TORONTO – Rogers Media said Tuesday that it is acquiring a 100% stake in Saskatchewan Communications Network (SCN) which it will re-launch as Citytv Saskatchewan.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Rogers said that the move allows its Citytv network to expand its footprint in key markets, provide a national platform for its programming, and support SCN’s “historical role of offering educational programming”.
The deal is pending regulatory approval and a decision is expected by spring. The purchase comes less than a month after Rogers announced a program supply agreement with then owner Bluepoint Investments, headed by advertising executive Bruce Claassen.
“Acquiring SCN was motivated by our desire to expand our national reach for Citytv content, allowing us to more effectively compete with other national broadcasters,” said Rogers Media broadcast president Scott Moore, in the announcement. “Rogers Media will provide ownership stability and financial resources needed to maintain and grow this service for Saskatchewan residents.”
Citytv Saskatchewan will continue to air commercial-free educational content during the 6 am to 3 pm time block, and air local, original and acquired Citytv programming such as CityLine, Modern Family, 2 Broke Girls, and Canada’s Got Talent during the rest of the day.
Rogers also committed to a benefits package directed exclusively to independent producers in Saskatchewan, and to funding production upgrades that will include new traffic equipment and a high definition signal for the station.
Citytv Saskatchewan will operate out of Regina with the current management team and employees.
