Reaction stemming from the loss of CKSA-CITL in Lloydminster continues to flow.
“Sadly, the Stingray Digital Group doesn’t care about rural folks or western Canada at all,” expounds MLA for Lloydminster, Colleen Young.
Young shares her sadness and disappointment over the shuttering of the two iconic television stations, and the loss of 19 staff, some of them fresh out of broadcast school.
“The two television stations, CITL for 50 years and CKSA for 65 years – and the many broadcasters and employees who have worked there over those years, have continuously sought to bring us all the good, exciting, bad and sad news that is part of what its community members expect and count on.”
The Saskatchewan MLA who has called Lloydminster home for over 39 years, celebrates the many young people who started their careers in the Midwest region.
“A number of the local broadcasters who started here in Lloydminster, got their feet wet in the industry, developed the skills and abilities to grow and become professionals, and have gone on to bigger and better opportunities in other major cities.”
Young adds it’s a federally regulated industry and Stingray did what it wanted to do without any “warning or consultation when it came down to what is important and how it should be handled at a provincial or local level.”
The head of Stingray says that profits have fallen by 50 per cent over the last six years. Also, Steve Jones has suggested that a regional manager for the organization had reached out to municipal leadership. However that claim is disputed by Mayor Gerald Aalbers.
The Saskatchewan MLA is expressing her gratitude as she reflects on the passing of the local television era.
“During my time serving on numerous boards, committees, and in my political career, I always appreciated the respect, cordiality, and opportunities the local TV and radio folks afforded me in doing interviews with them. Thank you for all the work you did to bring everyday news to the community and surrounding area.”
Stingray informed local staff on May 13 of the end of the TV stations.
