Shaw president apologizes for glitch during Jets broadcast

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/10/2011 (4578 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The president of Shaw Communications takes full responsibility for the technical glitch that kept its customers from watching almost all of the first period of last night’s Winnipeg Jets game.

“It’s a mea culpa to all of our customers. We screwed that up. It was a technical anomaly, that’s the best I can put it,” said Peter Bissonnette, president of the Calgary-based telecommunications company.

The Jets beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 2-1 for their first win of the season but both goals were scored before the signal was restored. The first goal, in fact, came just eight seconds after the opening face-off.

To appease irate fans, Bissonette said Shaw will extend the free period of the TSN Jets speciality channel by two games. Instead of having to pay as of Dec. 6, the home game that evening against the Phoenix Coyotes will also be free. Shaw will charge $9.95 per month for TSN Jets.

“We were the first (cable provider) to come to an agreement with Bell on carrying Jets games. We realize the importance of the Jets to Winnipeg and Manitoba and we hope from here on in that’s it’s smooth sailing and that the Jets continue to win,” he said.

Bissonette added Shaw has also implemented a number of checks and balances to ensure future broadcasts will not encounter similar technical difficulties.

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There were no reports of glitches with TSN Jets on either MTS TV or Bell. There is no charge on Bell while the free preview on MTS TV ends Oct. 31.

geoff.kirbyson@freepress.mb.ca