Shaw to buy Brandon, Wingham & Windsor stations for $1 each - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

windows7 · 2009-04-30, 07:40 PM

http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/...0News/2301992/

http://www.google.com/hostednews/can...5LJgPNwJ2vJubg

windows7 · 2009-04-30, 07:47 PM

For Wingham/Windsor, I wonder if Shaw would still keep them as 'A' stations and treat them like Jim Pattison Group does w/ his BC stations and the E! brand? Just because it's Shaw-owned doesn't mean they necessarily have to dump the CTVglobemedia-owned 'A' brand.

CKX-TV in Brandon currently is a CBC/'A'-ish, but I guess the CBC will be pulling out all the CBC programming. Again, Shaw could convert it to a full 'A' Brandon station.

The alternative is a 3 netlet rebrand where they program it.

whitbyterry · 2009-04-30, 07:54 PM

That's great news for these small markets.

stampeder · 2009-04-30, 07:57 PM

I thought this was an April Fools joke but we're a month past that. For a dollar each they just got a bunch of obsolescent analogue transmitter gear, so I wonder what they're up to? No matter, it keeps OTA alive in those areas so I'm happy about that.

Shaw is feeling the OTA love? Who knew?!!!

itcamrch · 2009-04-30, 08:02 PM

Shaw was bluffing, CTV called it. It's all a big show for the CRTC.

If they do get stuck with them, don't expect any CTV or Global branding or programming - not after the war of words this week.

stampeder · 2009-04-30, 08:03 PM

itcamrch, what have you heard? There isn't much out there - any links or info you've heard other than in the first post?

itcamrch · 2009-04-30, 08:07 PM

Shaw has a full-page ad ready for tomorrow's G&M, slamming CTV and Global, and offering CTV $1 for these stations. They could have made a real offer (not through an ad) at any time since CTV announced their closure. There's no way they actually want them.

stampeder · 2009-04-30, 08:08 PM

Thanks for that juicy tidbit!

What will Ottawans do when the circus leaves town?

windows7 · 2009-04-30, 08:20 PM

Just a sandbox playing of ideas here:

For all we know, Shaw could buy the STATION/LAND and shut down the stations, letting the license expire; letting it go dormant. Wait past the 2011 DTV transition date and re-evaluate the economy in a couple of years and apply for new licenses. If they get it (they'd have the bargaining chip of cities w/ no local station, the land/building and equipment) all they have to do is covert the transmitter to digital.

Since their license expire Aug. 31/'09, CTVglobemedia has every right not to renew and do whatever they want w/ the land/building [as stated above in my possible scenario].

EFP · 2009-04-30, 08:58 PM

That’s great news. Hopefully Shaw won’t lay off too many comrades.
CTV Accepts Shaw Offer to Buy Local Stations

If I’m correct Shaw already owns one “CTV-Affiliated” station:
CJBN in Keewatin Ontario.

CKX-TV in Brandon, as already mentioned is a “CBC affiliated” station, with local news. I didn’t know CBC would be pulling out all the CBC programming. Who told you this windows7?

The assets of these stations are certainly worth more than the cost of analog transmitters alone as CKX-TV has studios, studio gear and news departments including field news gear. I’m not familiar with the two A-Channels but they must have some assets.

CTV giving this away shows some character and respect towards employees.

I wonder what Shaw’s motives are as these stations are losing big bucks…

RingtailedFox · 2009-04-30, 08:59 PM

Talk about a white knight to the rescue! I bet these stations will be rebranded as ShawTV, with the possibility of CKX-TV becoming a full-blown CBC affiliate instead. at least these stations are safe for now.

foxfan · 2009-04-30, 09:03 PM

Usually when something is bought for $1 it usually means that there is debt to be inherited as well.

QualityIsJobOne · 2009-04-30, 09:49 PM

IMO even small market OTA local stations should make money....

...they get carried on local cable
...people want local TV news
...they get SD sim-subs on cable

...At my workplace, most have either OTA or analog cable

...Shaw should bulk up on local news on these channels......the eyeballs will follow

itcamrch · 2009-04-30, 10:07 PM

Ratings for the local programming wasn't an issue. They were really the only ones doing it. It's not profitable. Increase it, and you increase your losses.

foxfan · 2009-04-30, 10:26 PM

Then maybe they should start sensationalizing their local news more.

Remember that local news is extremely profitable for American stations (NBC affiliate WHDH Boston was even willing to dump Leno to get an extra hour to air local news). Get a police scanner and start chasing stories and you'll get your ratings!

2009-04-30, 07:40 PM	#1
windows7 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: London, Ontario, Canada Posts: 304	Shaw to buy Brandon, Wingham & Windsor stations for $1 each http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/...0News/2301992/ http://www.google.com/hostednews/can...5LJgPNwJ2vJubg

2009-04-30, 08:58 PM	#10
EFP Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 242	Shaw already own one CTV afil. That’s great news. Hopefully Shaw won’t lay off too many comrades. CTV Accepts Shaw Offer to Buy Local Stations If I’m correct Shaw already owns one “CTV-Affiliated” station: CJBN in Keewatin Ontario. CKX-TV in Brandon, as already mentioned is a “CBC affiliated” station, with local news. I didn’t know CBC would be pulling out all the CBC programming. Who told you this windows7? The assets of these stations are certainly worth more than the cost of analog transmitters alone as CKX-TV has studios, studio gear and news departments including field news gear. I’m not familiar with the two A-Channels but they must have some assets. CTV giving this away shows some character and respect towards employees. I wonder what Shaw’s motives are as these stations are losing big bucks…

2009-04-30, 09:49 PM	#13
QualityIsJobOne Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Bedford NS Posts: 668	IMO even small market OTA local stations should make money.... ...they get carried on local cable ...people want local TV news ...they get SD sim-subs on cable ...At my workplace, most have either OTA or analog cable ...Shaw should bulk up on local news on these channels......the eyeballs will follow __________________ DirecTV 1994-98...StarChoice/ShawDirect 1998-

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2009-04-30, 07:47 PM	#2
windows7 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: London, Ontario, Canada Posts: 304	For Wingham/Windsor, I wonder if Shaw would still keep them as 'A' stations and treat them like Jim Pattison Group does w/ his BC stations and the E! brand? Just because it's Shaw-owned doesn't mean they necessarily have to dump the CTVglobemedia-owned 'A' brand. CKX-TV in Brandon currently is a CBC/'A'-ish, but I guess the CBC will be pulling out all the CBC programming. Again, Shaw could convert it to a full 'A' Brandon station. The alternative is a 3 netlet rebrand where they program it.

2009-04-30, 07:54 PM	#3
whitbyterry Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Whitby, Ontario (Rogers Cable), LG 42PC3D, 8642HD Posts: 514	That's great news for these small markets.

2009-04-30, 07:57 PM	#4
stampeder OTA Forum Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: North Delta, BC (96Av x 116St) Posts: 23,338	I thought this was an April Fools joke but we're a month past that. For a dollar each they just got a bunch of obsolescent analogue transmitter gear, so I wonder what they're up to? No matter, it keeps OTA alive in those areas so I'm happy about that. Shaw is feeling the OTA love? Who knew?!!!

2009-04-30, 08:02 PM	#5
itcamrch Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Kingston, ON. Bell/Bell/Bell, etc. Posts: 513	Shaw was bluffing, CTV called it. It's all a big show for the CRTC. If they do get stuck with them, don't expect any CTV or Global branding or programming - not after the war of words this week.

2009-04-30, 08:03 PM	#6
stampeder OTA Forum Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: North Delta, BC (96Av x 116St) Posts: 23,338	itcamrch, what have you heard? There isn't much out there - any links or info you've heard other than in the first post?

2009-04-30, 08:07 PM	#7
itcamrch Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Kingston, ON. Bell/Bell/Bell, etc. Posts: 513	Shaw has a full-page ad ready for tomorrow's G&M, slamming CTV and Global, and offering CTV $1 for these stations. They could have made a real offer (not through an ad) at any time since CTV announced their closure. There's no way they actually want them.

2009-04-30, 08:08 PM	#8
stampeder OTA Forum Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: North Delta, BC (96Av x 116St) Posts: 23,338	Thanks for that juicy tidbit! What will Ottawans do when the circus leaves town?

2009-04-30, 08:20 PM	#9
windows7 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: London, Ontario, Canada Posts: 304	Just a sandbox playing of ideas here: For all we know, Shaw could buy the STATION/LAND and shut down the stations, letting the license expire; letting it go dormant. Wait past the 2011 DTV transition date and re-evaluate the economy in a couple of years and apply for new licenses. If they get it (they'd have the bargaining chip of cities w/ no local station, the land/building and equipment) all they have to do is covert the transmitter to digital. Since their license expire Aug. 31/'09, CTVglobemedia has every right not to renew and do whatever they want w/ the land/building [as stated above in my possible scenario].

2009-04-30, 08:59 PM	#11
RingtailedFox Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Windsor, Ontario Posts: 539	Talk about a white knight to the rescue! I bet these stations will be rebranded as ShawTV, with the possibility of CKX-TV becoming a full-blown CBC affiliate instead. at least these stations are safe for now.

2009-04-30, 09:03 PM	#12
foxfan Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Montreal/Ottawa Posts: 1,022	Usually when something is bought for $1 it usually means that there is debt to be inherited as well.

2009-04-30, 10:07 PM	#14
itcamrch Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Kingston, ON. Bell/Bell/Bell, etc. Posts: 513	Ratings for the local programming wasn't an issue. They were really the only ones doing it. It's not profitable. Increase it, and you increase your losses.

2009-04-30, 10:26 PM	#15
foxfan Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Montreal/Ottawa Posts: 1,022	Then maybe they should start sensationalizing their local news more. Remember that local news is extremely profitable for American stations (NBC affiliate WHDH Boston was even willing to dump Leno to get an extra hour to air local news). Get a police scanner and start chasing stories and you'll get your ratings!