Ironically, the closure of our local TV news station is news itself, but only once, and then it’s forgotten.
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What’s harder to see is the loss of our stories reaching beyond Lloydminster. Being affiliated with national networks, the station dispatched local reporters to cover major events, providing our community with visibility across the provinces and the nation.
That reach is now gone.
Yes, for something significant, like September’s tragic triple-homicide, a crew might still come from out of town. However, without a local affiliate feeding those stories up the chain, it’s less likely.
Before, local milestones like the opening of the Cenovus Energy Hub or the closing of the Centennial Civic Centre were guaranteed TV coverage. The footage might have aired in Edmonton or
Saskatoon, accompanied by a brief voiceover. Now? Don’t hold your breath.
The bi-provincial black hole I’ve written about, between Vegreville and Maidstone, just got darker.
That visual connection to the rest of the province is severed. The short, powerful TV packages that once brought local news to life are no longer. Photos and written stories can’t replace the power of a visual news package. That nightly presence built a bridge between Lloydminster and the rest of the world.
We joke “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” Sadly, Lloydminster now has the same tagline, however, not by choice.
Local media will continue to report essential stories that extend beyond our borders. Support the outlets that remain. We care deeply about this community, and it’s a privilege to report its highs and lows. We’ll continue to build the connections that recent TV station closures have cut off.
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