA 21 LIVE Fri @ 10p ET on Fight Network (Canada/Int'l)". fightnetwork.com. Archived from the original on 2015-01-16. Retrieved 2015-01-15.
  27. ↑ "KSW 27: Cage Time on May 17, 2014 at 2 p.m. ET LIVE on Fight Networ". Mma-core.com. Archived from the original on January 15, 2015. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  28. ↑ Spectatol la MMA » România vs Polonia, luni 21 martie de la ora 19:00 la Circul Globus din București
  29. ↑ "Fight Network Extends Live Broadcast Deal with Cage Warriors Fighting Championship". Archived from the original on October 18, 2012. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
  30. ↑ "10 Event Broadcast Deal With Fight Network Canada Ahead of BAMMA 8". Archived from the original on October 4, 2015. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
  31. ↑ Fight Network to Air Live Broadcast of M-1: Fedor vs. Rizzo | ManmadeMag
  32. ↑ Fight Network Fans Will Get To Watch DREAM.18, Glory 4 & Cage Warriors 51 Live This Month | TheMMANews
  33. ↑ "FFC 14 LIVE Friday @ 2p ET on Fight Network". fightnetwork.com. Archived from the original on 2015-01-16. Retrieved 2015-01-15.
  34. ↑ "UCMMA Signs Deal With Canada's Fight Network". MMA Uncaged. Archived from the original on 2013-01-21. Retrieved 2013-01-03.
  35. ↑ "EFC Africa signs multi-year broadcast deal with Fight Network". Themmareview.co.uk. 2011-08-01. Archived from the original on 2016-01-19. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  36. ↑ "Mma In Asia: Sfl India Inks Canadian Tv Deal". Mmainasia.blogspot.ca. 2012-10-03. Archived from the original on 2015-04-02. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  37. ↑ "Fight Network Partners with Quebec's SLAMM Tristar Fights". Sportsviews.com. Archived from the original on 2015-09-24. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  38. ↑ "The Fight Network Partners with Golden Boy Promotions". Archived from the original on February 16, 2013. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
  39. ↑ "DeGale-Zuniga, Ramos-Williams Jr. LIVE Sat on". Fightnetwork.com. Archived from the original on 2015-04-02. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  40. ↑ "Price Destroys Skelton in Two Live on". Fightnetwork.com. Archived from the original on 2015-04-02. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  41. ↑ "GLORY 3 Rome LIVE TODAY at 3:30 p.m. ET on Fight Network". Archived from the original on October 10, 2013. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
  42. ↑ "Fight Network Presents Live Coverage of Judo World Championships from Brazil Oct. 27–28". Mmasucka.com. 26 October 2012. Archived from the original on 2012-10-28. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  43. ↑ "Karate Canada". Karatecanada.org. Archived from the original on 2015-03-28. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  44. ↑ "Announces Three-Year Deal with World Karate Federation". Fightnetwork.com. Archived from the original on 2015-04-02. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  45. ↑ "2013 Taekwondo Canada Open Premieres May 28 on". Fightnetwork.com. Archived from the original on 2015-04-02. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  46. ↑ "Fight Network Partners with Ring of Honor to Air Weekly TV Series Across Canada – Fight Network". Archived from the original on 2016-04-23. Retrieved 2016-04-27.
  47. ↑ "Fight Network to Debut Weekly CMLL Wrestling Series on Cinco de Mayo – Fight Network". Archived from the original on 2016-04-26. Retrieved 2016-04-27.
  48. ↑ "Fight Network Signs Global TV Deal with U.K.-Based Insane Championship Wrestling – Fight Network". Archived from the original on 2016-05-31. Retrieved 2016-06-01.
  49. ↑ @IPWUK (October 2, 2018). "IT'S OFFICIAL // IPW comes to national TV!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  50. ↑ "International Pro Wrestling will be broadcasting on national television for the first time". Facebook .
  51. ↑ "Launches 'Fighting Spirit Wrestling' Series". Fightnetwork.com. Archived from the original on 2015-04-02. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  52. ↑ "LAW Jan 25 Update – CMLL Coming to Canada". Archived from the original on January 28, 2010. Retrieved March 26, 2010.
  53. ↑ "IWS on Fight Network", International Wrestling Syndicate, Retrieved on April 12, 2019.
  54. ↑ "Fight Network to Air Muay Thai Reality Series 'Tuff Girls'". fightnetwork.com. Archived from the original on 2013-01-05. Retrieved 2013-01-03.
  55. ↑ "Archives | The Fight Network to air Tough Enough in Canada". Wrestling-online.com. 2011-05-16. Archived from the original on 2015-04-02. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  56. ↑ Pat Laprade; Bertrand Hebert (2012). Mad Dogs, Midgets and Screw Jobs: The Untold Story of How Montreal Shaped the World of Wrestling. ECW Press. p. ? pp. ISBN   978-1770410947.
  57. ↑ "Fight Network Launches Three Weekly Shows on SiriusXM Ch 167". fightnetwork.com. Archived from the original on 2013-08-20. Retrieved 2013-06-18.
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