Stingray announced Tuesday the closure of its sole conventional television properties, CITL-TV and CKSA-TV in Lloydminster, Alberta.
CITL-TV operated as a CTV-affiliated station, while CKSA-TV was affiliated with Citytv. Both TV stations were acquired by Stingray in 2018 when it acquired Newfoundland Capital Corporation (commonly known as Newcap).
In a press release, Stingray said the two stations have operated “under increasingly challenging economic conditions which have greatly deteriorated over the last 6 years”. During that time, viewership has substantially decreased and revenues have dropped by more than half, Stingray said.
“Despite cost-containment strategies, the expense of producing local television in a market the size of Lloydminster has resulted in significant losses, making the continued operation of the Lloydminster TV stations unsustainable,” the company’s press release said. “Contributions from programs like the ILNF [Independent Local News Fund], Distant and DTH 4+1 Signal have reduced, and while there has been promise of more support for conventional television through ILNF with the Online Streaming Act, to date, it has been minimal.”
“This difficult decision to cease our television operations in Lloydminster was made after prolonged consideration and through exploration of alternative possibilities for the properties, including ownership transfer to other broadcasters,” said Steve Jones, president of Stingray Radio, in a statement. “We wish to recognize the dedication and perseverance of the staff of CITL/CKSA whose commitment and passion for television have informed and entertained their community. We also sincerely thank our viewers, our community partners, and our advertisers.”
Stingray said it remains committed to the community of Lloydminster through its local radio station New Country 95.9, as well as four radio stations in the surrounding region — Hot 101.3 in Bonnyville, Boom 95.3 in Cold Lake, and Boom 101.9 and Hot 93.7 in Wainwright.
“The company is deeply invested in these communities and believes strongly in the short and long-term viability of small market radio,” Stingray said in its release.
