View source for CKEM-DT

{{Short description|Television station in Edmonton}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox television station
| callsign               = CKEM-DT
| city                   =
| logo                   = File:Citytv logo.svg
| logo_size              = 210px
| logo_alt               = The letters Citytv, closely kerned, in a bold sans serif
| branding               = {{ubl|Citytv Edmonton; {{nowrap|''[[CityNews]] Edmonton''}} (newscasts)}}
| digital                = 17 ([[UHF]])
| virtual                = 51
| repeater               = CKEM-DT-1 [[Red Deer, Alberta|Red Deer]] ([[#Rebroadcaster|See below]])
| subchannels            = 
| affiliations           = [[Citytv]]
| airdate                = {{Start date and age|1997|09|18|p=y}}
| location               = [[Edmonton]], Alberta
| country                = Canada
| former_callsigns       = CKEM-TV (1997–2011)
| former_channel_numbers = '''Analog:''' 51 (UHF, 1997–2011)
| owner                  = [[Rogers Sports & Media]]
| licensee               = Rogers Media Inc.<ref name="ownchart">{{Cite web |url=https://crtc.gc.ca/ownership/eng/cht027b.pdf |title=Ownership Chart 27B – ROGERS – Radio, TV & Satellite-to-Cable |publisher= [[Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission]] |access-date=April 19, 2020 |archive-date=January 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121145409/https://crtc.gc.ca/ownership/eng/cht027b.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
| sister_stations        = {{ubl|'''TV:''' [[CJEO-DT]], [[Sportsnet|Sportsnet West]]|'''Radio:''' [[CHDI-FM]], [[CHBN-FM]]}}
| former_affiliations    = [[A-Channel]] (1997–2005)
| erp                    = 107 kW
| haat                   = {{convert|294|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| coordinates            = {{coord|53|31|55|N|113|46|53|W|type:landmark_region:CA-AB|name=CKEM-DT|display=inline}}
| licensing_authority    = [[CRTC]]
| website                = {{URL|http://www.citytv.com/edmonton|Citytv Edmonton}} 
}}

'''CKEM-DT''' (channel 51) is a [[television station]] in [[Edmonton]], Alberta, Canada, [[owned and operated]] by the [[Citytv]] network, a division of [[Rogers Sports & Media]]. It is [[sister station|sister]] to [[Omni Television]] outlet [[CJEO-DT]] (channel 56). The two stations share studios with Rogers's local radio stations on [[Gateway Boulevard]] in Edmonton; CKEM-DT's transmitter is located near [[Yellowhead Highway]]/[[Alberta Highway 16A|Highway 16A]]. The station also operates a rebroadcast transmitter ('''CKEM-DT-1''', channel 4) in [[Red Deer, Alberta|Red Deer]].

CKEM was built as part of [[A-Channel]], the regional television service constructed by [[Craig Wireless|Craig Broadcast Systems]] in 1997. Broadcasting from studios downtown in the historic Hudson's Bay Building, it was the first new commercial TV station in Edmonton since 1974; its style of news and programming was young and aggressive. The station also broadcast [[Edmonton Oilers]] hockey for its first several years on air. Ratings settled into third place, above [[CBXT-DT|the CBC]] but behind the established stations in town, [[CFRN-DT|CFRN]] and [[CITV-DT|CITV]]. However, the station lost ratings momentum following a five-month strike by unionized employees.

Craig, overextended by its launch of [[Toronto 1]] in 2003, sold itself to [[CHUM Limited]], then-owner of Citytv, in 2004. CHUM moved other media properties into the Hudson's Bay Building, including [[CHBN-FM|a new radio station]] and [[Access Media Group]]; in 2005, the A-Channel stations took on the Citytv brand. Due to poor ratings and as part of a wave of layoffs, CHUM reduced the size of its local operation in Edmonton in 2006, cancelling the station's evening newscast. CHUM sold most of its assets to Bell Globemedia that same year; as Bell owned the [[CTV Television Network]], the Citytv stations were spun off to Rogers. The station continued producing a morning newscast under the ''[[Breakfast Television]]'' brand until 2015 and reinstated evening local news programs in 2017.

==A-Channel==
{{main|A-Channel}}
===Hearing process===
{{#section-h:A-Channel|Hearing process}}

===Construction and early years===
[[File:Hudson's Bay Building (24593315).jpg|left|thumb|A-Channel Edmonton's original studios were in the historic Hudson's Bay Building downtown.|alt=Corner view of the Hudson's Bay Building with A-Channel signage]]
With the licence awards approved, Craig began construction on the Edmonton station. In Edmonton, A-Channel set up in the heritage-listed [[Hudson's Bay (department store)|Hudson's Bay]] building on [[Jasper Avenue]], where it added large windows to its streetside studio;<ref name="Edmo970919">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-is-for-a-channel-edm/135522765/|date=September 19, 1997|page=TV Times 4|first=Richard|last=Helm|title=A is for A-Channel: Edmonton gets its first TV station in 23 years|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 21, 2023|archive-date=November 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121073138/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-is-for-a-channel-edm/135522765/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> historic preservation conditions complicated work, with new tiles having to be ordered from Quebec.<ref name="Edmo970910">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-stands-for-about-t/135522515/|date=September 10, 1997|page=C1|first=Richard|last=Helm|title='A' stands for 'about to appear on Channel 7'|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 21, 2023|archive-date=November 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121073842/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-stands-for-about-t/135522515/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> It obtained rights to midweek telecasts of [[Edmonton Oilers]] hockey,<ref name="Edmo970614">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channel-gets-oilers/135522476/|date=June 14, 1997|page=C1|first=Ray|last=Turchansky|title=A-Channel gets Oilers' games|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 21, 2023|archive-date=November 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121073225/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channel-gets-oilers/135522476/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> In the Edmonton market, Craig scored a coup by rights to midweek telecasts of [[Edmonton Oilers]] hockey, which had been held by [[CFRN-DT|CFRN]].<ref name="Edmo970614"/><!-- Sat -->

Most of the on-air talent hired for A-Channel Edmonton came from outside the market, except for [[Bruce Buchanan]], who handled Oilers play-by-play.{{r|Edmo970910}} [[Darren Dreger]] was the first sports anchor, coming to the station from [[Winnipeg]]; [[Janis Mackey Frayer|Janis Mackey]] was a substitute anchor for [[CTV News]] in Toronto.<ref>{{Cite news|type=Special advertising section|title=The on-air force|pages=AC4, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-fresh-faces-take-on-new/135523019/ AC5]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-the-on-air-force/135523006/|date=September 18, 1997|work=Edmonton Journal|via=Newspapers.com|location=Edmonton, Alberta|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123021527/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-the-on-air-force/135523006/|url-status=live}}</ref>

A-Channel launched in Edmonton on channel 51, cable 7 on September 18, 1997—two days before [[CKAL-TV]] in Calgary. The new station was the first addition to Edmonton broadcast television since [[CITV-DT|CITV]] in 1974.<ref name="Edmo970918">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channel-sets-sights-o/135522705/|date=September 18, 1997|pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-tv/135522717/ A20]|title=A-Channel sets sights on young viewers|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 21, 2023|archive-date=November 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121233904/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channel-sets-sights-o/135522705/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --><ref name="Calg970920">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/calgary-herald-a-channel-goes-on-air-wit/135583489/|date=September 20, 1997|page=K2|first=Bob|last=Blakey|title=A-Channel goes on air with party|newspaper=Calgary Herald|location=Calgary, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 22, 2023|archive-date=November 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122072030/https://www.newspapers.com/article/calgary-herald-a-channel-goes-on-air-wit/135583489/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> Both stations relied on prime-time movies, a formula Craig had used with some success at MTN in Manitoba.{{r|Edmo970910}} For local programming, the station featured a two-hour morning show, ''The Big Breakfast''; 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts; and the local programs ''Live @ Five'' and ''Wired'', among others.<ref name="schedule">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channel-calgary-edm/135523060/|date=September 18, 1997|page=AC7|type=Special advertising section|title=A Channel Calgary & Edmonton '97/'98 Program Schedule|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref><!-- Thu -->

A-Channel's debut was riddled with technical issues. Jennifer Lyall, the co-host for the local ''Wired'' entertainment magazine, quit after just one day on air after not being given time to rehearse. News footage showed on the wrong stories or froze, while sound failed to play out. At one news conference, a local politician saw an A-Channel cameraman enter the room and began mouthing his words without speaking.<ref name="Edmo970929">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channels-goofs-got-t/135523290/|first=Ric|last=Dolphin|date=September 29, 1997|pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channel/135523384/ B2]|title=A-Channel's goofs got the whole town talking, GM says|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 22, 2023|archive-date=November 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122072024/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channels-goofs-got-t/135523290/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --> The Calgary station also faced similar issues when it started.<ref name="Calg970923">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/calgary-herald-a-channel-is-a-bumpy-ride/135583516/|date=September 23, 1997|page=D12|first=Bob|last=Blakey|title=A-Channel is a bumpy ride|newspaper=Calgary Herald|location=Calgary, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 22, 2023|archive-date=November 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122072035/https://www.newspapers.com/article/calgary-herald-a-channel-is-a-bumpy-ride/135583516/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> Many of the issues came down to the tapeless playback and editing system used for segments: over five days, the Calgary control room was rewired to bypass it in favor of older, but more reliable, video tape equipment, which led to far fewer on-air errors.<ref name="Calg971022">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/calgary-herald-a-channel-rebounds-city/135583573/|date=October 22, 1997|page=E2|first=Bob|last=Blakey|title=A-Channel rebounds: City's newest TV station has learned a few lessons|newspaper=Calgary Herald|location=Calgary, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 22, 2023|archive-date=November 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122072106/https://www.newspapers.com/article/calgary-herald-a-channel-rebounds-city/135583573/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed -->

In the spring 1998 ratings, A-Channel Edmonton surpassed the CBC in prime time, but its local programs—outside of hockey—attracted few viewers. BBM found that ''Live@Five'', the station's 5:00 news program, had just 600 viewers.<ref name="Edmo980507">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-cfrn-keeps-a-lock-on-th/135584109/|date=May 7, 1998|page=C4|first=Richard|last=Helm|title=CFRN keeps a lock on the ratings: Despite meagre numbers, rookie A-Channel pleased with upward trend|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 22, 2023|archive-date=November 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122072020/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-cfrn-keeps-a-lock-on-th/135584109/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> Over the next two years, the stations became more competitive with ratings rises for their local morning and evening programming.<ref name="Edmo990507">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-cfrn-credits-quality-lo/135584150/|date=May 7, 1999|page=E13|first=Richard|last=Helm|title=CFRN credits quality local newscasts for its top rating: CBC continues to freefall as A-Channel|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 22, 2023|archive-date=November 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122072104/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-cfrn-credits-quality-lo/135584150/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri -->

Craig agreed in building A-Channel to provide some protection to rural broadcasters by delaying the launch of rebroadcasters for one year.<ref name="RedD970917">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/red-deer-advocate-oilers-fans-shut-out/135522637/|date=September 17, 1997|pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/red-deer-advocate-tv-bids-opposed/135522618/ A2]|title=Oilers fans shut out, despite new TV service|newspaper=Red Deer Advocate|location=Red Deer, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123204248/https://www.newspapers.com/article/red-deer-advocate-oilers-fans-shut-out/135522637/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> This resulted in uproar from Oilers fans who lived outside of A-Channel's coverage area and were shut out of seeing hockey.<ref name="Edmo970925">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-rural-viewers-shut-out/135523257/|date=September 25, 1997|page=C2|agency=Canadian Press|title=Rural viewers shut out of Oiler hockey: A-Channel's weak signal means most residents 50 km or more|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123200813/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-rural-viewers-shut-out/135523257/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> In December 1998, A-Channel debuted on cable in [[Red Deer, Alberta|Red Deer]], with a rebroadcaster following the next year.<ref name="RedD981028">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/red-deer-advocate-a-channel-arrives-loc/135584564/|date=October 28, 1998|pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/red-deer-advocate-a-channel-tower-up-so/135584558/ A2]|first=Paul|last=Cowley|title=A-Channel arrives: Local viewers get another option|newspaper=Red Deer Advocate|location=Red Deer, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 22, 2023|archive-date=November 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122075327/https://www.newspapers.com/article/red-deer-advocate-a-channel-arrives-loc/135584564/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --><ref name="RedD990816">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/red-deer-advocate-a-channel-broadcast-s/135584419/|date=August 16, 1999|page=B1|title=A-Channel: Broadcast signal close; cable shuffle|newspaper=Red Deer Advocate|location=Red Deer, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 22, 2023|archive-date=November 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122075326/https://www.newspapers.com/article/red-deer-advocate-a-channel-broadcast-s/135584419/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon -->

On June 17, 1999, CKEM assignment editor Garnet Lewis was opening a videotape believed to contain news footage. It was actually a [[letter bomb]], which exploded and injured Lewis and reporter Stacey Brotzel. The newsroom was able to return for its regular edition of ''News@Night'' after viewers saw the Calgary editions of the early evening news programs as a substitute.<ref name="Edmo990617">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-mail-bomb-blast-at-tv-s/135584065/|date=June 17, 1999|pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-bomb/135584053/ A24]|first=Gordon|last=Kent|title=Mail bomb blast at TV station: Explosion injures two|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123204249/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-mail-bomb-blast-at-tv-s/135584065/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> A month later, police arrested 28-year-old Raymond Neal Best for sending letter bombs to A-Channel and the Calgary police chief, as well as a hoax bomb to the police chief of Edmonton.<ref name="Edmo990707">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-cops-arrest-bombing-sus/135584077/|date=July 7, 1999|page=A1|first=Conal|last=Mullen|title=Cops arrest bombing suspect: City man, 28, charged with sending letter bombs to TV station, police|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123200813/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-cops-arrest-bombing-sus/135584077/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> Best was convicted of sending the bombs and sentenced to 12 years in prison.<ref name="Toro001108">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star-quiet-man-mails-bombs/135633038/|date=November 8, 2000|page=A22|title='Quiet' man mails bombs|newspaper=The Toronto Star|location=Toronto, Ontario|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123200816/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star-quiet-man-mails-bombs/135633038/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed -->

For the second year, [[Gene Principe]] joined Buchanan on the Oilers telecasts and became A-Channel's sports anchor.<ref name="Edmo980731">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-happy-return-for-princi/135628022/|date=July 31, 1998|page=D4|first=Mike|last=English|title=Happy return for Principe|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123200814/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-happy-return-for-princi/135628022/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> The Oilers departed A-Channel Edmonton after the 2000–2001 season and consolidated their television games with [[Sportsnet]] West, adding 20 games to the cable channel's existing 28-game inventory. The team was believed to see increased revenue opportunity with a regional telecast.<ref name="Edmo010502">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-oilers-and-a-channel-pa/135611943/|date=May 2, 2001|page=D3|first=Curtis|last=Stock|title=Oilers and A-Channel part ways|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 22, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123015440/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-oilers-and-a-channel-pa/135611943/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --><ref name="Edmo010717">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-sportsnet-will-air-48-o/135611975/|date=July 17, 2001|page=D3|first=Curtis|last=Stock|title=Sportsnet will air 48 Oil games|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 22, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123015317/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-sportsnet-will-air-48-o/135611975/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> Principe, who had doubled as the sports director for A-Channel while appearing on its Oilers telecasts, left the station altogether to become a host for the Sportsnet telecasts.<ref name="Edmo010928">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-oil-drops/135612256/|date=September 28, 2001|page=D2|title=Oil Drops|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123200841/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-oil-drops/135612256/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri -->

===2003–2004 workers' strike===
In July 2002, a majority of A-Channel Edmonton employees signed union cards and organized under the [[Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada]] (CEP), which represented employees at Edmonton's other TV stations.<ref name="Edmo020705">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channel-television-st/135610050/|date=July 5, 2002|page=B8|title=A Channel television staff join largest media union: Editorial and tech workers seeking first collective deal|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 22, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123015959/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channel-television-st/135610050/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> Contract negotiations were unsuccessful, with the parties at odds over wages and a promise to not move jobs from Edmonton to Calgary; for the start of the fall television season, on September 17, 2003, workers walked out and began a strike. A-Channel continued airing newscasts because 10 to 15 employees crossed the picket line.<ref name="Edmo030918">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channel-employees-air/135584088/|date=September 18, 2003|page=B1|first=Ryan|last=Cormier|title=A-Channel employees air their discontent: Strike follows year without a contract|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 22, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123020002/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channel-employees-air/135584088/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> Picketers made it difficult for employees to get inside the studios and sometimes followed news crews,<ref name="Edmo030930">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channel-cant-limit-p/135610500/|date=September 30, 2003|page=B3|first=Gordon|last=Kent|title=A-Channel can't limit pickets: Either side can return to court if situation changes|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 22, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123015852/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channel-cant-limit-p/135610500/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> while the union mounted a pressure campaign to urge national advertisers to cease doing business with A-Channel.<ref name="Edmo031015">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channel-union-targets/135610576/|date=October 15, 2003|page=B3|first=Cathy|last=Lord|title=A-Channel union targets advertisers|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 22, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123015857/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channel-union-targets/135610576/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> Union members rejected a contract offer in December 2003, though about a third of the members had returned to work.<ref name="Edmo031209">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-cityplus-digest/135610720/|date=December 9, 2003|page=B3|title=CityPlus Digest|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 22, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123020001/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-cityplus-digest/135610720/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --><ref name="Edmo031230">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channel-slams-striker/135610784/|date=December 30, 2003|page=B3|first=Ryan|last=Cormier|title=A Channel slams strikers with $3M lawsuit: Local TV station accuses 10 pickets of harassing and intimidating advertisers|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 22, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123020912/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channel-slams-striker/135610784/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue -->

The strike was disastrous for A-Channel's ratings in the Edmonton market. ''A-Channel News at Six'' lost more than 60 percent of its viewership and slipped into a tie with the CBC for last.<ref name="Edmo040107">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channel-strikes-out-i/135585319/|date=January 7, 2004|page=E3|title=A-Channel strikes out in fall ratings|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 22, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123020953/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channel-strikes-out-i/135585319/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> At the same time, startup costs for [[Toronto 1]], a new station which Craig had built in 2003, and a series of new digital specialty channels proved to be a drain on the company's finances. In late January, Craig Media put itself up for sale.<ref name="Calg040128">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/calgary-herald-craig-media-shopping-for/135611589/|date=January 28, 2004|page=D3|first=Michelle|last=Lang|title=Craig Media shopping for A-Channel buyer|newspaper=Calgary Herald|location=Calgary, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 22, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123020953/https://www.newspapers.com/article/calgary-herald-craig-media-shopping-for/135611589/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --><ref name="Edmo040128">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channel-on-the-block/135611043/|date=January 28, 2004|pages=H1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channel/135611016/ H6]|first=David|last=Finlayson|title=A-Channel on the block: Toronto's CHUM keen to enter Alberta market|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 22, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123020913/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channel-on-the-block/135611043/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --> Weeks later, on February 14, strikers overwhelmingly voted to accept a contract offer, recognizing that much work was needed to regain the viewership that A-Channel had lost during the strike.<ref name="Edmo040215">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channel-strikers-acce/135611173/|date=February 15, 2004|page=A11|first=Keith|last=Gerein|title=A-Channel strikers accept deal, but worry about tensions at station|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 22, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123021014/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channel-strikers-acce/135611173/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sun -->

===Acquisition by CHUM===
On April 12, 2004, [[CHUM Limited]] announced a deal to purchase Craig Media for $265 million.<ref name="Toro040413">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star-chum-buys-prairie-empir/135618639/|date=April 13, 2004|pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star-flagging-tv-ad-sales-hu/135618672/ D7]|first=Rick|last=Westhead|title=CHUM buys Prairie empire: $265 million deal for Craig Media includes Toronto1|newspaper=The Toronto Star|location=Toronto, Ontario|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 22, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123020915/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star-chum-buys-prairie-empir/135618639/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> The move came more than a month after the CRTC denied CHUM's applications for new Calgary and Edmonton stations because the market did not have sufficient advertising revenue to support a new entrant.<ref name="Edmo040227">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-crtc-denies-broadcaster/135611733/|date=February 27, 2004|page=B3|first=Larry|last=Johnsrude|title=CRTC denies broadcaster's bid for new Alberta TV stations|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 22, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123020914/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-crtc-denies-broadcaster/135611733/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> The sale was approved by the [[Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission]] on November 19, 2004. CHUM had to sell off Toronto 1 because it already owned stations in Toronto ([[CITY-DT|CITY]]) and nearby [[Barrie]] ([[CKVR]]);{{r|Toro040413}} Toronto 1 was sold to [[Quebecor Media]], owners of the media units [[TVA (Canadian TV network)|TVA]] and [[Sun Media]].<ref name="Vanc041120">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-vancouver-sun-crtc-allows-quebecor-t/135618744/|date=November 20, 2004|page=G11|first=Nicolas|last=van Praet|title=CRTC allows Quebecor to buy Toronto 1 TV|newspaper=The Vancouver Sun|location=Vancouver, British Columbia|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 22, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123020915/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-vancouver-sun-crtc-allows-quebecor-t/135618744/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat -->

CHUM brought other media holdings into the Hudson's Bay Building on Jasper Avenue, which aside from A-Channel had few tenants. In February 2005, CHUM and [[Milestone Media]] launched a new Edmonton radio station, [[CHBN-FM]] "91.7 The Bounce", and built a streetside radio studio for it next to A-Channel's quarters.<ref name="Edmo050106">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-new-chum-station-coming/135618879/|date=January 6, 2005|page=G1|first=Ron|last=Chalmers|title=New CHUM station coming to Bay building|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123200816/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-new-chum-station-coming/135618879/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --><ref name="Edmo050111">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-chums-storefront-studi/135618949/|date=January 11, 2005|pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-chums-entry-could-be-j/135621023/ B4]|first=Paula|last=Simons|title=CHUM's storefront studio will enliven Jasper Avenue|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123200929/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-chums-storefront-studi/135618949/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --><ref name="Edmo050218">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-edmontons-newest-radio/135631031/|date=February 18, 2005|page=E12|first=Sandra|last=Sperounes|title=Edmonton's newest radio station bounces onto the air at 91.7|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123204250/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-edmontons-newest-radio/135631031/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> That same month, CHUM acquired all outstanding shares in Learning and Skills Television of Alberta (also known as [[Access Media Group]]), which operated [[CTV 2 Alberta|Access]], the provincial educational broadcaster.<ref name="Edmo050208">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-chum-gobbles-up-access/135620053/|date=February 8, 2005|page=C5|first=Todd|last=Babiak|title=CHUM gobbles up Access group's shares|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123204250/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-chum-gobbles-up-access/135620053/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> CHUM then moved Access Media Group's operations from an east Edmonton industrial park into the Hudson's Bay Building; traffic and master control were moved to Calgary and Toronto, resulting in 17 layoffs in Edmonton while creating four jobs in Calgary.<ref name="Edmo050217">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-chum-ills-black-hole-f/135620100/|date=February 17, 2005|page=C1|first=Todd|last=Babiak|title=CHUM fills black hole: Four channels, 120 workers will move to troubled Bay building|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123204250/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-chum-ills-black-hole-f/135620100/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> The Calgary facility was already handling master control functions for A-Channel Edmonton.<ref name="Calg050222">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/calgary-herald-cana-construction-passes/135631389/|date=February 22, 2005|page=D2|first=David|last=Parker|title=CANA Construction passes courthouse milestone|newspaper=Calgary Herald|location=Calgary, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123201340/https://www.newspapers.com/article/calgary-herald-cana-construction-passes/135631389/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue -->

==Citytv==
===Rebrand and news cuts===
In addition to launching The Bounce and becoming the sole owner of Access Media Group in February 2005, CHUM announced that it would rebrand the three A-Channel stations—in Calgary, Edmonton, and [[Winnipeg]]—as Citytv, aligning with the stations it already owned in Toronto and Vancouver. No other significant changes were made, since the A-Channel stations' on-air look had always been very similar to that of Citytv; they initially retained their local programs, relaunched under Citytv's ''[[Breakfast Television]]'' morning brand and ''[[CityNews]]'' news brand.<ref name="Calg050204">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/calgary-herald-a-channel-fitted-for-fall/135619958/|date=February 4, 2005|pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/calgary-herald-a-channel-open-concept/135619945/ D6]|title=A-Channel fitted for fall makeover|newspaper=Calgary Herald|location=Calgary, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123021416/https://www.newspapers.com/article/calgary-herald-a-channel-fitted-for-fall/135619958/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --><ref name="Edmo050204">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channel-will-be-rebra/135619970/|date=February 4, 2005|page=E6|first=Archie|last=McLean|title=A-Channel will be rebranded as Citytv|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123021441/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channel-will-be-rebra/135619970/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Fri --> CHUM hoped to lift the stations' ratings with the new moniker.<ref name="Calg050728">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/calgary-herald-big-a-falls-to-new-city/135585332/|date=July 28, 2005|pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/calgary-herald-city/135585327/ C2]|first=Alexandra|last=Burroughs|title=Big A falls to new City|newspaper=Calgary Herald|location=Calgary, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123021525/https://www.newspapers.com/article/calgary-herald-big-a-falls-to-new-city/135585332/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --> The change took effect on August 2 of the same year, when the A-Channel name was transferred to CHUM's [[NewNet]] stations.<ref name="Edmo050803">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-citytv-rebrands-in-bid/135612884/|date=August 3, 2005|pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-plan-aimed-at-attractin/135612952/ C2]|first=Rick|last=McConnell|title=Citytv rebrands in bid to boost audience|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123021417/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-citytv-rebrands-in-bid/135612884/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed --><ref name="Otta050316">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-chum-to-rebrand-new-r/135620182/|date=March 16, 2005|page=D7|agency=Canadian Press|title=CHUM to rebrand New RO, five other TV channels|newspaper=The Ottawa Citizen|location=Ottawa, Ontario|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123021418/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-chum-to-rebrand-new-r/135620182/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Wed -->

The rebrand failed to increase news ratings. The spring 2006 BBM survey showed that the 6 p.m. newscast on Citytv Edmonton had dipped from 11,000 viewers to 4,000. On July 12, 2006, CHUM announced that it would dramatically reduce its newsgathering operations in Edmonton, Calgary, and Winnipeg, as well as in several other cities. It laid off 195 part- and full-time employees, including 47 in Edmonton. The evening newscasts were cancelled, while the noon newscast remained and ''Breakfast Television'' was expanded; news anchor Paul Mennier remained to host a new evening newsmagazine program. In a coincidental development, that same day, [[BCE Inc.]], the parent company of [[CTV Television Network|CTV]], announced it would buy CHUM Limited.<ref name="Edmo060713">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-dozens-of-workers-fired/135585370/|date=July 13, 2006|pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-timing-of-sale-announce/135585384/ A14]|first=Jim|last=Farrell|title=Dozens of workers fired as Citytv pulls newscasts|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123042017/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-dozens-of-workers-fired/135585370/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu --><ref>{{Cite press release |title=CHUM Television announces new approach to local information programming |publisher = CHUM Television |url=http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/July2006/12/c9578.html# |via = CNW Group |access-date=July 13, 2006 |date=July 12, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060820053636/http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/July2006/12/c9578.html# |archive-date=August 20, 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Under Rogers ownership===
[[File:On the BT Edmonton set! (4885380220).jpg|right|thumb|alt=A darkened television control room. Above a bank of monitor displays are a backlit clock and lit signs for CityNews and Citytv. Several people are seated at switchers and computers, controlling the broadcast.|The Citytv Edmonton control room during ''Breakfast Television'' in 2010]]
On July 12, 2006, Bell Globemedia (later known as CTVglobemedia, and now [[Bell Media]]) announced plans to take over CHUM Limited. On June 8, 2007, the CRTC announced its approval of CTVglobemedia's purchase of CHUM Limited, but the commission added a condition that CTVglobemedia must sell off CHUM's Citytv stations to another buyer while allowing it to retain the A-Channel stations.<ref name="Nati070609">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/national-post-city-up-for-grabs-as-ctv-l/135633245/|date=June 9, 2007|pages=FP1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/national-post-rogers-a-leading-contender/135633232/ FP2]|first=Paul|last=Vieira|title=City up for grabs as CTV loses out: Must sell five stations|newspaper=National Post|location=Toronto, Ontario|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123201343/https://www.newspapers.com/article/national-post-city-up-for-grabs-as-ctv-l/135633245/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> The following Monday, [[Rogers Communications]] agreed to buy the five Citytv stations.<ref name="Otta070612">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-rogers-buys-citytv-st/135633314/|date=June 12, 2007|page=D4|first=Ryan|last=Flinn|title=Rogers buys Citytv stations: Telecom giant pays $375 million in surprise all-cash deal|newspaper=The Ottawa Citizen|location=Ottawa, Ontario|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123201341/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-rogers-buys-citytv-st/135633314/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue --> The sale was approved by the CRTC on September 28, 2007.<ref name="Vanc070929">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-vancouver-sun-crtc-gives-rogers-okay/135633381/|date=September 29, 2007|page=D2|first=Derrick|last=Penner|title=CRTC gives Rogers okay to acquire five-station Citytv chain|newspaper=The Vancouver Sun|location=Vancouver, British Columbia|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123201341/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-vancouver-sun-crtc-gives-rogers-okay/135633381/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Sat --> In 2008, Rogers launched [[Omni Edmonton]], part of its [[Omni Television]] multicultural station group.<ref name="Edmo080915">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-new-tv-station-caters-t/135633700/|date=September 15, 2008|page=B1|first=Elizabeth|last=Withey|title=New TV station caters to Edmonton's emerging populations|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123201421/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-new-tv-station-caters-t/135633700/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --> 

On January 19, 2010, ''CityNews at Noon'', ''Your City'', and ''CityNews International'' were cancelled as part of Citytv's corporate restructuring and concurrent layoffs.<ref>{{Cite press release|url=http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2010/19/c2082.html|title=Citytv Restructures Television Operations To Improve Business and Better Serve Audiences|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100123140125/http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2010/19/c2082.html |archive-date=January 23, 2010 |publisher=Rogers Media|date=January 19, 2010}}</ref> The CRTC approved the installation of digital transmission facilities for CKEM-TV on channel 17 that same year,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2010/2010-234.htm|title=Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2010-234|date=April 26, 2010|publisher=Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=September 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919043209/https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2010/2010-234.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> ahead of the August 31, 2011, digital television switchover date.<ref name="Analog to Digital">{{cite web|url=http://digitaltv.gc.ca/eng/1298735988428/1298735988465|title=Digital Television|publisher=Office of Consumer Affairs|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131120000609/http://digitaltv.gc.ca/eng/1298735988428/1298735988465 |archive-date=November 20, 2013 }}</ref>
[[File:Former CityTV studios, downtown Edmonton (23134327643).jpg|right|thumb|alt=A studio partially disassembled, seen through the large picture window on the corner of the Hudson's Bay Building. City and Omni signage is seen near the window.|The former Citytv studio in Edmonton]]
On May 7, 2015, Rogers announced that as part of further cuts, ''Breakfast Television'' would be cancelled on May 19, 2015. It was replaced by the spin-off ''Dinner Television'', a two-hour newsmagazine and discussion program hosted by former [[CFRN (AM)|CFRN]] host and [[Edmonton Oilers]] player [[Jason Strudwick]]. The program did not feature original news reporting. An encore of the previous night's ''Dinner Television'' with on-screen news, weather, and traffic updates replaced ''Breakfast Television'' in its morning timeslot.<ref>{{cite web|title=Get Ready to Have Breakfast For Dinner! City Edmonton Launches Dinner Television, Premiering May 19|url=http://www.rogersmediatv.ca/pr_detail.php?id=1200|publisher=Rogers Media|access-date=June 7, 2015|archive-date=September 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925115710/http://www.rogersmediatv.ca/pr_detail.php?id=1200|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=gandm-rogerscuts15>{{cite news|title=Rogers cuts 110 jobs, ends all OMNI newscasts|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/rogers-to-cut-jobs-kill-all-omni-newscasts/article24306838/|access-date=May 8, 2015|work=The Globe and Mail|archive-date=May 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509154919/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/rogers-to-cut-jobs-kill-all-omni-newscasts/article24306838/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=cbcnews-rogerscuts>{{cite web|title=Rogers axes OMNI news programs, cancels Breakfast Television in Edmonton|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/rogers-axes-omni-news-programs-cancels-breakfast-television-in-edmonton-1.3065351|website=CBC News|access-date=May 8, 2015|archive-date=May 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509031433/http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/rogers-axes-omni-news-programs-cancels-breakfast-television-in-edmonton-1.3065351|url-status=live}}</ref> 

That December, the Rogers television stations in Edmonton moved from downtown to the headquarters of Rogers's Edmonton radio stations on [[Gateway Boulevard]].<ref name="edsun-moved">{{cite news|title=Forbes: TV anchors back at their desks|first=Marty|last=Forbes|url=http://www.edmontonsun.com/2015/10/19/forbes-tv-anchors-back-at-their-desks|access-date=April 17, 2016|work=Edmonton Sun|publisher=Postmedia Network|archive-date=March 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326004221/http://www.edmontonsun.com/2015/10/19/forbes-tv-anchors-back-at-their-desks|url-status=live}}</ref> Where once CHUM had 220 employees in the Hudson's Bay Building, there were fewer than two dozen when the company moved out. Some of the space was absorbed by the [[University of Alberta]], which had previously purchased the historic structure.<ref name="Edmo151208">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-tv-stations-move-means/135634011/|date=December 8, 2015|pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-the-bay-building-was-on/135633997/ A5]|first=Paula|last=Simons|title=TV station's move means downtown needs a bold new Enterprise mission|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123201341/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-tv-stations-move-means/135634011/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Tue -->

On September 4, 2017, ''CityNews'' returned as part of a national expansion of local news programming across the Citytv stations, with ''Dinner Television'' being discontinued. CKEM airs two, hour-long newscasts at 6 and 11 p.m. nightly. Similarly to the format of its sister station in Toronto, Citytv Edmonton's newscasts use an "anchorless" format where all stories are presented by videojournalists on the field, eschewing in-studio anchors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.edmontonsun.com/2017/08/20/forbes-citynews-replacing-dinner-tv|first=Marty|last=Forbes|title=Forbes: CityNews replacing Dinner TV|website=Edmonton Sun|access-date=September 6, 2017|archive-date=October 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008130239/http://www.edmontonsun.com/2017/08/20/forbes-citynews-replacing-dinner-tv|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/television/local-news-gets-a-facelift-developments-at-city-ctv-other-stations|title=Local news gets a facelift: developments at City, CTV, other stations|date=September 1, 2017|work=Montreal Gazette|first=Steve|last=Faguy|access-date=September 6, 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=September 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906020429/http://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/television/local-news-gets-a-facelift-developments-at-city-ctv-other-stations|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Notable former on-air staff==
* [[Stephanie Beaumont]] – host of ''Wired'' (2002–2003)<ref name="Edmo021014">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-beaumonts-cisn-radio-g/135655544/|date=October 14, 2002|page=C2|title=Beaumont's CISN radio goodbye and moving to TV: A-Channel's new entertainment anchor Wired for change|first=Liane|last=Faulder|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123201342/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-beaumonts-cisn-radio-g/135655544/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Mon --><ref name="Edmo030807">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channel-adding-new-pe/135623084/|date=August 7, 2003|page=C4|first=Bill|last=Rankin|title=A-Channel adding new personalities|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123201342/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-a-channel-adding-new-pe/135623084/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu -->
* [[Bill Welychka]] – host of ''Breakfast Television'' (2005–2006){{r|Edmo050803}}<ref name="Edmo060831">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-citytv-shuffles-crew-as/135655622/|date=August 31, 2006|page=C2|title=Citytv shuffles crew as Welychka heads east|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|location=Edmonton, Alberta|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123204251/https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-citytv-shuffles-crew-as/135655622/|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Thu -->

==Technical information==
===Subchannel===
{| class="wikitable"
|+Subchannel of CKEM-DT<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=CKEM#station|title=RabbitEars TV Query for CKEM|website=[[RabbitEars.info]]|accessdate=January 5, 2025}}</ref> 
! scope = "col" | [[Digital subchannel#Canada|Channel]]
! scope = "col" | [[Display resolution|Res.]]
! scope = "col" | [[Aspect ratio (image)|Aspect]]
! scope = "col" | Short name
! scope = "col" | Programming
|-
! scope = "col" | 51.1 
| [[1080i]] || [[16:9]] || CItyTV || [[Citytv]]
|-
|}

===Rebroadcaster===
CKEM-DT has one dependent rebroadcaster, in [[Red Deer, Alberta|Red Deer]]. In 2020, the CRTC approved the conversion of CKEM-TV-1 in Red Deer from analog to digital operation, switching from channel 4 to channel 15.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2020/2020-236.htm|date=July 29, 2020|title=Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2020-236|publisher=Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission|access-date=November 23, 2023|archive-date=September 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919022335/https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2020/2020-236.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+ {{sronly|Technical information for CKEM-DT-1}}
! scope = "col" | Call sign
! scope = "col" | Location
! scope = "col" | [[channel (broadcasting)|Channel]]
! scope = "col" | [[effective radiated power|ERP]]
! scope = "col" | [[HAAT]]
! scope = "col" | Transmitter coordinates
|- style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;"
! scope = "row" | CKEM-DT-1
| [[Red Deer, Alberta|Red Deer]]
| 15 ([[UHF]])<br />'''Virtual:''' 4 
| 35&nbsp;kW
| {{convert|225.6|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| {{coord|52|14|10|N|113|38|56|W|type:landmark_region:CA-AB|name=CKEM-TV-1}}
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Official website|http://www.citytv.com/edmonton/}}
*[https://broadcasting-history.ca/television/television-stations/alberta/ckem-dt/ CKEM-DT] profile at the [[Canadian Communications Foundation]]
*{{RecnetCanada|CKEM-TV}}

{{Alberta TV}}
{{Citytv Stations}}
{{Rogers Communications}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ckem}}
[[Category:1997 establishments in Alberta]]
[[Category:Citytv stations|KEM-DT]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1997]]
[[Category:Television stations in Edmonton|KEM-DT]]