Medicine Hat, Alberta’s long-standing local television station, CHAT-TV, is ceasing operations. Jim Pattison Broadcast Group, the station’s owner, announced the closure, attributing the decision to challenging business conditions and sustained operational losses.
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The closure marks the end of an era for the community’s local television news coverage and highlights the significant economic headwinds facing traditional media outlets. While the TV station is shutting down, the two radio stations operating from the same facility will continue broadcasting.
Why CHAT-TV is Shutting Down
Jim Pattison Broadcast Group cited several factors contributing to the decision to close CHAT-TV. In a statement, company president Rod Schween pointed to “the contraction of support for local television, intense economic pressures, and continued operational losses” as the core reasons.
The station had reportedly faced difficult business conditions for several years, leading to the “difficult yet necessary conclusion” that operations could not continue. This situation reflects a broader trend across Canada and North America, where local broadcast television stations struggle to compete for advertising revenue in a rapidly evolving digital media landscape.
CHAT-TV branded vehicle parked, representing the local broadcast outlet closing down
Impact on Employees and Operations
The closure will result in job losses at the Medicine Hat station. While the exact number of affected employees was not immediately disclosed, sources indicate that TV production staff and some newsroom personnel will be laid off. Employees are represented by Unifor Local No. 1010.
The other broadcast properties housed in the Redcliff building – the two radio stations – will remain in operation, suggesting the challenges are specific to the television side of the business.
The closure comes shortly after the station temporarily relocated its newscasts last month due to studio flooding, though local broadcasts continued from other areas within the facility.
A History of Local Broadcasting
CHAT-TV began broadcasting in 1957 under its original owner, Monarch Broadcasting. Jim Pattison Broadcast Group acquired the station in 2000 as part of a plan to expand its television network, which included stations in British Columbia.
In the 2010s, the station launched the “CHAT News Today” website, integrating its television content with a broader network of internet news sites alongside its radio operations. This digital expansion was a common strategy for traditional media attempting to adapt to changing consumption habits.
Broader Implications for Local News
The closure of CHAT-TV is a stark reminder of the precarious state of local journalism, particularly in smaller markets. The loss of a dedicated local television news outlet can significantly impact a community’s access to information about local governance, events, and issues.
As Pattison Media president Rod Schween stated, “The decision to close CHAT-TV marks a step backward in our longstanding commitment to delivering meaningful and relevant news… While this closure represents a significant loss, it also serves as a reminder of the vital importance of supporting local media outlets in an increasingly challenging environment.”
This situation is not isolated. Last month, Stingray Digital announced the closure of its conventional television station in Lloydminster, also citing economic conditions, underscoring the systemic challenges facing this segment of the broadcast industry.
What This Means Going Forward
The immediate future of the channel carrying CITY-TV content is unclear, although broadcasts were reportedly continuing on the day of the announcement. For the community of Medicine Hat, the closure means a reduction in the diversity and depth of local news coverage.
This event highlights the ongoing shift in media consumption and advertising away from traditional platforms like local television and towards digital alternatives. It underscores the need for sustainable business models for local journalism to thrive.
Explore related articles on the challenges facing local media and the evolving broadcast industry to understand the broader context of this development.
