Stingray has shut down its CITL-TV and CKSA-TV stations in Lloydminster, Alberta, due to increasing financial difficulties.

The channels have experienced a significant decline in viewership and revenue over the past six years, with revenues dropping by more than half. Despite efforts to control costs, Stingray said the high expenses of local TV production in Lloydminster have led to substantial losses, making it unsustainable to continue operating the TV stations.

Steve Jones, president of Stingray Radio, noted that contributions from programs like ILNF, Distant and DTH 4+1 Signal have been reduced, and despite promises of increased support for conventional TV through the Online Streaming Act, the actual support received so far has been limited.

In June last year, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced that new funding from online streaming services would be directed to areas of immediate need in the Canadian broadcasting system. The Act requires online streaming services to contribute 5% of their Canadian revenues to support the local broadcasting system. By that time, the CRTC also determined that a new temporary fund for commercial radio stations in smaller markets should be created since local news has an important role in small communities across Canada. 

“This difficult decision to cease our television operations in Lloydminster was made after prolonged consideration and thorough exploration of alternative possibilities for the properties, including ownership transfer to other broadcasters,” said Jones. “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.”

CITL and CKSA had been part of Lloydminster for more than half a century and represented Stingray’s only conventional TV properties. It is unclear how many staff members were affected.

Despite the closure of its TV stations, Stingray’s Lloydminster radio stations will remain active, including its local 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, boom 101.9 in Wainwright and Hot 93.7 in Wainwright.

The news comes amid a critical time for Canadian media, which continue to be hit with a lack of advertisers. Several media companies, including Global, Bell and Postmedia, have suffered staff cuts, while others have had to cease operations, such as the Whitehorse Star, a daily focused on Yukon news that closed last spring after 124 years in circulation.