TSN and RDS go OTT ahead of World Cup

Bell Media-owned Canadian pay-television broadcasters TSN and RDS have launched new OTT platforms ahead of their coverage of national team football tournament the Fifa World Cup.

The new services for English-language operator TSN and its French-language counterpart RDS, entitled TSN Direct and RDS Direct, are available from today (Friday).

TSN Direct will provide the network’s five feeds featuring 60-plus championship events, on-demand content, and exclusive bonus streams of major sporting events. French-language content from RDS, RDS2, and RDS Info, is also available through its own direct, monthly subscription.

TSN Direct and RDS Direct are available for C$24.99 (€16/$20) a month with no contract, allowing digital subscribers to access TSN and RDS’ programming through their computer, tablet, mobile device, Apple TV, Samsung SmartTV, and Xbox One, with more platforms to be announced soon.

“We’re delighted to have TSN Direct and RDS Direct join CraveTV as part of our direct-to-consumer streaming offerings,” Randy Lennox, president of Bell Media, said. “While TSN and RDS’ current subscribers already can stream extensive and exclusive sports content, TSN Direct and RDS Direct provide even more viewing options.”

Gerry Frappier, president of French television and RDS, added: “With RDS Direct, we are offering consumers a new way to access the largest portfolio of French-language sports properties in the world. It’s more important than ever to provide choice and reach fans wherever they are, and we’re pleased to be the first to offer a subscription-based service in French for sports fans in Québec.”