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Fight Network

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Fight Network
CountryCanada
HeadquartersToronto, Ontario
Programming
Language(s)English
Ownership
OwnerAnthem Media Group

Fight Network is a Canadian English-language Category B specialty channel devoted to airing programming related to mixed martial arts, boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and other combat sports. Along with live fighting events, Fight Network airs fight-themed movies, documentaries, television series, news and fitness-related shows. It is owned by Anthem Media Group Inc. with offices and studios in New York, Toronto and Los Angeles.

Fight Network is available nationwide in Canada, on select carriers in the U.S., and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. It also offers its service on Roku devices across North America.

History

File:Thefightnetwork.svg
Original logo, used until 2010
Second logo, used from 2010 to 2011

Fight Network, founded by Mike R. Garrow, gained approval for operation from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) in January 2004.[1] The channel was granted approval under the name TFN - The Fight Network, however, it was launched on September 22, 2005 as the Fight Network, commonly abbreviated as TFN. BlackOut Communications originally owned TFN; however, after several organizational restructurings, Fight Media Inc. ended up owning and operating the Fight Network.

In 2009, Fight Network teamed up with Mobile Fringe to launch an iPhone application.[2] On December 11, 2010, Fight Network announced Canadian business entrepreneur and former Canwest CEO Leonard Asper as the new Chief Executive Officer after he secured a significant ownership stake in the company.[3] In April of 2011, the channel rebranded itself by introducing a new logo, a new on-air identity, and renaming itself Fight Network.[4]

In August of 2012, Fight Network relaunched its website FightNetwork.com with Grand Creative. In addition to providing programming information, Fight Network's website features news, videos, podcasts and fantasy games.[5] The network has also become active on social media platforms; including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Vimeo and Pinterest. In September of 2012, Fight Network announced a partnership with Polar Mobile to launch new applications across numerous platforms, including iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows and Blackberry.[6]

FN operates as an official content-partner with FOXSports.com. FN also distributes content to mobile providers across Canada through QuickPlay.[7] In February of 2013, Fight Media launched a high definition simulcast of their standard definition feed on cable.

On December 22, 2014, Fight Network announced a landmark partnership with The Sports Network and RDS to become the new Canadian broadcaster of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. In addition to live pre and post-fight programming and library content, Fight Network broadcasts all live UFC Fight Night events from around the world, as well as preliminary bouts for domestic non-pay-per-view cards.[8]

On March 30, 2015, Fight Network announced a multi-year Canadian TV deal with TNA Wrestling to televise IMPACT Wrestling, TNA Xplosion and TNA Greatest Matches.[9]

International expansion

FN's first international agreement was with American IPTV provider, Backspace. FN launched on their system in the United States in 2007;[10] however, after several months, Backspace removed FN from its systems.

In keeping with its plans to expand internationally, FN opened a South American office in Ecuador to continue its planned global expansion in that region.[11] However, as of April 2011, FN has not commenced operations in South America. In 2008, FN purchased TWC Fight! based in the U.K. and subsequently renamed the network "The Fight Network UK".[12] The U.K.-based network was shut down on December 1, 2008.

In November of 2012, Fight Network expanded into the U.S. market, launching subscription services for live online streaming of the channel on NeuLion.[13][14]

On January 11, 2013, Fight Network's parent company Anthem Media Group Inc. announced a significant equity investment in Pursuit Channel. The investment included the purchase of shares from shareholders, as well as from the Treasury, resulting in a cash injection into the company.[15] In February of 2013, Fight Network announced a two-hour dedicated programming block Monday nights on Pursuit Channel, available in 38 million homes.[16]

On February 15, 2013, Fight Network launched with Angola-based operator ZAP, making the channel available to its subscriber base in Angola and Mozambique.[17] On March 19, 2013, Fight Network launched in Portugal on ZON with the network becoming available to its subscriber base in Europe.[18] On March 23, 2013, Fight Network announced an expansion to Turkey. Fight Network HD is available in Turkey on D-Smart.[19] On August 13, 2013, Fight Network announced its agreement to launch in Belgium on Telenet, making it the fifth new territory to launch the channel in 2013.[20] In December of 2013, Fight Network announced that it had reached a deal with OSN to launch OSN Fight Network HD on its systems in the Middle East and Africa.[21]

In June of 2014, Fight Network launched in standard definition in the New York metropolitan area on Cablevision.[22] In August of 2014, Fight Network launched on Grande Communications in Texas markets [23] by replacing Anthem Media's own My Combat Channel. In October of 2014, Fight Network launched on the IPTV service Hellas Online 'hol my tv' in Greece.[24]

Programming[25]

News and original

Fight Network produces several weekly news shows, including:

  • Fight News Now - Weekly 30-minute news show discussing current events, newsmakers and previewing fights. Daily segments air during Fight News Now Extra. Full program premieres Wednesdays at 7 p.m. ET.
  • 5 Rounds - Weekly 30-minute talk show featuring comprehensive mixed martial arts analysis and breakdowns with special guests. Premieres Mondays at 7 p.m. ET.
  • Toe 2 Toe - Weekly 30-minute interview program featuring sitdowns with combat sports stars and personalities, hosted by John Ramdeen. Premieres Fridays at 8 p.m. ET.
  • MMA Meltdown with Morency - Weekly mixed martial arts news show, hosted by Gabriel Morency. Premieres Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET.

FN also broadcasts live weigh-ins and press conferences for major boxing fights and UFC events.[26][27]

FN airs UFC Countdown and UFC Primetime shows leading up to all major pay-per-view events.[28]

Mixed Martial Arts

Fight Network's live mixed martial arts programming includes:

Other international MMA promotions aired on FN include M-1 Challenge from Russia and the Netherlands, Ultimate Challenge MMA from the U.K.,[39] Extreme Fighting Championship Africa,[40] Super Fight League from India,[41] as well as DEEP, Pancrase and female league Jewels from Japan. Fight Network's "Fighting Spirit MMA" series features compilations from numerous global mixed martial arts organizations, including Cage Warriors, BAMMA, ONE FC, BRACE, KSW, Combato Extreme, Final Fight Championship, WFC, Super Fight League and EFC Africa.

Other North American MMA promotions aired on FN include leading Canadian MMA promotion Maximum Fighting Championship,[42] all-female promotion Invicta Fighting Championships, Florida-based Xtreme Fighting Championships,[43] Texas Fight Night from the Lone Star State,[44] Jimmy Burchfield's CES MMA, as well as Canadian organizations Instinct MMA, Ringside MMA, SLAMM: Tristar Fights,[45] Battlefield Fight League, Hard Knocks Fighting Championship, Aggression Fighting Championship and Rumble in the Cage.

FN airs several "Best Of" shows, including Best of TKO Major League MMA, Best of Cage Rage, Best of SportFight, Best of XFO and Best of Gladiator Challenge. They profile classic fights and fighters from international and regional mixed martial arts organizations, featuring the likes of Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva.

FN's "From The Vault" archive includes fights from International Vale Tudo Championship and MECA in Brazil, Maximum Fighting Championship in Canada, as well as King of the Cage, BodogFight, Rumble on the Rock, Ring of Fire and Tuff-N-Uff.

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

Fight Network's live kickboxing programming includes:

FN's "From The Vault" archive includes fights from K-1, K-1 MAX, Strykerz: Shin Do Kumate, Superleague and PowerPlay Promotions.

Grappling

Other traditional

Fight Network broadcasts live judo and karate tournaments:

  • World Combat Games - Fight Network is the official international broadcaster for the SportAccord World Combat Games, featuring 15 Olympic and non-Olympic sports, including akido, boxing, fencing, judo, BJJ, karate, kendo, kickboxing, Muay Thai, sambo, savate, sumo, taekwondo, wrestling and wushu.
  • International Judo Federation - International sanctioning body for judo. Tournaments include Grand Prix, Grand Slam and Olympic qualification.[54]
  • World Karate Federation - Largest governing body for sport karate recognized by International Olympic Committee. FN broadcasts Junior and Senior Karate World Championships.[55][56]
  • World Taekwondo Federation - A member of the International Olympic Committee, events feature the traditional martial art of taekwondo.[57]

Professional wrestling

FN's pro wrestling programming includes:

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

Reality

FN's reality shows include:

  • Master Toddy's Tuff Girls - 14 women live together and train under Master Toddy as they compete in an elimination-style contest for a chance to win a Muay Thai championship in Thailand.[60]
  • Fight Girls - 10 female fighters live together and train with Master Toddy in Las Vegas before they vie for a world championship in Thailand. Features Gina Carano.
  • Gotta Grudge? - Real people settle their real life grudges in amateur boxing fights.
  • Ninja Warrior - Olympic athletes, fighters and professional wrestlers try to conquer a difficult obstacle course.
  • Kill Arman - Unfit and with no previous experience, Arman has six months to learn to fight 10 different warriors with 10 martial arts in 10 countries.
  • Amir Khan's Angry Young Men - Series documenting former WBA champion Amir Khan and how he mentored troubled angry men, helping them focus on family values and faith.
  • T.O.P. Army Boxer & T.O.P. Army Fighter - Series profiles members of the American military competing in boxing and MMA bouts before they are deployed for duty overseas.
  • Ross Kemp - Kemp interviewed gang members around the world. First broadcast in 2006. The first series featured gangs and police corruption in Brazil, Maori gangs in New Zealand, neo-Nazi skinheads in California, and gangsters in London. The second series featured "MS13" from El Salvador, neo-Nazis in Russia, skinheads in Poland, American "Bloods" and "Crips" gangs in St. Louis, and the Numbers gang in South Africa. In addition, Ross Kemp in Afghanistan documents Kemp as he followed the 1st Battalion of the British Army's Royal Anglian Regiment during their deployment to Afghanistan's Helmand Province from March to August 2007.
  • Danny Dyer's Deadliest Men - Documentary series profiling Danny Dyer venturing into the dark depths of the British underworld and hunting down some of the most notorious and feared criminals in the U.K.
  • Chris Ryan's Elite Police - Best-selling author Chris Ryan travels the world's crime and terror hotspots to train and operate alongside a new breed of law enforcer - the Elite Police. Series shows high-tech weaponry taking on the terrorist threat in Kazakhstan, close combat shootouts in the slums of Brazil, violent clashes with Mexican drug cartels and airborne Colombian hit squads taking out the cocaine labs.
  • Truth Duty Valour - Each episode profiles the intense training and competition the Canadian military undergoes to maintain operational readiness for deployments overseas.
  • Road Wars - Follows the 14 members of the Thames Valley Police's roads policing proactive unit while they carried out their duties. The program has documented the changing tactics of criminals, perhaps most importantly their increasing violence and recklessness, and the response of the U.K. police forces.
  • WWE Tough Enough - Participants undergo professional wrestling training and compete for a contract with WWE. Hosted by Steve Austin.[61]

Films

In November 2012, FN announced a TV deal with Twentieth Century Fox to air award-winning movies.[62] Here are some of the titles:

Fight Network also owns rights to titles from the MGM Pictures library, including The Terminator, Walking Tall, Platoon, Killer Elite and Robocop.

Documentaries

FN has aired numerous fight-themed documentaries:

  • Bret Hart: Survival of the Hitman - Fight Network original documentary chronicling Bret Hart's life as he prepared for his in-ring return at WrestleMania XXVI. First aired March 22, 2010.
  • Evolucao Thai: Inside the Demise of Chute Boxe - Fight Network original documentary chronicling the demise of the famous Brazilian Chute Boxe Academy and formation of Evolucao Thai in Canada.
  • Toy Tiger - Feature length documentary on the life and career of 'Irish' Art Hafey, Canada's most accomplished prizefighter of the last half-century.[63]
  • Wand Fight Team: Fighter Life - 14 fighters from around the world come to Las Vegas to train for two weeks at Wand Fight Team with MMA legend Wanderlei Silva.
  • Fighting Politics - Starring Matt Lindland. Follows the rise and fall of the former UFC middleweight as he was released from the promotion.
  • Fighter: Randy Couture - Starring Randy Couture. Official selection of the 2006 Foundation for the Advancement of Independent Films (FAIF) International Film Festival. The film captures Couture's chase for his first UFC title.
  • Strictly Baby Fight Club - Offers insight into children's Thai boxing, which is one of the fastest growing martial arts in the U.K., with over 500 registered clubs.
  • Roy Jones Jr.: Return of a Champion - Story of Roy Jones Jr. as he made his way back up the ladder.
  • Bum Fights - Covers the Bumfights: A Cause for Concern phenomena.
  • Girl Fights - Profiling women in combat sports.

On radio

  • Live Audio Wrestling (The LAW) - Wrestling and MMA talk show that airs online, on SiriusXM's Canada Talks and on TSN Radio 1050.[64]

On May 23, 2013, Fight Network launched three weekly talk shows on SiriusXM's Canada Talks.[65]

In addition to Live Audio Wrestling on SiriusXM, the following shows were launched:

  • Fight Network Boxing Weekly - Hosted by Fight Network boxing analyst Corey Erdman, discusses recent events in professional boxing.
  • Fight Network Presents MMA Meltdown - Hosted by Gabriel Morency, host of MMA Meltdown on Fight Network, who is joined by various combat sports personalities, including fighters, trainers, managers and oddsmakers.

References

  1. ^ Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2004-62; CRTC; 2004-01-30
  2. ^ [1][dead link]
  3. ^ "Leonard Asper Becomes CEO of the Fight Network | Top MMA News at". Topmmanews.com. 2010-12-10. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  4. ^ New Fight Network campaign packs a punch Marketing magazine 2011-04-12
  5. ^ [2][dead link]
  6. ^ "Launches New Free iPhone App". Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  7. ^ [3][dead link]
  8. ^ TSN, RDS and Fight Network New Canadian Home for UFC Content
  9. ^ Fight Network Signs multi-Year TV Deal with TNA Wrestling
  10. ^ Fight Network Coming to America!; BNET; February 2007
  11. ^ The Fight Network Opens Office in Ecuador; BNET; February 2007
  12. ^ The Fight Network Goes Global, Completes Provate Placement Led By Canadian Media Heavyweights; Canvas Chronicle; 2008-04-02
  13. ^ "Fight Network Launches in the U.S. on NeuLion". MMAmadhouse.com. 2012-11-03. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  14. ^ "Fight Network in USA on NeuLion - Mixed Martial Arts News". Mixedmartialarts.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  15. ^ "Anthem Media Makes Significant Investment in Pursuit Channel". Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  16. ^ "Launches Programming Block on Pursuit Channel". Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  17. ^ "Expands to Africa, Now in Angola, Mozambique". Fightnetwork.com. 2009-09-04. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  18. ^ "to Launch in Europe on ZON in Portugal". Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  19. ^ "to Launch in Turkey on D-Smart". Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  20. ^ "to Launch in Belgium on TELENET". Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  21. ^ Fight Network Launches on OSN in Middle East, North Africa Fight Network 2013-12-17
  22. ^ "Fight Network, FNTSY Sports Network Launch on Optimum TV". Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  23. ^ "Launches on Texas-Based Grande Communications". Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  24. ^ "Launches in Greece on Hellas' 'hol my tv'". Fightnetwork.com. 2011-07-30. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  25. ^ "Fight Network Programming, Shows, TV - Fight Network". Tv.fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  26. ^ "Pacquiao-Marquez 4 LIVE Presser, Weigh-ins on". Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  27. ^ "Presents Live UFC 154 Fight Week Coverage". Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  28. ^ "UFC 152 Fight Week on Fight Network - Live Pressers, Weighin". Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  29. ^ "TSN, RDS and Fight Network New Canadian Home for UFC Content | UFC &reg - News". Ufc.com. 2014-12-22. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  30. ^ "World Series of Fighting 1 LIVE TODAY at 10:30 p.m." Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  31. ^ "Apex Sports Agency Acquires One Fighting Championship North American Brand Rights : MMAPayout.com: The Business of MMA". MMAPayout.com. 2012-05-03. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
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  33. ^ "KSW 27: Cage Time on May 17, 2014 at 2 p.m. ET LIVE on Fight Networ". Mma-core.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
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  40. ^ "EFC Africa signs multi-year broadcast deal with Fight Network". Themmareview.co.uk. 2011-08-01. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  41. ^ "Mma In Asia: Sfl India Inks Canadian Tv Deal". Mmainasia.blogspot.ca. 2012-10-03. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  42. ^ "Signs Three-Year TV Deal with MFC". Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  43. ^ "XFC - Xtreme Fighting Championships MMA". Officialxfc.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  44. ^ "Fight Network, Pursuit Channel to Air 'Texas Fight Night'". Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  45. ^ "Fight Network Partners with Quebec's SLAMM Tristar Fights". Sportsviews.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  46. ^ [11][dead link]
  47. ^ "DeGale-Zuniga, Ramos-Williams Jr. LIVE Sat on". Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  48. ^ "Price Destroys Skelton in Two Live on". Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
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  51. ^ Vlessing, Etan (2011-03-21). "It's Showtime For Canada's Fight Network". Hollywoodreporter.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
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  53. ^ "Enfusion 3: Slovenia LIVE this Sunday @ 1 p.m." Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  54. ^ "Fight Network Presents Live Coverage of Judo World Championships from Brazil Oct. 27-28". Mmasucka.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  55. ^ "Karate Canada". Karatecanada.org. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  56. ^ "Announces Three-Year Deal with World Karate Federation". Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  57. ^ "2013 Taekwondo Canada Open Premieres May 28 on". Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  58. ^ "Launches 'Fighting Spirit Wrestling' Series". Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
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  60. ^ [16][dead link]
  61. ^ "Archives | The Fight Network to air Tough Enough in Canada". Wrestling-online.com. 2011-05-16. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  62. ^ "Signs TV Deal with Twentieth Century Fox". Fightnetwork.com. 2011-01-17. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  63. ^ [17][dead link]
  64. ^ [18][dead link]
  65. ^ [19] [dead link]
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