March 11, 2010

2:19 PM

UPDATE (March 12): CTV has decided to broadcast the opening ceremony live after all—but only in B.C.

Read the story: CTV caves to criticism, will broadcast Paralympics opening ceremony live in B.C.

UPDATE (March 16): CTV now says it will air live coverage of the closing ceremony across Canada.

Read the story: CTV decides to broadcast Paralympic closing ceremony live

The following article was written before CTV announced the changes.

How many of you were planning to watch the opening ceremony of the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games on Friday night (March 12) on CTV?

Well, you can’t.

CTV, the leading official Canadian broadcaster for the Vancouver Olympics and Paralympics, isn’t planning to broadcast the opening ceremony live.

The network’s also not scheduled to show the closing ceremony on March 21 at Whistler Medals Plaza live.

This is after millions of Canadian viewers watched the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic Winter Games on CTV.

The Paralympic opening ceremony kicks off at 6 p.m. in B.C. Place.

What’s CTV going to show instead? The 6 o’clock news, eTalk, Access Hollywood, and Ghost Whisperer.

The network will air its coverage of the opening ceremony on Saturday (March 13) at 2 p.m.

Tickets to the opening ceremony cost $30 to $175.

However, if you don’t have one of those, you can still watch the event live on the Web.

ParalympicSport.tv, the International Paralympic Committee’s official Internet channel, will offer live video coverage of both the opening and closing ceremonies.

The on-line channel’s lineup for the Games shows it will carry plenty of live sports coverage as well.

You can follow Stephen Hui on Twitter at twitter.com/stephenhui.

Comment (47)

Comments

Angela
Thu, 2010-03-11 15:24	Thank you so much for answering a question I've been asking since the closing of the Olympic games! :o)

patty

Thu, 2010-03-11 15:37

why are they not broadcasting the opening ceremonies live? The Federal government has given 2 million dollars for the media outlets to cover these games because they know the advertisers won't pick it up to have it on the air....talk about attitudes that are still in the dark ages. Why give the media outlets this much money if they are only going to cover token parts of the games? What a joke everyone thought in Vancouver this will all change and we will see the sporting events as they happen for the first time instead of seeing a 2 hour show 2 months after the games are over. This is so sad, John Furlong what have you got to say about this?

Marilyn
Thu, 2010-03-11 16:20	I'm very disappointed to see that the Paralympic Ceremonies aren't being carried live. After all the patriotism and support that Canadians showed throughout the Olympics, and the number of people who watched around the world, why would they not offer this program live to encourage more people to get involved?

Debbie Laurie
Thu, 2010-03-11 17:32	What a disappointment...and insult to our Paralympic athletes! We can do without Ghost Whisperer for one more week! Where are you John Furlong?

Donna
Thu, 2010-03-11 17:35	Totally disappointed. Why would you nto shw these games???? Just as important

ROBIN
Thu, 2010-03-11 18:36	Well I guess I won't be watching CTV for a long time.

Frankn'Stan
Thu, 2010-03-11 19:49	To follow up an awesome Olympic showing like Vancouver just had with a disgraceful attitude towards the Paralympics Vancouver is about to host is an absolute shame.

ursa minor
Thu, 2010-03-11 20:29	Thanks for pointing out the live streaming coverage, and remember CTV's decision the next time "local TV" tries to lobby the public.

hldouglas
Thu, 2010-03-11 22:01	That's a shame. I'm very disappointed with CTV. To have the Paralympic Ceremonies treated like an after thought shows a serious lack of respect.

AWP
Thu, 2010-03-11 22:04	The reason for not broadcasting is the same that the olympic resistance movement is not protesting. lack of PR exposure.This does not take away from the courage of the particpants. Have a heck of a games. you deserve the accolades

Rocket Robert

Thu, 2010-03-11 23:19

If these athletes were to be given the respect they are due, as elite members of the sporting federation, the Paralympic events would be held at the same time as the Olympics, That they are not is proof, along with CTV (the broadcast rights holder) short sighted decision not to televise the ceremonies live, that these games are still "second-class" in the minds of those who run our lives. Boycott CTV and the other corporate entities who want to ignore these performances.

Van
Thu, 2010-03-11 23:50	I can't believe they're not going to broadcast the opening and closing ceremonies LIVE! That's a total insult to all the athletes that have trained so hard to get to the Paralympics and are representing their country. What a horrible decision made by CTV, who would rather watch the 6 o'clock news when a live event is taking place in our city, are you kidding me? What a bunch of idiots!

The Real Truth

Fri, 2010-03-12 01:13

This BC government and the FEDS certainly missed the boat on this one. Had they showcased these games in advanced of the Olympics, it might have brought us more of a return on our investment, instead this is yet another shameful example of mismanagement and discrimination.

CTV's shunning of these games and the ceremonies means they will lose viewership once again, and after all that wonderful work they did almost a couple of weeks ago now, it'll all be forgotten when word gets around about this.

Very disappointing, but not unexpected. Please show your disapproval by writing CTV -

programming@ctv.ca

rob
Fri, 2010-03-12 04:45	It figures after all the "Rah Rah" "Lets Go Canada", that it wouldn't last long. Again it's all about the dollar, and if we all thought it would be televised, we were crazy. There is money in promoting the 3 Canadian hockey teams in a press photo, however as soon as the cameras were turned off and the microphones unplugged, it was game over. Shame on you all.

SCOOTER
Fri, 2010-03-12 07:19	SHAME SHAME SHAME CTV. VERY DISAPPOINTING. OUR PARAOLYPMIANS ARE JUST AS IMPORTANT AS OUR OLYMPIANS AND SHOULD BE TREATED WITH THE SAME RESPECT.

robson
Fri, 2010-03-12 08:13	Check your most recent info, folks... CTV will be broadcasting LIVE accross BC tonight at 6pm. Thanks for the cutting edge reporting though, stellar ;)

umm
Fri, 2010-03-12 08:18	Definitely shameful, CTV! It's more important and beneficial to the healthy functioning of our society to broadcast the paralympics than the "regular" olympics.

Reyelee
Fri, 2010-03-12 08:36	I just cant believe that, I was really wanting to watch this live!

Jen
Fri, 2010-03-12 10:18	Yay! CTV has decided to broadcast the ceremonies...at least in Vancouver. check out: http://www.ctvolympics.ca/paralympics/news/newsid=55133.html#ctv+vancouv...

wow
Fri, 2010-03-12 10:39	Thats the most stupidest thing ive heard. They are just making it seem that the olympics were way more important. what a shame

The Affordable Games

Fri, 2010-03-12 11:25

I'm so glad CTV changed their damn minds. I've been super curious about these games. So much so I purchased some (affordable) Olympic hockey tickets. When I found out that the Paralympics weren't going to be broadcast live I though, what the hell? At least the opening ceremonies will be live now but really this should be broadcast across the country not just in B.C.

I hope Canada kicks ass again!

Mel
Fri, 2010-03-12 14:53	Um... when you print a retraction, don't you update the story below ??? CTV IS broadcasting the Paralympic Opening Ceremonies Live.

Megkai
Fri, 2010-03-12 17:24	So disappointing, only B.C. gets live coverage! what about the rest of the country? Looks like CTV is getting no support from me!

Martin Dunphy
Fri, 2010-03-12 17:39	Mel The link to the new story was posted directly under the update at the top of the page. Perhaps you missed it. Have a nice day.

Angie MM
Fri, 2010-03-12 18:23	Disgusting!!!!!!!!!!!! Shame on you CTV!! SHAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Crystal Balser
Fri, 2010-03-12 18:41	I am extremely frustrated with the POOR coverage of the Paralympics!!!!!! Are we in Canada? Shame on you CTV. A disappointed Canadian...

Nicholas Ralstock
Fri, 2010-03-12 18:47	What's in the mind of CTV ? Just because the employees are all physically normal, doesn't mean they could discriminate those who have physical difficulties. Absolutely disgraceful and i SWEAR, ctv would lose most of that support that came from Canada in the Olympics.

Cat

Fri, 2010-03-12 18:52

You think it's bad that CTV isn't covering the Paralympics live, NBC isn't doing it either so people in the United States can't see it live either. I guess they feel the Paralympics don't deserve the same coverage as the Olympics.

Cat Galaxy, an internet radio station in Phoenix offered to carry the events on their web site but were told no because NBC had broadcasting rights. Why is it that the big corporate media giants are refusing to air all of the Paralympic events and getting paid for it and smaller entities that don't get paid any money were willing to show the events on their sites for free?

It's obvious that the big boys of the media have let money and greed guide them. Perhaps, the smaller media outlets that want to air the Paralympics should be given the money instead.

Angie MM
Fri, 2010-03-12 20:02	Disgusting!!!!!!!!!!!! Shame on you CTV!! SHAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

V. Jones

Fri, 2010-03-12 21:56

I was very disappointed that neither CTV nor the American network thought it important enough to broadcast the opening ceremoniesof the Paralympics live. I was going through my TV guide hoping to find a network that was broadcasting the ceremonies only to be disappointed.

After the europhia of the just concluded olympics one would think the networks would keep Canadians and Americans engaged and give the disabled their moment in the soptlight.

We say we value our disabled. I hope it is not just words.

whiteknight
Sat, 2010-03-13 05:46	Is that not thier right to not broadcast. Freedom of the press? I suppose they believed based on what ever data they had it would be more profitable to broadcast regular programming. Im sure many events will not be broadcasted at the same level as the Olympics because quite frankly the fan base is not there, however extrodinary these people are the sport itself is not at the same level.

Jen

Sat, 2010-03-13 05:51

This whole thing is ridiculous. I don't know why the Paralympics aren't receiving the same coverage that the Olympcs did. I am extremely disappointed and disgusted at the lack of equality shown towards our Paralympians. I find this very disrespectful to the athletes and their families. I would love to be able to turn on the tv and experience the same coverage as the Olympics but apparently this won`t be happening. It truly boggles my mind why there is this huge difference. I wish someone could give me a reason, but when I think about it.....there is absolutely NO EXCUSE!!!!!!

Tim
Sat, 2010-03-13 07:29	What about sledge hockey on Saturday? We want more coverage!

R. VALE

Sat, 2010-03-13 08:01

I AM DISGUSTED WITH CTV FOR NOT SHOWING THE PARALYMPIC OPENING CEREMONY LIVE ACROSS THE COUNTRY NOT JUST IN BC. WE WATCHED THE CTV VANCOUVER STATION VIA SATELLITE AND ENJOYED IT VERY MUCH. THE EXECUTIVES AT CTV OBVIOUSLY DO NOT COMPREHEND THE MOOD OF US THE COMMON CANADIAN PEOPLE WHICH ARE STILL BASKING IN THE GLOW OF THE OLYMPICS AND NEED ANOTHER FIX OF THE EXCITEMENT THAT WILL BE SUPPLIED BY THE PARALYMPIC ATHLETES AND THE ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDED BY THE OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONIES.

Brenda Jennings
Sat, 2010-03-13 09:44	The paralympions are just as good if not better than some Olympians, the sledgehockey, the curling and the skiing, take much more expertise than the regular and I was so disgusted that they will not carry the game,shame, shame shame and such prejudice...................

brenda jennings
Sat, 2010-03-13 09:49	What a slap in the face for our paralympians, they are just as good or in some cases much better than our olympians, they have to work harder for what they do and deserve to be noticed and on TV. I am embarrassed by CTV's treatment of them

browncat

Sat, 2010-03-13 10:09

CTV has lost my support...and this refusal on their part only angers me...my tax dollars have been abused once again and any enthusiasm I had for this event has been destroyed because of their callous attitude. The pride I had in the past few weeks was triggered by the inclusive nature of the start of the event....I...the paying participant have been slapped in the face and tur the other cheek I will not do...thanks CTV for ruining what could have been another joyous and pride filled ride..I will now spend my time in the garden...

ASTOR

Sat, 2010-03-13 11:54

What a shame that the TV networks did not broadcast the opening ceremonies live. I was able to watch them on the Vancouver station and thought that they were amazing. They were 100% better than the other ceremonies, moving and more inspiring. The children were lovely and we especially enjoyed the American and Canadian athletes high fiving the children on the sidelines. They were certainly less cheesey and more reflective of the spirit of the games. I hope that CTV changes its mind and broadcasts more of the games live and also the closing ceremonies. There was barely any coverage in the newspapers either. The athletes deserve our support and recognition for their ongoing bravery, effort and acheivements. They have come a long way to be where they are today. We had the same frustration watching the Bejing Games. I am currently watching the sledge Hockey and it is more exciting than watching regular hockey. GO CANADA GO. WE SUPPORT YOU AND WILL BE CHEERING FOR YOU.

nothingnew
Sat, 2010-03-13 11:59	Oh, so disappointing and yet not surprising. I'm looking for the online coverage now. ..

Sat, 2010-03-13 13:37

not only did the rest of canada NOT get to see the opening ceremony live on Friday, but CTV also decided at the last minute to advance its broadcast to 1:30pm, despite announcing "2pm" for days in news articles - so we tuned in only to realize we had missed the opening part, including our national anthem. well done CTV. AT LEAST, give us the ceremony through on-demand TV here in Quebec.. make it up!

ontario supporter
Sat, 2010-03-13 15:29	We have blown our image that we so carefully created during the olympics. Equal opprotunity doesn't appear to mean anything to our tv coverage. Perhaps it's time tv asked the common Canadian what they would like to watch. We need to support everyone equally and I for one would like to see coverage of all events and ceremonies.

Patty

Mon, 2010-03-15 01:18

The pressure was on and CTV did broadcast the Opening Ceremonies Live (all be it only in BC). Now lets keep the pressure on to get CTV to broadcast the Closing Ceremonies live from Whistler. I still dont get why they wouldn't in the first place. Are you still afraid of missing the viewing of etalk and access hollywood?...all I can say to that is who cares, those shows are so stupid ad Ven Mulroony is an ebarrasment. How dare CTV decide him over the top world;s athletes..,,and the 2 million dollars the Feds gave to air these shows are being used how?

Mon, 2010-03-15 10:53

I agree. I will keep the pressure up on CTV to increase its level of broadcast to more than just the sledge hockey games, great as they are. CTV is a Canadian corporation, who has been -graciously- given the rights to televise an international competition held in Canada, and yet it puts completely unnecessary programming ahead in priority.

If idiot shows like "etalk" and "access hollywood" are what supplants the closing ceremony, then I am truly ashamed of the level (lack thereof) of taste, culture, education and class in the nation. Or, more likely, that is how the advertisers and CTV's bigwigs see the Canadian viewership as. Let's prove them wrong.

Lorraine

Mon, 2010-03-15 11:10

CTV - promoted itself as the Olympic Network - really? Hello! Para - Olympics - notice the word "Olympics" in there - it's not the Para - games - if CTV calls itself the "Olympic Network" - then be it all the way - not just part of the way - HEY - CTV - There are para olympians here from all over the world!!! Even other parts of Canada - hello - anyone there - is there any executive at CTV that has a brain!!! To televise the opening ceremonies to BC only is absurd to say the least - what an insult to all ParaOlympians, their families, supporters and to the rest of the world - VANOC and the Olympic Committee should fine CTV for false advertising! Man, if there ever was a screw up, this is it! There couldn't be a bigger PR faux pas for a television network than this one - a disgrace!

Acemeister
Mon, 2010-03-15 13:45	Who cares! It's a bunch of hype anyways - with the same bad music, dancing and lipsyncing as any other overblown musical production. The paraolympians can be proud of their accomplishments without a network filling up their schedules with dreck. Or let CBC, the grandest taxsucker of them all, run it for free and they can suffer the ratings debacle.

barb

Tue, 2010-03-16 13:02

This is a total disgrace , when my friend from Germany phoned to say she is watching the Paras on t.v. I thought that sure does not say much for Canada. The opening is something we all deserved to watch live. The Drive these Olympians have, putting their ability first, and dis second, to show the World it can be done just in a little different way. I am disabled , M.S. has taken my abilites one by one, but a sport enthusiast I am cuz I was an athlete, and these Olympians DESERVE coverage , so the Able bodied world can see what INTESTINAL FORTITUDE can do for ATHLETES and SPORT. I am an EX figure skater, snow skier, golfer, biker, swimmer, that now Rolls along in my wheelchair, and scooter. age 60

John Robertson
Sun, 2010-03-21 10:54	Give me a break.. How PC do we have to be.. While these athletes are brave and good etc etc.. Just be grateful this event even happens.. No one watches this .. Nobody!

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