This Just Seems Like an Amazing Idea: Don Cherry to Guest Judge Battle of the Blades

Renowned Canadian celebrity and hockey commentator Don Cherry will appear as a guest judge for the second week of BATTLE OF THE BLADES, Sunday, Oct. 11 and Monday, Oct. 12, at 8 p.m., on CBC Television. The music of Frank Sinatra will set the tone as the competition heats up for the remaining seven pairs contending to win $100,000 for the charity of their choice.

Now in his remarkable 30^th season on CBC, Cherry entertains and enthralls Canadians with his commentary every Saturday night on CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada. This week, he will bring his unique perspective to figure skating as he shares his thoughts on all performances. Cherry joins regular judges Sandra Bezic and Dick Button. All three will preside over both evenings and determine who of the bottom two ranking pairs—as determined by viewer votes—gets iced on Monday’s skate-off show.

As for the evening’s music—there is only one Sinatra. This classic crooner’s legendary songs about life and love continue to cross generations and find new fans. Viewers can expect to be enthralled as the remaining seven pairs perform live to his illustrious hits. This is also a fitting tribute given that Frank Sinatra performed live at Maple Leaf Gardens in the 1970s.

Show co-host and mentor Kurt Browning will bring an added flare of excitement with a special performance during Monday’s skate-off show, on Oct. 12, at 8 p.m. Having electrified fans from around the world, he will bring his own ice skating magic to historic Maple Leaf Gardens, blending the world of both ice sports by performing in hockey skates.

Viewers can learn more about the competitors at www.cbc.ca/battle, the official online portal for the series and the source for everything about BATTLE OF THE BLADES. In addition to competition recap videos and behind-the-scene photos, the site offers viewers the opportunity to become fans of their favourite pair and track each participant’s activity as they strive to be the final pair remaining at the end of the series.

BATTLE OF THE BLADES is the brainchild of Kevin Albrecht with development by Sandra Bezic. BATTLE OF THE BLADES executive producers are John Brunton, Barbara Bowlby and Kevin Albrecht. It is produced by Insight Productions in association with CBC Television.

Here it Is: The New Canadian Ratings Explained to an Idiot American

From Rob Young of Media in Canada:

There are some very clear and concrete advantages offered by the new PPM technology. It will be used to measure both TV and radio by the same single-source respondent. For the first time since single-source TV/radio diaries were used by BBM some 30 years ago, buyers and sellers will be able to determine how TV and radio plans and buys work together. Our industry will gain insight into how the two media produce combined, real, live reach/frequency.

And of equal importance, the costs to capture TV/radio audience data will be significantly reduced. That money can be used to add more metered markets, reduce member fees, or both.

New Ratings System Drives Hockey Night in Canada to Winning First Week

If one of our canucklehead commenters could explain this to us further, we’d be greatly appreciated.

Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star has this on CBC’s opening weekend:

As expected, the new ratings system has been very kind to hockey.

CBC drew an average audience of 2.5 million for its season opener last Thursday and Saturday was no disappointment. Its regional coverage of the Leafs at Capitals, Habs at Sabres and Senators at Rangers averaged 1.74 million. These are audiences CBC hopes for during the playoffs.

Of course, all ratings have risen and everybody’s setting records. But there are some interesting revelations.

Morning Music Breakdown