– Acquisition provides expanded national platform for Citytv’s local,
original and acquired programming –
– Heavy investment in production includes launch of HD signal and
commitment to local independent producers –
TORONTO, Jan. 17, 2012 /CNW/ – Rogers Media Inc. today announced its intent to acquire a 100 per cent
stake in Saskatchewan Communications Network (SCN) and launch Citytv
Saskatchewan. The investment allows Citytv to expand its footprint in
key markets and provide a national platform for its programming, while
simultaneously supporting SCN’s historical role of offering educational
programming.
The deal is currently pending regulatory approval, with a decision
expected in Spring 2012. This announcement follows the previous Rogers
Media program supply agreement with SCN that was announced in December
2011.
“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.
Rogers Media is a strong supporter of independent producers and giving
local citizens and artists a voice. Having a direct presence in
Saskatchewan will allow Citytv to develop relationships and work more
closely with local producers to source projects for a national
audience.
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.
About Rogers Media Inc.
Rogers Media Inc., a division of Rogers Communications Inc., (TSX: RCI;
NYSE: RCI), operates Rogers Broadcasting Ltd. and Rogers
Publishing Ltd. Rogers Broadcasting has 55 AM and FM radio stations
across Canada. Television properties include five Citytv stations,
five OMNI multicultural television stations, Sportsnet (consisting of
four regional channels and the nationally-distributed Sportsnet ONE),
and The Shopping Channel, a televised and internet shopping service.
Rogers Publishing produces many well-known consumer magazines, such as
Maclean’s, Chatelaine, Flare, L’actualité, and Canadian Business, and
is the leading publisher of a number of industry, medical and financial
publications. All media properties are integrated with their own
popular websites. Rogers Media Inc. owns Rogers Centre stadium, a
year-round sports and entertainment facility, and the Toronto Blue Jays
Baseball Club.