Breaking News - Ron MacLean's career reportedly over
After over 36 years on Hockey Night in Canada and other Canadian hockey broadcasts, reports are emerging that Ron MacLean will no longer serve as host following this year's Stanley Cup Finals.
With ratings on a steady decline, insiders at YYZ Sports Media have reported that Rogers feels the broadcast is in «desperate need» of revamping all aspects of the broadcast.
In addition to lost revenues during the pandemic, negative viewer response to betting segments, the lack of a Canadian team making the Finals, as well the Leafs' failures, viewers have also expressed displeasure and frustration towards MacLean's hosting for being out of date.
Rogers will apparently look to angle their broadcast towards younger audiences with a more candid, less polished and professional approach, similar to ESPN and TNT broadcasts. Per reports, it seems Kevin Bieksa is seen by Rogers as the lone bright spot on the broadcast at the moment.
Big changes will come to Canada's longest standing and historical broadcast, which should be exciting for viewers, and to continue growing the game to non-traditional viewers.
