CTV won’t broadcast Vancouver Paralympics opening, closing ceremonies live

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      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.

      Comments

      47 Comments

      Angela

      Mar 11, 2010 at 3:24pm

      Thank you so much for answering a question I've been asking since the closing of the Olympic games! :o)

      patty

      Mar 11, 2010 at 3:37pm

      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

      Mar 11, 2010 at 4:20pm

      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

      Mar 11, 2010 at 5:32pm

      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

      Mar 11, 2010 at 5:35pm

      Totally disappointed. Why would you nto shw these games???? Just as important

      ROBIN

      Mar 11, 2010 at 6:36pm

      Well I guess I won't be watching CTV for a long time.

      Frankn'Stan

      Mar 11, 2010 at 7:49pm

      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

      Mar 11, 2010 at 8:29pm

      Thanks for pointing out the live streaming coverage, and remember CTV's decision the next time "local TV" tries to lobby the public.

      hldouglas

      Mar 11, 2010 at 10:01pm

      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

      Mar 11, 2010 at 10:04pm

      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