High definition is finally here.
CTV Saskatoon is now broadcasting all its local content — CTV Morning Live, Farmgate and CTV News at Noon, Six and 11:30 — in HD, with Monday, July 21, marking our official launch into high-definition newscasts.
“This really is a historic day for CTV Saskatoon,” Bell Media Saskatchewan vice-president and general manager David Fisher said.
“This transition is not just an upgrade; an entirely new TV station was installed. To pull this off while continuing to produce all of our newscasts in standard definition speaks to the amazing team of staff and managers here in Saskatoon.”
Crews have spent the past few months preparing for this switch. A brand new television set was built in our studio, tens of thousands of feet of cable were run through the building, the newsroom was revamped with several renovations, new software systems were installed and countless behind-the-scenes upgrades occurred.
“We've had great support from CTV's national technical team, but I'm particularly proud of the local tech staff who have worked so hard for so long to make this a reality,” said Dale Liebrecht, CTV Saskatchewan engineering manager.
“This really is going to showcase Saskatoon's leading newscast,” added CTV Saskatoon operations manager Peter Christensen. “With over 2,200 LEDs lighting our set, we are looking forward to showing our endeavours to the families of Saskatoon and surrounding area.”
The update is the most meaningful evolution for our station since we launched local colour broadcasting in 1971. Millions of dollars were spent on the transition and the upgrades represent a significant investment by Bell Media in the Saskatoon market.
Over 70 staff work at CTV Saskatoon producing 30 hours of local news and community coverage each week.
“I’ve always been proud of the news we produce here at CTV Saskatoon, and now we’ll be producing it in HD,” CTV Saskatoon news director Ian Roach said.
CTV Regina will make their equivalent transition to high definition July 28, which will add all their newscasts as well as Indigenous Circle to the list of local HD programs CTV has to offer in Saskatchewan.
