Rogers Media wants to purchase a 100 per cent stake in the Saskatchewan Communications Network, rebranding and relaunching it as Citytv Saskatchewan.
Rogers says its presence in Saskatchewan will allow Citytv to develop relationships and work more closely with local and independent producers to source projects for a national audience, while simultaneously supporting SCN's historical role of offering educational programming.
The deal is dependent on regulatory approval, with a decision expected in this spring.
Rogers had previously announced a program supply agreement with SCN; one that brought the name Citytv on SCN to the provincial airwaves.
It was 2010 when Bluepoint Investment Corporation and the Government of Saskatchewan finalized the terms of agreement for Bluepoint's purchase of the assets and operations of SCN, which faced financial and operational difficulty as a strictly an educational broadcaster.
Now, Rogers says, the Saskatchewan production community will derive significant benefits from the acquisition through CPE and PNI commitments and a tangible benefits package directed exclusively to independent producers in Saskatchewan.
In addition, Rogers Media will provide capital investment for production upgrades, including offering a high definition signal for Citytv Saskatchewan and updating traffic equipment.
Citytv Saskatchewan will operate out of Regina with the current management team and employees, with support from the extended Citytv and Rogers Media family.
Citytv continues to expand its footprint in key markets, as it creates a national platform for its programming.
"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 Scott Moore, President, Broadcast, Rogers Media. "Rogers Media will provide ownership stability and financial resources needed to maintain and grow this service for Saskatchewan residents."
Maintaining all of SCN's educational broadcast obligations, Citytv Saskatchewan will continue to air commercial-free educational content during the 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. time block. Throughout the remainder of the day, the network will air local, original and acquired Citytv programming, such as CityLine, Modern Family, The Neighbors Dog, 15 Minutes of Fame, 2 Broke Girls, and the upcoming Canada's Got Talent.
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