FAQ

CTV OLYMPICS FAQ

Q: Where are your regularly scheduled programs that are normally on CTV?

A: Many of CTV's hit shows like Grey's Anatomy, Two and a Half Men and CSI can be seen on /A\ during the Olympics. Please check your local listings or www.atv.ca

Q: I don't care about the Olympics. Why do you have to air so much of it?

A: As the official broadcaster of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games CTV is proud to bring Canadians nearly 24 hr coverage of The Games.

Q: Why did you move my favorite show to /A\? I don't get that channel.

A: During the Olympics CTV is making every effort to make your favourite programs available. In addition to airing many of our programs on /A\ you may also find many of our programs available on CTV.ca. If none of these options are available to you, then, in the interest of our viewers, we would like to point out that you may also be able to find your program on the originating American network (eg. ABC, CBS, FOX, The CW)

Q: I can't watch my favorite show in HD now because it's been moved to /A\.

A: (INSERT TITLE HERE) will return to CTV, in HD, once the Olympics have concluded.

Q: Why did you pre-empt my favourite show on /A\?

A: CTV is proud to be the official broadcaster of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and we are striving to provide the best coverage of The Games. Many of CTV's regularly scheduled programs have moved temporarily to /A\ for the duration of the games. /A\ regular schedule will resume on March 1st, 2010.

Q: How do you expect me to support local TV when you keep moving my local newscast around?

A: We appreciate your support for local TV. CTV is the official broadcaster of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and we are proud to bring the best coverage of The Games to Canadians. Our local newscasts were shifted slightly in effort to cover the day's events to the best of our ability. Your local news will return to its regularly scheduled time starting the week of March 1st.

Q. What happened to CTV National News? Is it airing during the Olympics?

A. CTV National News will air daily at 10pm ET and 11pm ET on CTV News Channel. Additionally, CTV National News will be available online at www.ctv.ca each night at approximately 12midnight ET.

Q: My wife and I vacation every year in Florida and we usually watch the CTV National News online. For some reason the National News is unavailable now – why?

A: CTV National News has been geogated for the duration of the Olympics because of the Olympic footage included in the newscast. You will be able to watch CTV National News online again starting March 1st.

Q: You're airing figure skating and I want to watch luge. Why aren't you airing what I want to see?

A: Every second of competition from the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games is available live across one of the following networks: CTV, Rogers Sportsnet, TSN and OLN in English; V, RDS and RIS Info Sports in French; and OMNI.1, OMNI.2, APTN, ATN for multilingual coverage. www.ctvolympics.ca and  www.rdsolympics.ca are also streaming every second of Olympic Games competition live online in English and French. For a complete schedule of Olympic Games coverage in Canada, visit the Viewer's Guide online at www.ctvolympics.ca/guide and www.rdsolympics.ca

Q: I'm a Canadian living in the US, can I access your coverage online?

A: As per broadband rights restrictions imposed by the International Olympic Committee, streaming video coverage of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games on CTVOlympics.ca and RDSolympiques.ca is available only in Canada.

Q: I don't have a TV. Is there any other way for me to watch Olympic coverage?

A: Every second of Olympic Games competition is available live online at CTVOlympics.ca and RDSolympiques.ca. These websites are the most comprehensive web offering ever by an Olympic rights-holder and will host more than 2,300 hours of Games coverage in English and French. All live Games coverage online is available in HD with up to 14 concurrent live streams available, including live feeds from CTV, V, Rogers Sportsnet, TSN and RDS, as well as every sport.

Q: Speed skating is airing on TSN but not on CTV. Not everyone has cable/ internet you know. Why aren't you airing what I want to see?

A: CTV is airing 22 hours daily of Olympic Games coverage during Vancouver 2010, breaking only for news. Every second of Olympic Games competition is available across one of 12 different channels: CTV, Rogers Sportsnet, TSN and OLN in English; V, RDS and RIS Info Sports in French; and OMNI.1, OMNI.2, APTN and ATN for multilingual coverage. Every second of competition from the 2010 Winter Games is also available online at CTVOlympics.ca and RDSolympiques.ca. You can also listen to more than 200 hours of radio coverage of the Games across 77 stations in English and French. Print coverage is also available in The Globe and Mail.

Q: Why don't the listings tell me what is actually on, I don't want to sit though 2 hours of bobsledding when I just want to see downhill skiing.

A: While broadcast schedules for coverage of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games are subject to change, please consult the interactive Viewers' Guide located online at CTVOlympics.ca and RDSolympiques.ca for broadcast schedule details across the following channels: CTV, TSN, RDS, RIS Info Sports, Rogers Sportsnet, OMNI, OLN, V, APTN, ATN and MuchMusic. Every second of Olympic Games competition from Vancouver is available live across one of the aforementioned networks and online at CTVOlympics.ca and RDSolympiques.ca. The Viewers' Guide will be released on Monday, Feb. 1, 2010 at CTVOlympics.ca and RDSolympiques.ca and will be updated on a regular basis.

Q: I can't find detailed Olympic schedules.

A: For the complete broadcast schedule of coverage from the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, please consult the interactive Viewers' Guide located online at CTVOlympics.ca and RDSolympiques.ca, which includes programming details across the following channels: CTV, TSN, RDS, RIS Info Sports, Rogers Sportsnet, OMNI.1, OMNI.2, OLN, V, APTN, ATN and MuchMusic. Every second of Olympic Games competition from Vancouver is available live across one of the aforementioned networks and online at CTVOlympics.ca and RDSolympiques.ca.

The Viewers' Guide is live online now.

Q: I want to have an Olympic themed party at my condo's great room – do I need permission from CTV?

A. Viewers do not require permission from Canada's Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium to watch coverage of Vancouver 2010 in private or social gatherings.

Q: Where can I watch the Torch Relay?

A: You can follow the Torch Relay cam by streaming the video live on www.ctvolympics.ca/torch

Q: I thought the public broadcaster was the Olympic television network?

A: CTV and Rogers Media (together formed CTV Consortium) made a winning bid in February 2005 as the official television Olympic broadcaster for the 2010 Vancouver and 2012 London Olympic Games.

Q: What channel is CTV on in Vancouver?

A: You can watch CTV British Columbia (CIVT) on channel 9 on Shaw/Telus TV in Metro Vancouver, 250 on Bell TV and 321 on Shaw Direct.  A complete list by community and channel can be found by clicking on the "How to find us" button on the "About Us" page.  

Q: Are you going to broadcast the Olympic Games in HD?

A: All of our coverage will be shot and broadcast in High-Definition. CTV British Columbia on Monday became the first television station in western Canada to broadcast news in full high definition. Click here for more information, including where to find our HD broadcasts.

Q: What time will you be broadcasting the Opening Ceremonies on February 12th?

A: We will have a 2-hour special programming beginning at 4:00 PM PST and the Opening Ceremonies will begin at 6:00 PM PST.  For more information on our Olympic broadcast schedule and our new set location  Click here 

Q: Can I get the latest Olympic updates on my mobile phone?

A: Yes, you can check the latest information on your Bell Mobility phone as well as download it from your Apple Apps.

Q: Can I get the latest Olympic update on Podcast?

A: Yes, you can check the latest information on your Podcast on your iPod, MP3 player or your portable media device by downloading on iTunes or at www.ctvolympics.ca/podcast

Q: Can I become a friend on Facebook with CTV Olympics?

A: Yes, you can add us as a friend on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ctvolympics

Q: Can I get the latest CTV Olympics information on Widget?

A: Yes, you can get up-to-the minute information delivered directly to your desktop or social

networking application by logging on to: www.ctvolympics.ca/widget

Q: I see your ads all over, what does "Believe" mean or stand for?

A: "Do you Believe?" It is a question we have been asking all Canadians, since CTV has been awarded the official broadcaster of the Olympic Games. We are trying to promote our Canadian athletes and add an inspiration and emulating message to support them in every way.

Q: Who is the guy that does your voice-overs for the Believe commercials?

A: He is Canadian actor Don Sutherland – father of actor Kiefer Sutherland.

Q: I recognized some faces on your Believe commercials, how can I obtain a DVD copy?

A: Unfortunately, at this time, we are not allowed to dub any DVD request because of IOC rules and regulations.

Q: Is there a song called "I Believe"?

A: Yes, there is a song called "I Believe" which was released on January 26th.

Q: What is the French version of "I Believe"?

A: The French version of the "I Believe" song is called "J'Imagine".

Q: Who wrote the "I Believe" song?

A: "I Believe" and "J'Imagine" was composed by Stephan Mocci and written by Alan Frew.

Q: Who sings the "I Believe" song?

A: Nikki Yanofsky

Q: Who sings the "J'Imagine" song?

A: Annie Villeneuve

Q: Can I purchase that song anywhere?

A: Yes, you can purchase the CD single at your local music store or you can download it on Apple iTunes. We will have the CD single to purchase at our CTV Believe Store soon.

Q: Where are you going to broadcast your news from?

A: CTV News will broadcast everyday during the Games on location at the corner of Robson and Burrard.

Q: Can I come down and watch your news broadcast live on location?

A: Yes, you can. Just like every summer where CTV is live at the PNE (Pacific National Exhibition). We would love to have your family and friends to come and watch us live on location and be part of the live audience.

Q: I always watch CTV News at Six with Bill and Pamela, why isn't it on at 6:00 PM?

A: Due to the Olympic Games, CTV News at Six will be preempted at a different time. Please check our website for further updates on our local CTV News schedule.

Q: Will Lloyd Roberston be broadcasting at Robson and Burrard too?

A: CTV National News with Lloyd Roberston will not be broadcasting at the corner of

Robson and Burrard. Only CTV News (BC) will be broadcasting at that location.

Q: Will you be live at any other locations besides Robson and Burrard?

A: Yes, we will have live reporters at different venues and at Live City sites throughout Vancouver, Whistler and Richmond.

Q: Can I meet some of your anchors?

A: There will be opportunities available to meet and greet with our news anchors.

Q: What else is happening in your Atrium?

A: In our CTV Atrium, we will have the CTV Believe Store, the Offical Coca-Cola Pin Trading Centre and an information kiosk of the Cultural Olympiad.

Q: What kind of promotional activities will you be having during the Olympics?

A: In our Robson Street set, you can take a snapshot photo background with your favourite CTV News anchor or an Olympic background or you can become a CTV News Star – becoming just like a real newscaster/sportscaster on TV! The CTV Believe Street Team will be in different venues and locations with Trivia and handing out prizes. Look for the folks with a TV monitor walking around.

Q: What time will you be operating CTV Snapshots and CTV News Star?

A: We will open our operation starting at noon till midnight; however we will be closing the line up an hour before the newscast and reopening an hour after the newscast.

Q: I just did your CTV News Star at your Robson Street set, where do I find it?

A: We will upload your videos to this link: newsstar.ctv.ca

Q: I went online to look for my CTV News Star video, but I can't find it anywhere?

A: If you have done a "search" for your first name and last initial of your last name and you still cannot find your video, please email us: bcwebmaster@ctv.ca

Q: How long will my CTV News Star video stay up until?

A: It will stay up online, as long as we can.

Q: Who is your main host for your Olympic coverage?

A: Brian Williams is our Prime Time Host for our Olympic coverage.

Q: Who will host the Opening and Closing Ceremonies on your broadcast?

A: Lloyd Roberston, our national chief news anchor. He has been the television host of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies since the 1960 Olympic Games.

Q: What is the CTV Consortium?

A: CTV Consortium is part of the CTV Television networks and Rogers Media combined to make up the following television and radio stations as the official Olympic broadcaster:

Television: English Television: French Television: Multicultural

  • CTV
  • V
  • OMNI 1 and 2
  • TSN
  • RDS
  • ATN
  • Rogers Sportsnet
  • RIS Info Sports
  • OLN
  • APTN

Radio Stations: English Radio Stations: French

  • The Fan 590 (Toronto) - 730 CKAC (Quebec)
  • The Fan 960 (Calgary) - 96.9 CKOI (Quebec)
  • Mountain FM (Squamish/Whistler) - 98.5 FM and Info690 (Montreal)
  • News 1130 (Vancouver) - 102.9 Souvenirs garantis Quebec
  • News 680 (Toronto) - 102.1 CKOI (Quebec)
  • News 660 (Calgary) - 104.7 Souvenirs garantis (Outaouais)
  • News 570 Kitchener) - 98.3 Souvenirs garantis (Saguenay)
  • News 95.7 (Halifax) - 104.5 CKOI (Estrie)
  • News 88.9 (St. John) - 106.9 Souvenirs garantis (Mauricie)
  • News 91.9 (Moncton)

Q: Is Globe and Mail part of your company?

A: Yes, Globe and Mail, Canada's national newspaper is part of CTVglobemedia (owner of CTV) and they are also the official Vancouver 2010 Olympic newspaper sponsor.

Q: I heard I can watch the Olympic coverage on Cineplex Theatres, is that true?

A: Yes, that is true. You can watch the experience in full theatre setting at 64 selected Cineplex Theatres across Canada. Log on to this link to find the nearest location and for more information: ctvolympics.ca/theatre/

Q: Can I take your feed from CTV and show it to a live audience in a giant projector screen?

A: Unfortunately, there are broadcast, distribution and sponsorship rights. If you wish to broadcast our feed to the public, you will have to contact our CTV Consortium Communications Department in order to put your feed through. Please contact: Andrea Goldstein, Director of Communications, Canada's Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium at 416.385.7575.

Q: Can I submit Olympic photos on your website?

A: Due to IOC rules and regulations, we cannot post any Olympic images on our website.

Q: I live in the United States, can I watch the Olympic Games with a live streaming video

online on your website?

A: No. Due to broadcast rights regulations, you must have a Canadian-based IP address in order to access the videos. For AOL users based in Canada – unfortunately, you are routed through a US IP and will not be able to watch any content that is geo-blocked to Canada only.

Q: When was the last time CTV was the official broadcaster of the Olympic Games?

A: The last time CTV was the official Olympic broadcaster was during the 1994 Lillehammer Games. CTV has covered the 1976 Montreal Games and 1988 Calgary Games and we are proud to be bringing you the coverage back home in Vancouver.

Q: Can I have a tour inside your television station during the Olympics?

A: Currently, we are not offering any public station tours at our television station during the Olympics. However, please join us live on location as our live audience at Robson Street in Downtown Vancouver.

Q: What happened to Canada A.M.? Is it not called that anymore?

A: Starting February 12th, Canada A.M. will be changing its name to Olympic Morning. Although it's just a name change during the Games, the host, time and segments will still be the same. Canada A.M. will reverse its name back after the Games are over.

Q: Can I order an Olympic event broadcast on CTV?

A: Yes, you can. You can purchase a commemorative limited edition DVD or Blu-Ray five disc box set of the Olympic Games covered by CTV. The special collection is compromised of 26 hours of Olympic Games stories and highlights. Programs include a documentary, "behind the scenes" look at some of the sport highlights and Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

Q: Is CTV also covering the Paralympics?

A: Yes, CTV is also the official broadcaster for the 2010 and 2012 Paralympic Games. Finalized broadcast schedule will be made in March.

BELIEVE STORE FAQ

Q: Where is the location of the CTV Believe Store?

A: The CTV Believe Store is located at 750 Burrard Street, Vancouver (inside the atrium of CTV British Columbia)

Q: What are the hours of the Believe Store?

A: From February 2nd to February 11th; store hours are noon till 6 p.m.  From February 12th to February 28th; store hours are noon till 10 p.m.

Q: How do I get to your Believe Store?

A: If you are travelling by SkyTrain, the nearest station would be Burrard. Exit onto Burrard Street and walk a block and half south towards Robson Street. If you are travelling by CanadaLine, exit at Vancouver City Centre and walk three blocks west onto Georgia Street and then walk one and half block south on Burrard Street. If you're travelling by bus, please visit TransLink for further details on your destination.

Q: Can I call in to see if they have the size I needed?

A: Yes, you can call in our main CTV British Columbia reception line at 604-608-2868 and we'll be happy to transfer you to the CTV Believe Store.

Q: What kind of items do you sell at the Believe Store?

A: We have all kinds of apparel and head wear available. Visit ctvolympics.ca/store to see some of our selected items available online.

Q: What if I can't make it to the Believe Store, is there anywhere else I can buy the Believe merchandise?

A: Yes, there are some merchandise available at select HBC (The Bay or Zellers) store locations or you may purchase them online at www.ctvolympics.ca/store

Q: I purchased a Believe apparel, but it's the wrong size, can I return it?

A: Yes, you can return it with the original receipt attached to your purchase. However, only purchases made at the CTV Believe Store can be accepted for exchange or returns. Exchange or returns are offered until February 28, 2010.

Q: Can I pay with cheque or debit on my items at the Believe Store?

A: No, unfortunately we can only accept cash (Canadian currency) or Visa.

Q: Why do you only accept cash or Visa at the Believe Store?

A: We only accept cash as it is the domestic currency and Visa is the official Olympic sponsor credit card.

Q: I don't have cash on me and I only have a Master Card/debit card.

A: We are truly sorry, but we only accept cash or Visa. If you wish to go to an ATM (Automated Teller Machine) to withdraw cash, the nearest bank machines are at Georgia and Burrard (RBC); Thurlow and Alberni (CIBC); Burrard and Robson (TD Canada Trust).

Q: Are there any discounts to the Believe clothing?

A: No, unfortunately all pricing is final and there is no discount to the Believe apparel. GST is included in the pricing of all Believe merchandise.

Q: Is there a public washroom/telephone that I could use?

A: No, sorry, there are no public washrooms or telephone in our building. You may use the facilities at The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

Q: Can I bring food or drink inside the Believe Store/Atrium?

A: No, please do not bring any food or drink, large backpacks or bags into the Atrium. The premises will be subject to be inspected by our security guard with your items when entering and we will ask you to kindly please remove any food or drink before you enter the CTV Atrium.

CTV OLYMPIC 2010 COLLECTIBLE PINS FAQ

Q: Where are the CTV Olympic pins that you were giving away?

A: The CTV Olympic 2010 Collectible Pins are only to be given away at a certain period of day, time and location. Please keep watching CTV News to find out when and where our next location will be.

Q: Can I purchase the CTV Olympic pins that you were giving away?

A: Unfortunately, at this time we do not have them for sale or to purchase. The CTV

Olympic 2010 Collectible Pins that we are offering are only to be given away for free. However, we will have CTV Consortium Olympic pins for sale coming soon. Please visit the CTV Believe Store during the Olympics to find out more.

Q: What do the CTV Consortium Olympic pins look like?

A: The CTV Consortium Olympic pins will have a consistent look to it. There is a red maple leaf designed in the background and the foreground is a logo of one of our CTV Consortium logo (CTV, TSN, etc.) with the Olympic rings attached to the bottom.

Q: Do you know how much you are selling the CTV Consortium Pins?

A: At this time, we have not set a price on the CTV Consortium Pins. Please call or come into our CTV Believe Store to find out.

Q: I have missed a pin or two in my collection; will there be a "Pin Catch Up Day"?

A: Although, we have limited numbers of CTV Olympic 2010 Collectible Pins to be handed out – not everyone will be able to collect all of our pin series. However, we will have "Pin Catch Up Day" during the Olympics. Please keep watching CTV News to find out where and when.

Q: How come you only have a certain number of pins and not make more? Am I not entitled to one as I paid for them from my taxpayer dollars?

A: As much as we like to make 4 million pins for every British Columbian, we have made only limited amounts of pins available. The CTV Olympic 2010 Collectible Pin Program is not funded by taxpayers of British Columbia; CTV is a private television station and we offer the commemorative pins as part of a sponsor to the Olympic Games.

Q: How come you're only allowing one pin per person?

A: The CTV Olympic 2010 Collectible Pins are a hot item and everyone wants this free commemorative pin. Although we only have limited quantities of pins to be made and to hand out, we want to try to limit one pin person that are present on site/waiting in line.

Q: Can I have an extra pin for my sister/brother? They're at school/work.

A: Sorry, we only allow one pin per person that is presently on site/waiting in line. If they are not in the present vicinity of our CTV staff handing out the pins, they will unfortunately not get one.

Q: I waited in line so long. Can I not get more than just one pin?

A: No, unfortunately we only count for those that are present and have been waiting in line.

Q: How long do I have to wait in line to get a CTV Collectible Pin?

A: It depends. Please be sure to wait more than one hour or even longer. There are a few people that make a full day just to be the first in line to get a CTV Olympic 2010 Collectible Pin. Be sure to bring a book or a magazine to read.

Q: Is there anything I can do when I stand in line wait for a CTV Collectible Pin?

A: While you can wait in line, you can have a conversation to some of your "neighbours" in line. Bring a good book or two to read and dress appropriately for the weather.

Q: You gave the CTV Olympic pins away in shopping malls but why didn't you come to my area mall?

A: We tried our best to distribute the pins at various locations throughout the different shopping centres in Metro Vancouver at a dispersed time and location.

Q: What do the CTV Olympic pins look like?

A: You can view our webpage of what the CTV Olympic 2010 Collectible Pins look like at: www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/2010pins

Q: How many CTV Olympic pins are there in a series?

A: There are eight CTV Olympic 2010 Collectible pins in a series.

Q: Which pin that you were giving out was Pin #7, etc.?

A: Here is the following list of the CTV Olympic 2010 Collectible pins that we have given out since February 2009 at various date and time:

  • Pin #1 – One Year Countdown
  • Pin #2 – Speed Skating
  • Pin #3 – Bobsleigh
  • Pin #4 – Curling
  • Pin #5 – Snowboarding
  • Pin #6 – Hockey
  • Pin #7 – Figure Skating
  • Pin #8 – Vancouver 2010

Q: Who created the CTV Olympic pins?

A: The CTV Olympic 2010 Collectible pins is by designed by CTV Graphic Artist Mauricio S.

Q: I see that your CTV Olympic pins are on eBay, can you do anything about it?

A: No. Although, the CTV Olympic 2010 Collectible Pins are given away for free and it is our memento as part of the Games to our viewers, it is unfortunate to see that some people would like to make a profit on them. We do not have the authority of what a person can or cannot do after they have received our CTV Olympic collectible pins.

Q: I heard there's a Coca-Cola Pin Trading Centre at CTV, is that true?

A: The Coca-Cola Pin Trading Centre will be opening on February 12th to February 28th. Please come back at that time to buy a Coca-Cola Pin of the Day or trade with a pin collector.

Q: What time does the Coca-Cola Pin Trading Centre will be open till?

A: From February 12th to 28th, Coca-Cola Pin Trading Centre will open from noon till 10 p.m.

Q: I heard that Coca-Cola have different pins for sale?

A: During the Olympic Games, in the Coca-Cola Pin Trading Centre, there will be a "Coca-Cola Pin of the Day" for sale. Purchases must be paid with cash or Visa.

Q: Can I purchase more than just one Coca-Cola Pin of the Day?

A: No, unfortunately Coca-Cola will be distributing a certain number of wristbands for those that are waiting in line on the day of in order to get one Coca-Cola Pin of the Day. It is limited to one pin per customer.

Q: What is the etiquette in pin trading?

A: The main etiquette to pin trading is if you see a pin that you like, it is best to ask the person first to see if they would like to trade the particular pin you are looking for/at and trade your pin with the same "value" pin for exchange. If you are not sure, the Coca-Cola Pin Trading Centre staff is more then happy to help you with some tips.

Q: What is the story behind pin trading and Olympics?

A: Olympic pin trading began in earnest at the 1924 Paris Games from athletes and officials, slowly pin trading began, but it wasn't until the 1980s that Olympic pins and other collectibles began exploding into popularity. It wasn't until the 1988 Calgary Games that Coca-Cola first sponsored its Pin Trading Centre.

Q: Why are so many people waiting in line for hours just to get a free CTV Olympic pin?

A: Everyone have different reasons to get a CTV Olympic 2010 Collectible Pin. Some are enthusiastic pin traders others just want a small memento, but generally it is a commemorative pin to have as being in part of the Games in small ways or large. Pins and pin trading is another subculture in part to the Olympics.

Still have a questions?  Please send us an email with your question and we will do our best to get the right answer to you as soon as possible.