TSN getting set to launch companion channel

In an ambitious move that will have an impact on sports television in several ways, TSN in Canada is planning to launch a companion channel called TSN2.

The new service, which will start in the fall, will provide content that will include major-league programming such as NHL and NBA telecasts on a cycle of 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Executives and spokespeople at TSN are mum on the subject, but sources in advertising say TSN has already bought for the channel the rights to NBA games that were discarded by Rogers Sportsnet at the end of last season.

The new service will provide extensive auto racing and tennis coverage and, apparently, will air at least one major-league event daily.

And it will be the first digital channel in Canada to provide programming in high-definition television.