TORONTO – CTV said today it won’t seek to renew the licence for the CBC affiliate it acquired when it bought CHUM Ltd., CKX-TV Brandon (and those of its rebroadcasters in Foxwarren, McCreary and Melita), when the licences expire at the end of August 31, 2009.
This is also the date when CKX-TV’s longstanding CBC affiliation expires.
“This agreement, in which CBC purchased airtime to carry its network programs and commercials, helped support the cost of maintaining the transmitters and technical equipment that distributed the CBC Television service free over the air to the citizens of western Manitoba. CBC no longer wishes to pay for this service,” reads the press release.
“CTV then offered CBC an opportunity to purchase the station, given that without CKX-TV’s facilities there will be no over the air CBC service in the region. CBC declined citing they cannot afford the long-term operating obligations and paying for the government ordered transition to digital,” it reads.
The station was founded in 1955 and provides the only local television news coverage in its area. “Because of this unique community service, CTV will sell the business to anyone prepared to continue operating the station,” says the release.
“This transaction would include the transition of staff and equipment. Real estate will be considered separately. If there are no takers within the next 30 business days, CKX-TV will cease broadcasting this summer.”
