TBT News suspends weekend broadcast
TBT News has announced a temporary suspension of its weekend newscast.
Lead anchor Ryan Bonazzo informed viewers of the suspension during Thursday’s Newshour, effective immediately.
TBT News and TBnewswatch are both Dougall Media properties and work closely together.
According to TBT News, the suspension was prompted by ongoing uncertainty surrounding the federal implementation of the Online Streaming Act.
The weekend news will resume as soon as conditions allow.
The Online Streaming Act received royal assent on April 27, 2023 but the CRTC is still working to implement the new rules governing broadcasting in Canada.
In April, CPAC, the Canadian service that provides direct coverage of political events, said the delay in implementing the act was partly to blame for its decision to cut two flagship news programs.
Other TBT News programming is unaffected by the suspension, including weekday broadcasts of the Newshour, nightly and morning news.
TBT News reporters will continue to cover weekend events and breaking news. Those stories will air during weekday newscasts.
Bonazzo also announced on Thursday that TBT News is working to expand its online and social media presence and will soon be launching a newsletter.
In the meantime, TBT News stories and the local segment of the Newshour can be watched online on this website. – tbnewsatch.com
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Of course…the Online Streaming Act uncertainly only affects weekend news shows. No effect on weekday news. Not sure how that works but that is the story they are going with.
My opinion is that its about money. The lack of to be exact.
I expect that this is the first step in the long process of shutting the station down. Over the air broadcasting television is going away. Online streaming is where most people get their news and entertainment now. Its just the way it is.
And on top of that, over the air independently owned television stations are dropping like flies.
And on top of that, over the air, independently owned small market television television stations are even worse off. That is what our station is.
I believe that the local television station is circling the drain. It just a matter of time before the lights go out. No fault of its own.