How Rogers Sports & Media is growing its slate without losing its edge

 

Drew and Jonathan Scott are launching a new show, Property Brothers: Commitment Issues (working title).

The word “disruption” gets thrown around a lot, and so there’s something quietly radical about evolving in a way that still feels consistent, credible and close to home. It’s in this space that Rogers Sports & Media (RSM) is expanding without losing the plot, grounding it all in something brands and audiences are craving more than ever: trust.

Across Canada, RSM reaches 95% (31.5M) of Canadians 18+ every month (Nielsen Media Mix A18+). That’s not a vanity stat. It’s a signal of scale built over time, across TV and streaming, radio and digital, and a mix of brands that have become staples in Canadians’ everyday media choices. From Citytv and Sportsnet to specialty leaders like HGTV, Food Network, Bravo and Discovery, the company is positioned to reach massive audiences and keep them engaged with content that holds attention while driving deeper connections. 

Dina Pugliese, host of the upcoming series Bake Master Battle on Food Network.

“This year, we are launching our most ambitious lineup of Canadian originals yet, with more than 115 hours of new content debuting across HGTV, Food Network, Citytv and Citytv+”, said Kale Stockwell, director of original programming, Rogers Sports & Media. “Our new slate reflects a smart evolution of star power blended with fresh faces, proven formats given new life, and real regional stories that feel relevant and rooted in Canadian communities.”

Rising DIY star Emily Michelle.

Take HGTV’s upcoming releases. They include familiar HGTV faces like Sarah Keenleyside and Colin and Justin, as well as rising voices like the DIY-savvy Emily Michelle. But the big stars are “Property Brothers” Drew and Jonathan Scott, who bring a new Canadian original to HGTV.

“Canada has always been home for us, and we’re thrilled to be working with Rogers Sports & Media to bring more of our shows to Canadian audiences,” said Drew and Jonathan Scott. “This fall, we’re especially excited to introduce Property Brothers: Commitment Issues (working title), where we’ll help homebuyers who’ve been hesitant take the next step. With our guidance, they’ll commit to the right home – and we’ll transform it into their dream space.”

Also launching soon is Home Town Takeover Canada. In keeping with the same format as the successful HGTV American hit, the new series follows a complete small-town revitalization that transforms homes, businesses and public spaces. Details of the Canadian location and host to be announced in the coming months. 

That blend of aspiration and authenticity carries into Food Network’s new lineup. Bake Master Battle brings festive, family-friendly stakes to the baking competition format, hosted by Dina Pugliese and judged by hyper-realistic cake artist April Julian. Andy’s East Coast Kitchen Crawl offers a more intimate kind of food show, as chef Andy Hay visits home cooks across the Maritimes and brings their stories – and recipes – to life in his Halifax kitchen.

Through these lineups, the picture comes into focus: RSM knows how to refresh without losing what makes it work.

Sarah Keenleyside, a familiar face on HGTV.

This is the same balance being struck across RSM’s broader portfolio. Citytv continues to gain ground with audiences, growing in both full-day and primetime. It’s a result of consistently strong, strategically programmed hits: The Bachelor, One Chicago, Law & Order and more. One Chicago alone has delivered a 14% year-over-year increase in 18+ audiences. Meanwhile, Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent is Citytv’s biggest hit in over a decade, reaching 1.8 million viewers weekly. Another big new Canadian original program is The Price is Right Tonight (working title),  hosted by Howie Mandel. The new series is coming to Citytv.

On the streaming side, Citytv+ is showing serious momentum, surpassing 2.3 billion minutes streamed over the past year. It’s a sign that the platform is an increasingly important extension of the RSM ecosystem, delivering premium, on-demand access in an advertiser-friendly environment. RSM’s exclusive Canadian representation of Disney+ and Tubi only amplifies its strength in the AVOD and SVOD space.

The sports portfolio brings even more gravity to the mix. Rogers recently renewed its 12-year NHL deal, locking in Sportsnet as the premier destination for hockey through 2037. In 2024, the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Sportsnet reached 24.5 million Canadians, reaching 18.2 million in the Stanley Cup Final alone. And beyond hockey, market-leading coverage of the Blue Jays, Raptors, UFC and emerging properties like sim golf league TGL mean year-round engagement from one of Canada’s most passionate audience segments.

The Price is Right Tonight (working title), hosted by Howie Mandel. The new series is coming to Citytv.

From a media planning perspective, this all adds up to a unique offering: a vertically integrated portfolio that spans entertainment, lifestyle, news and sports, with meaningful reach across linear, streaming, AVOD and radio. But for all the innovation and investment, it’s RSM’s ability to anticipate where audiences are headed and show up in the moments that matter most, that solidify its reputation. 

The result is a model that delivers impressions, and drives impact. For brands looking to connect with audiences nation-wide across all platforms, Rogers Sports & Media proves that what’s consistent can also be dynamic, and what’s new doesn’t have to be a gamble. 

Sometimes, the most exciting moves are the ones that still feel familiar. Click here to learn more about opportunities with Rogers Sports & Media.