Sportsnet Unveils Re-designed Website, Optimized for any Digital Platform

- New sportsnet.ca first and only sports website in Canada using responsive design -
- State-of-the-art technology married with premium sports content delivers best-in-class experience across all devices -
- Features include personalization, easy navigation, latest sports information and analysis from Sportsnet's team of leading writers and insiders -

TORONTO, March 6, 2013 /CNW/ - Sportsnet, Canada's multiplatform destination for all things sports, continues its commitment to providing fans with premium sports content and experiences on the world's latest devices with a re-designed, world-class website. Now available, the new sportsnet.ca uses leading-edge technology married with the country's best sports content to deliver unparalleled functionality and user experience across smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktops. Sportsnet.ca is the first - and only - sports website in Canada to use this responsive design.

Sportsnet.ca is designed from a fan's point-of-view so that content is visually consistent regardless of the platform. The leading-edge site includes a rebuilt Content Management System (CMS) engine to deliver fast headlines and best-in-class navigation proven through consumer research. Over the coming weeks, sportsnet.ca will also introduce MySN - a personalization feature that allows fans to follow individual players and teams, and customize their headline news based on their preferences.

Sportsnet.ca is the fastest-growing sports website in the country in terms of unique visitors - with a 26 per cent average growth rate year-over-year for 2012.*

"It's the ultimate digital sports media experience for the passionate Canadian fan," said Pary Bell, Vice President and General Manager, Rogers Digital Media. "It doesn't matter if they're looking for ease and speed in finding the latest scores or statistics, or if they want a deep dive into the best sports analysis in the country. Fans are more empowered than ever to experience sports on their own terms at sportsnet.ca, on the device of their choice. This exciting new launch is yet another milestone in solidifying Sportsnet's multiplatform leadership and commitment to digital offerings."

Key features of the new sportsnet.ca include:

• Responsive Design: This state-of-the-art technology makes use of flexible layouts and images to deliver sports content pages that detects the visitor's screen size and orientation and changes the layout accordingly
  
  
• Personalization: Coming in the weeks ahead, fans will be able to customize their headline news feed to receive relevant content based on their preferences. Fans will also be able to follow specific teams, players and fantasy leagues simply and easily
  
  
• Best-in-class Navigation: Fuelled by fan research, the new design makes it easy for fans to find the info they want, when they want it
  
  
• Faster Headlines: Rebuilt with a new CMS engine, sportsnet.ca now delivers headline news at lightning-fast speeds, ensuring fans can stay atop of the action in real time
  
  
• Deeper Stats: With bigger and better data servers than ever before, sportsnet.ca now has even more in-depth and sortable data fans can access on their smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktops.

In addition to the revamped website, Sportsnet also recently launched its Sportsnet Mobile apps for both the BlackBerry 10 and iOS platforms, with plans to release an Android version for phones and tablets in the coming weeks. Sportsnet is also currently the first and only sports media company in Canada to launch a digital subscription video on-demand service. Sportsnet World Online provides sports fans with exclusive live and on-demand streaming of premium soccer, cricket, and rugby matches not available anywhere else.

Sportsnet.ca features the latest in technology with the most in-depth sports coverage including exclusive news stories, provocative commentary and up-to-the-minute videos. The new functionality and enhanced user experience will provide sports fans with even more stories, more tools, and more video content directly from their favourite sportsnet.ca writers, such as award-winning journalist Stephen Brunt, Michael Grange, senior hockey writer Chris Johnston, baseball writer Shi Davidi, and more - whenever and wherever they want.

*Source: comScore December 2012, sports website category

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About Sportsnet
Sportsnet connects Canadian sports fans to their favourite teams and athletes, using five platforms: TV, Radio, Print, Online and Mobile. Sportsnet is Fuelled By Fans, and delivers storytelling on a local, regional, national and global level. The multiplatform brand consists of Sportsnet, sportsnet.ca, Sportsnet 590 The FAN, Sportsnet 960 The FAN, Sportsnet magazine, Sportsnet Mobile and the Hockey Central app on iPad and Playbook. Sportsnet is the Canadian leader in NHL and MLB television broadcasts and is home to 162 Toronto Blue Jays games, plus MLB Playoffs and the World Series. Sportsnet is an official licensed broadcaster of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil^TM and also offers an exciting sports lineup including the NFL, the Memorial Cup, Ultimate Fighting Championship^®, Grand Slam of Curling, IndyCar, the Rogers Cup tennis tournament, and extensive soccer programming including Barclays Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, MLS Vancouver Whitecaps FC, CONCACAF and Canadian national team matches for men and women. Connected is the network's nightly news program, providing regional and national coverage of the day's events in the world of sports.

SOURCE: Sportsnet