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Fight Network

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Fight Network
CountryCanada
HeadquartersToronto, Ontario
Programming
Language(s)English
Ownership
OwnerAnthem Sports & Entertainment
(Fight Media, Inc.)

Fight Network is a Canadian-based international English language television channel owned by Anthem Sports & Entertainment. The channel broadcasts programming related to combat sports including mixed martial arts, boxing, kickboxing, and professional wrestling, in particular, the co-owned IMPACT Wrestling promotion.

History

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 telecommunications regulator, 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, under the leadership of 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 the popular wrestling radio show Live Audio Wrestling (The LAW), syndicating it under the banner Fight Network Radio.[3]

BlackOut Communications originally owned TFN; however, after several organizational restructurings, Fight Media Inc. ended up owning and operating the Fight Network.

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 the upcoming 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 Greatest Matches.[9] In March 2016, TNA expanded its relationship with Fight Network to offer its programming internationally through Fight Network's streaming platforms.[10][11]

TNA acquisition

In January 2017, Fight Network's parent company Anthem Sports & Entertainment acquired a majority stake in TNA, which had been financially-strained. Under Anthem, the promotion was renamed IMPACT Wrestling after its flagship program.[12]

International expansion

FN's first international agreement was with American IPTV provider, Backspace. FN launched on their system in the United States in 2007;[13] 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.[14] 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".[15] The U.K.-based network was shut down on December 1, 2008.

In November 2012, Fight Network expanded into the U.S. market, launching subscription services for live online streaming of the channel on NeuLion.[16][17]

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.[18] In February 2013, Fight Network announced a two-hour dedicated programming block Monday nights on Pursuit Channel, available in 38 million homes.[19]

On February 15, 2013, Fight Network launched with Angola-based operator ZAP, making the channel available to its subscriber base in Angola and Mozambique.[20] On March 19, 2013, Fight Network launched in Portugal on ZON with the network becoming available to its subscriber base in Europe.[21] On March 23, 2013, Fight Network announced an expansion to Turkey. Fight Network HD is available in Turkey on D-Smart.[22] In August 2013, Fight Network announced its agreement to launch in Belgium on Telenet[23], and in December 2013, Fight Network launch OSN Fight Network HD on OSN systems in the Middle East and Africa.[24]

In June 2014, Fight Network launched in standard definition in the New York metropolitan area on Cablevision.[25] In August 2014, Fight Network launched on Grande Communications in Texas markets [26], rebranding My Combat Channel, which it acquired in August 2013.[27] In July 2015, Fight Network launched on Suddenlink Communications across the U.S., making it available to its base of 1.5 million subscribers.[28] In March 2016, Fight Network expanded to Service Electric Broadband Cable in New Jersey.[29] In April 2016, Fight Network launched on CenturyLink across the U.S.[30]

In October 2014, Fight Network launched on the IPTV service Hellas Online 'hol my TV' in Greece, later branded as Vodafone TV.[31]

In November 2015, Fight Network launched an app on the fourth-generation Apple TV set-top box media player.[32]

In January 2016, Fight Network expanded its reach in Portugal by launching on Vodafone Portugal.[33]

In April 2016, Fight Network launched on YipTV, the mobile cable Internet streaming service.[34]

On December 1, 2017, Fight Network launched Fight Network Italy on DTT Italy.

Programming

News and original

Fight Network produces several weekly news shows, including:

  • Retrospective - Sitdown interview series with combat sports fighters and personalities.
  • Adaptation - Sitdown interview series with professional wrestling stars.
  • Tristar Stories - Highlighting the rise and stars of Montreal’s famed Tristar Gym.
  • After The Fight - Inside look at what happens to combat sports athletes after they compete in a physical contest.
  • History of Canadian MMA - Documentary chronicling the history of mixed martial arts in Canada.
  • In 60 - Compilation shows featuring fights, matches and moments from various combat sports in a themed 60-minute format.

FN also broadcasts live weigh-ins and press conferences for major boxing fights and all UFC events.[35][36]

Mixed Martial Arts

Fight Network's live mixed martial arts programming includes:

  • Ultimate Fighting Championship - Fight Network airs all UFC Fight Night events from around the world, as well as preliminary bouts for domestic non-pay-per-view cards, plus library content and live pre and post-fight programming.[37] Programs include UFC Unleashed, UFC Countdown, UFC Road to the Octagon, UFC Now, UFC Main Event, UFC Reloaded, Best of WEC and Best of PRIDE.
  • Legacy Fighting Alliance - MMA promotion based in the U.S. founded in 2017.
  • Fight Nights Global - MMA promotion based in Russia founded in 2010.
  • KSW - MMA promotion based in Poland founded in 2004.
  • TKO MMA - MMA promotion based in Canada founded in 2000.
  • M-1 Challenge - MMA promotion based in Russia founded in 1997.
  • ROAD Fighting Championship - MMA promotion based in South Korea founded in 2010.
  • Combate Americas - MMA promotion based in the U.S. founded in 2011.
  • Kunlun Fight - MMA and kickboxing promotion based in China founded in 2014.
  • We Love MMA - MMA promotion based in Germany founded in 2006.

Other MMA promotions aired on Fight Network include all-female U.S. MMA promotion Invicta Fighting Championships, Las Vegas-based World Series of Fighting, Rhode Island-based CES MMA, U.S.-based King of the Cage, Tuff-N-Uff, XFO and Gladiator Challenge, Japan-based DEEP, Jewels and Pancrase, Singapore-based ONE Championship, U.K.-based Cage Warriors Fighting Championship, BAMMA, Ultimate Challenge MMA and Cage Contender, Australia-based BRACE, Croatia-based Final Fight Championship, Canada-based Battlefield Fight League, Z Promotions, Unified MMA and Rumble in the Cage, and India-based Super Fight League.

Fight Network's "From The Vault" archive also includes content from various defunct organizations, including U.S.-based Resurrection Fighting Alliance, Legacy Fighting Championship, Xtreme Fighting Championships, Championship Fighting Alliance, BodogFight, Ring of Fire and SportFight, Japan-based DREAM, Africa-based Extreme Fighting Championship, Canada-based Maximum Fighting Championship, Hard Knocks Fighting, Instinct MMA and Ringside MMA, U.K.-based Cage Rage and Brazil-based International Vale Tudo Championship and MECA.

Boxing

Fight Network's live boxing programming includes:

  • Golden Boy Promotions - U.S. boxing promotional firm founded in 2002.
  • Hennessy Boxing - U.K.-based promotion.

Other boxing programming aired on Fight Network includes Prime Time Boxing, select championship fights staged globally, KOTV Boxing Weekly, a weekly news show, KOTV Classics, a classic fight compilation show, the Ultimate Classic Boxing library of fights from the 50s, 60s and 70s, U.S.-based Banner Promotions and CES Boxing, U.K.-based Frank Maloney Promotions, Montreal-based Eye of the Tiger Boxing, InterBox and GYM Boxing, Calgary-based Dekada Fight Night, and Agency Wars, an original Fight Network charity production.

Fight Network's "From The Vault" archive also includes content from Showtime Championship Boxing, ShoBox: The New Generation, 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:

  • GLORY - Singapore-based kickboxing league founded in 2012. Fight Network broadcasts all live GLORY SuperFight Series and main events live in Canada.
  • Enfusion - Netherlands-based kickboxing league founded in 2011.

Other kickboxing programming aired on Fight Network includes Brazil-based WGP Kickboxing, Russia-based W5 Kickboxing, U.K.-based Superkombat Fighting Championship and Lithuania-based King of Kings.

Fight Network's "From The Vault" archive also includes content from various defunct organizations, including the Hong Kong-based K-1 library, Netherlands-based It's Showtime! and UAE-based Global Fighting Championship.

Muay Thai

Fight Network's live Muay Thai programming includes:

  • Lion Fight Promotions - Las Vegas-based Muay Thai league founded in 2010.

Grappling

Fight Network's live grappling programming includes:

Other grappling programming aired on Fight Network includes Best of ADCC, compilations of classic matches from the Abu Dhabi Combat Club Submission Wrestling World Championship, South America-based Copa Podio and other defunct promotions or tournaments, including Professional Submission League and Rickson Gracie's Budo Challenge.

Other traditional

Fight Network broadcasts live judo and karate tournaments:

  • World Combat Games - Official international broadcaster for the SportAccord World Combat Games, featuring 15 Olympic and non-Olympic sports.
  • World Lethwei Championship - Myanmar-based bareknuckle fighting league founded in 2015.
  • Karate Combat - Full contact fighting league founded in 2018.
  • International Judo Federation - International sanctioning body for judo. Tournaments include Grand Prix, Grand Slam and Olympic qualification.
  • World Karate Federation - Largest governing body for sport karate recognized by International Olympic Committee.
  • World Taekwondo Federation - A member of the International Olympic Committee, events feature the traditional martial art of taekwondo.
  • TakeDown Wrestling and Global Wrestling Weekly - Weekly news shows covering the amateur wrestling scene.

Professional wrestling

Fight Network broadcasts various weekly professional wrestling programs:

Additional IMPACT Wrestling shoulder programming includes:

  • Impact Wrestling's Greatest Matches - 90 x 1hr episode series from IMPACT Wrestling.
  • Legends - 1hr specials profiling various past and present roster members.
  • Epics - 1hr specials hosted by Mick Foley reliving historical matches.
  • Unfinished Business - 1hr specials profiling historical feuds.
  • British Boot Camp - 1hr reality show showcasing British wrestlers vying for a contract.
  • Classic PPV, Asylum Years & One Night Only - full events from the 3,000+ hour IMPACT Wrestling catalogue.

Other professional wrestling programming aired on Fight Network includes U.S.-based House of Hardcore, U.K.-based British Wrestling Weekly featuring matches from NGW, Scotland-based Insane Championship Wrestling Friday Night Fight Club, Canada-based WrestleCentre, and Fighting Spirit Wrestling compilation shows featuring matches from Japan and Mexico.

Fight Network's "From The Vault" archive also includes content from various defunct organizations, including the Ultimate Classic Wrestling library of matches from the 70s and 80s, Dragon Gate USA, Pro Wrestling NOAH, Memphis Wrestling and St. Louis-based Wrestling at the Chase.

Reality, Films & Documentaries

Fight Network has broadcast various reality shows and series, including Master Toddy's Tuff Girls, Fight Girls, Gotta Grudge?, Ninja Warrior, Kill Arman, Amir Khan's Angry Young Men, T.O.P. Army Boxer & T.O.P. Army Fighter, Ross Kemp, Danny Dyer's Deadliest Men, Chris Ryan's Elite Police, Truth Duty Valour, Road Wars, Wimp 2 Warrior, The Contender and WWE Tough Enough.[39]

Fight Network has broadcast award-winning movies as part of its deals with Twentieth Century Fox[40] and MGM Films, including Fight Club, Behind Enemy Lines, Die Hard, Die Hard 2, Die Hard with a Vengeance, The Transporter, The Transporter 2, X-Men and X-Men United, Kiss of Death, Kiss of the Dragon, Kung Pow! Enter the Fist, Men of Honor, 28 Days Later, Commando, Courage Under Fire, The Terminator, Walking Tall, Platoon, Killer Elite and Robocop.

Fight Network has broadcast and produced various fight-themed documentaries, including its original productions Bret Hart: Survival of the Hitman and Evolucao Thai: Inside the Demise of Chute Boxe, as well as Toy Tiger, which profiles Canadian boxer Art Hafey, Wand Fight Team: Fighter Life, a four-part series profiling fighters who trained at Wanderlei Silva's Las Vegas-based academy, Fighting Politics, the story of former UFC middleweight Matt Lindland, Fighter: Randy Couture, capturing Randy Couture's chase for his first UFC title, Roy Jones Jr.: Return of a Champion, as well as Strictly Baby Fight Club, Bum Fights and Girl Fights.

On radio

Fight Network has developed various daily and weekly radio programs that are no longer in production, including its flagship weekly show Live Audio Wrestling (The LAW), a professional wrestling and MMA talk show launched in 1997 and cancelled in 2017 that aired online, on SiriusXM's Canada Talks and on TSN Radio 1050, as well as Fight Network Radio, a daily news program hosted by former Fight Network anchor Mauro Ranallo, previously aired on SiriusXM.

On May 23, 2013, Fight Network launched three weekly talk shows on SiriusXM's Canada Talks, but they have since been cancelled.[41]

References

  1. ^ Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2004-62; CRTC; 2004-01-30
  2. ^ The Fight Network Comes Out Swinging On Rogers Digital Cable, 411mania.com, 09-22-05
  3. ^ Taking the fight to the fans, SLAM! Wrestling, 01-28-05
  4. ^ Tedesco, Jamie Sturgeon and Theresa. "Asper returns to media with Fight Network stake". Financial Post. Retrieved 2017-11-04.
  5. ^ "New Fight Network campaign packs a punch". Marketing. Retrieved 2017-11-04.
  6. ^ Fight Network Launches in HD on Rogers, Fight Network press release, 03-14-13
  7. ^ "UFC reaches Canadian broadcast deal with TSN, RDS". Postmedia News. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  8. ^ "TSN, RDS, and Fight Network become new Canadian home for UFC". TSN.ca. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  9. ^ "Fight Network Signs Multi-Year TV Deal with TNA Wrestling". fightnetwork.com.
  10. ^ "Fight Network and TNA IMPACT WRESTLING Enter Into Comprehensive Global Content Partnership - Fight Network".
  11. ^ Morgan, Richard (17 September 2016). "Billy Corgan in talks to become majority owner of TNA wrestling". New York Post. 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.
  12. ^ "Anthem Acquires Majority Interest in TNA Impact Wrestling". Multichannel. Retrieved 2017-11-03.
  13. ^ Fight Network Coming to America!; BNET; February 2007
  14. ^ The Fight Network Opens Office in Ecuador; BNET; February 2007
  15. ^ The Fight Network Goes Global, Completes Private Placement Led By Canadian Media Heavyweights; Canvas Chronicle; 2008-04-02
  16. ^ "Fight Network Launches in the U.S. on NeuLion". MMAmadhouse.com. 2012-11-03. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  17. ^ "Fight Network in USA on NeuLion - Mixed Martial Arts News". Mixedmartialarts.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  18. ^ "Anthem Media Makes Significant Investment in Pursuit Channel". Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  19. ^ "Launches Programming Block on Pursuit Channel". Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  20. ^ "Expands to Africa, Now in Angola, Mozambique". Fightnetwork.com. 2009-09-04. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  21. ^ "to Launch in Europe on ZON in Portugal". Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  22. ^ "to Launch in Turkey on D-Smart". Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  23. ^ "to Launch in Belgium on TELENET". Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  24. ^ Fight Network Launches on OSN in Middle East, North Africa Fight Network 2013-12-17
  25. ^ "Fight Network, FNTSY Sports Network Launch on Optimum TV". Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  26. ^ "Launches on Texas-Based Grande Communications". Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  27. ^ http://fightnetwork.com/news/6389113:anthem-media-group-acquires-u-s-based-my-combat-channel/
  28. ^ "Fight Network, FNTSY Sports expand U.S. distribution with Suddenlink launch".
  29. ^ "FNTSY Sports Network and Fight Network Launch on Service Electric Broadband Cable in New Jersey - Fight Network".
  30. ^ "Anthem's FNTSY Sports Network and Fight Network Launch on CenturyLink Across the U.S."
  31. ^ "Launches in Greece on Hellas' 'hol my tv'". Fightnetwork.com. 2011-07-30. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  32. ^ Sherdog.com. "Anthem's FNTSY Sports Network and Fight Network Launch on Apple TV". Sherdog.
  33. ^ "Fight Network Launches on Vodafone Portugal - Fight Network".
  34. ^ "Anthem's Fight Network and FNTSY Sports Network Launch on YipTV Live Streaming Service - Fight Network".
  35. ^ "Pacquiao-Marquez 4 LIVE Presser, Weigh-ins on". Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  36. ^ "Presents Live UFC 154 Fight Week Coverage". Fightnetwork.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  37. ^ "TSN, RDS and Fight Network New Canadian Home for UFC Content | UFC &reg - News". Ufc.com. 2014-12-22. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  38. ^ "Fight Network to Debut Weekly CMLL Wrestling Series on Cinco de Mayo - Fight Network".
  39. ^ "Archives | The Fight Network to air Tough Enough in Canada". Wrestling-online.com. 2011-05-16. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  40. ^ "Signs TV Deal with Twentieth Century Fox". Fightnetwork.com. 2011-01-17. Archived from the original on 2015-04-02. Retrieved 2015-03-30. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  41. ^ "Fight Network Launches Three Weekly Shows on SiriusXM Ch 167". fightnetwork.com.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Fight_Network&oldid=842655935"