CBC brought its weekend morning radio show, Daybreak, to Lloydminster as part of a soft launch into the Border City.
The June 14 visit marked the beginning of a plan to open a permanent
CBC bureau in Lloydminster later this summer. CBC will hire two full-time journalists in the upcoming months to fill these positions, according to staff.
Mayor Gerald Aalbers welcomed the move.
“It’s always important to let the media know we exist,” he said. “CBC doesn’t have that local presence we’d love to see. So, we have the opportunity to be put on the map and let people know about Lloydminster.”
Read more: Experts talk social media risks in youth
CBC Daybreak host Paul Karchut said the decision to come to Lloydminster was part of a wider national plan.
“We’re expanding to a number of markets, across the country, 24 I believe,” he said. “Lloydminster was one of those key communities we decided needed to have additional coverage.”
Karchut, who’s originally from Alberta, hosted the show alongside Shauna Powers from Saskatchewan.
“We came together in a provincial city to find out what makes it tick,” he said.
CBC has faced criticism in Lloydminster as some residents don’t trust the national broadcaster, which was something staff heard about during
Saturday’s visit.
“When you are entering a new community, the key is to build trust,” said Karchut. “It’s not going to happen overnight. We know that.”
Karchut said it will take “a lot of legwork” from the new local reporter to build those relationships, adding the stories are worth it.
“We heard so many stories that need covering,” he said. “The only time we ever see CBC come through here is when disaster and calamity occurs. We need to come into these communities and represent more of what’s going on in the day-to-day.”
Aalbers said Lloydminster’s issues often go beyond regional borders.
“Interprovincial trade affects so many pieces of our community,” he said. “We live it each and every day.”
He also said a CBC presence could help shine a national light on those topics.
“If we can have national media presence here to support local and regional media, I think that is a real testament to our community,” Aalbers said.
CBC communications officer Myah Juneau said being in the community is key to better coverage.
“We want to reflect the voices here specifically,” she said. “We’re opening up a bureau here, so we’ll have a reporter here full time.”
She added CBC aims to foster relationships across diverse viewpoints.
“We want to tell their stories and we want to hear your voice, regardless of your opinion on the CBC or media in general,” she said.
The event was part of a busy weekend across the community and beyond. Local events included Border City Connects’ Ribfest, a car show, and the ASD walk, something Aalbers said is normal and a great aspect of the community.
“We pack every weekend full as best as we can,” said Aalbers. “We truly enjoy the summertime.”
Read more: Local Métis Like Me book resonates
