‘Losing an icon’: Long-running Lloydminster TV stations abruptly shut down
The closure of two local television stations in Lloydminster has sent shockwaves through the community, abruptly terminating the jobs of 19 employees and ending more than six decades of local broadcasting. Stingray Group, a media conglomerate with numerous radio and television stations across the country, made the announcement to shut down CKSA-TV and CITL-TV in a staff meeting on May 13.
The former employees who lost their jobs expressed their dismay on social media, highlighting the lack of advanced notice of the shutdowns. The closure of the stations on the same day denied the workers the opportunity to bid farewell to their viewers through a final broadcast. CKSA-TV first went on air in 1960, while CITL-TV followed in 1976. Both stations served as affiliates for larger outlets such as CBC, Global, and CTV.
Steve Jones, the president of Stingray Radio, explained that the financial situation of the stations had been deteriorating for years and worsened significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fragmentation of audiences across various digital and streaming platforms, as well as the shift of advertisers towards digital media, were cited as major factors contributing to the decline of the stations. Over the past six years, the stations’ revenues had plummeted by more than 50 per cent.
Despite efforts to find a buyer for the stations, Stingray ultimately made the difficult decision to close them down. Mayor Gerald Aalbers of Lloydminster expressed his surprise at the closure, refuting claims that discussions had taken place with the city regarding the decision. Aalbers lamented the loss of the stations, emphasizing the impact on the community’s access to local news and information.
The closure of CKSA-TV and CITL-TV underscores a wider trend of declining local news outlets in Canada. With almost 2.5 million Canadians residing in areas with limited access to local news, the closure of these stations further exacerbates the issue. Prominent journalists who launched their careers at the stations, such as TSN’s Claire Hanna and Sportsnet’s Carly Agro, have voiced concerns about the impact on aspiring journalists and the quality of journalism at a national level.
As Lloydminster grapples with the loss of its local television stations, the community will need to rely on alternative sources for news and information. The closure serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the media industry and the importance of supporting local journalism. The legacy of CKSA-TV and CITL-TV will be remembered by those who honed their craft at these stations and the viewers who relied on them for local coverage.
