CKX-TV in Brandon signs off today
In February of this year, CTV Television Inc. said it had put CKX-TV in Brandon up for sale and that it would close the station at the end of August if a buyer couldn’t be found by the end of March.
Since that time two companies, the station appeared to be sold for $1, first to Shaw Communications and next to Bluepoint Investments, but in both cases the deals fell through which will result in the station shutting down tonight.
In the first case, it appears Shaw was never serious about buying the station and only made a tongue in cheek offer during CRTC meetings in early July. The second offer, which collapsed last night, did not proceed after Bluepoint learned that Canada’s satellite TV companies weren’t willing to carry the station’s signal.
“I have talked with Alan Cruise, the general manager of CKX-TV Brandon, and we agreed it was in the best interest of everyone, including the employees, to get on with life, close immediately and pay out severances.” said Ivan Fecan, chief executive of CTV Inc. He went on to say the station would shut down following Friday’s supper-hour newscast.
The station employed 39 people.
I will miss the CBC, I will miss most talented and lovely CBC friends Patty and George, I will miss the National News, I will miss Hockey Night in Canada, I will miss Ghost Whisperer, I will miss Ellen, I will miss Movies, I will miss the Road to Avonlea, I will miss Local CKX News, I will miss Kids’ CBC and I will miss the Hour, thank you.
This sucks, definately the best local news by far.
Hey Megan not to worry. If you have cable then you will still receive CBC. Unfortunately if you still rely on rabbit ears then you are out of luck
So if it agreed that the station has no value without satellite coverage, does that not defeat the FFC (fee for carriage) argument. Without satellite and/or cable coverage the station has no value.
Another nail in the rural coffin…so sad. No more local news and sport highlights. It is truly a sad day. Thanks for the memories. I grew up with you. Change is good donkey?…..