Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

I was wondering how people felt about the closing of this local TV station?

Any memories?

Thanks,

Kevin

Views: 834

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Hi Kevin:

I grew up with only one channel....CKNX TV channel 8.
It was the only station until we had cable introduced sometime in the 70's I recall.

CKNX had hockey night in Canada in those years and you never missed that on Saturday nights.

Thanks CKNX.

Joe
There was some concern from various people that the local news would not be heard. In today's society where policy is perceived to be developed based on what is in the news media, local policy could be hampered since there is no local media other than small town localized print media and radio. With more urban based media reporting, the rural issues could be skewed incorrectly or completely missed.
CKNX offered a great media outlet for local residents in the surrounding counties. CKNX farm news was on the top list of things to watch and listen to. A respected farm news broadcaster from CKNX is even in the Ontario Agriculture Hall of Fame. A few people who have worked at CKNX TV have moved on to develop great ideas.
As Joe pointed out - Saturday night hockey games were a must.
But with new technology and the increased (perceived) need to increase in size for economies of scale, local TV has lost the respect from some residents. Society is more interested in what dress Michelle Obama is wearing than the fact the neighbour a mile away lost their heirlooms in a theft.
Changing of the times, changing of the guard. Make the best of it and remember the great things (and people) that have come out of the CKNX building near the top of the hill.
I still remember touring the station in public school and sitting in the chair that Bryan Allen sat in for many years. I do not recall the name of the sports guy.
Thanks a bunch CKNX for the memories.
The sports guy you're likely refering to Wayne is Fred Burton.
Local news did not make CKNX unique. Community newspapers will continue to do a fine job covering that. What made this station so special was the people they attracted to become farm directors. These guys became celebrities in a unique way, Bob Carbert, Rodger Schwass, Cliff Robb and Murray Guant to name just a few. The unique brand each developed and their trusted work is what we miss today.

Wayne Black said:
There was some concern from various people that the local news would not be heard. In today's society where policy is perceived to be developed based on what is in the news media, local policy could be hampered since there is no local media other than small town localized print media and radio. With more urban based media reporting, the rural issues could be skewed incorrectly or completely missed.
CKNX offered a great media outlet for local residents in the surrounding counties. CKNX farm news was on the top list of things to watch and listen to. A respected farm news broadcaster from CKNX is even in the Ontario Agriculture Hall of Fame. A few people who have worked at CKNX TV have moved on to develop great ideas.
As Joe pointed out - Saturday night hockey games were a must.
But with new technology and the increased (perceived) need to increase in size for economies of scale, local TV has lost the respect from some residents. Society is more interested in what dress Michelle Obama is wearing than the fact the neighbour a mile away lost their heirlooms in a theft.
Changing of the times, changing of the guard. Make the best of it and remember the great things (and people) that have come out of the CKNX building near the top of the hill.
I still remember touring the station in public school and sitting in the chair that Bryan Allen sat in for many years. I do not recall the name of the sports guy.
Thanks a bunch CKNX for the memories.

Reply to Discussion

RSS

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Meat Institute Pushes Back on Trump Processing Plan

President Trump has announced plans to allow farmers and ranchers to process their own meat as part of an effort to address concerns about concentration in the meatpacking sector.

AgriStability Deadline Extended to Oct. 1 for Alberta Producers

Alberta producers affected by excessive moisture this growing season have more time to enrol in AgriStability, while those already eligible for interim payments will be able to access a larger share of their estimated benefit sooner. According to the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC), the Alberta and federal governments have opened late participation in the 2026 AgriStability program until Oct. 1 in response to wet conditions that have affected many farms since the original April 30 enrolment deadline. The interim payment rate for 2026 has also been increased to 75% of the estimated final AgriStability payment, up from 50%. AFSC said the change is intended to improve cash flow for producers facing financial pressure during a difficult growing season. AFSC CEO Darryl Kay said record moisture levels have left some producers unable to access fields or complete essential farm work, creating significant uncertainty and financial stress. “AgriStability is designed to

Map: August Weather Drier for Much of Western Canada

Western Canada saw a sharply uneven precipitation pattern over the 30 days ending Wednesday, with the driest conditions concentrated across Saskatchewan and parts of southern Alberta and Manitoba. As can be seen on the map below, large portions of southern and central Saskatchewan received less than 40% of normal precipitation during the period, with another broad area receiving just 40% to 60%. Much of southern Manitoba was also drier than normal, although some pockets received above-average rainfall. Alberta precipitation was variable. The pattern reflects a growing season finish that has been considerably drier across parts of the Prairies, particularly Saskatchewan, following wetter conditions earlier in the summer. In Saskatchewan, the lack of late-season rainfall likely accelerated crop maturation and helped fields dry down as harvest approached, although it may also have limited final yield potential for later-developing crops in the driest areas. In Alberta, comparatively

Saskatchewan Harvest Still Lagging Average Pace

The Saskatchewan harvest accelerated this past week but remains behind the previous year and well back of average. Thursday's weekly crop report showed the provincewide harvest at 11% complete as of Monday. That compares to 4% a week earlier, and the five- and 10-year averages of 25% and 21%. Last year at this time, 12% of the crop was in the bin. Harvest progress varied widely by region. The Southwest was furthest along at 27% complete, followed by the Southeast at 11% and West-central region at 8%. East-central Saskatchewan was 5% harvested, while the Northeast and Northwest were each just 1% complete. Warm daytime temperatures and cooler evenings helped crops mature across much of the province, while generally dry conditions supported fieldwork. However, rainfall, strong winds and periods of high humidity slowed operations in some areas. Later-seeded crops are now beginning to turn, with harvesting expected to expand soon, the report added.. Producers continued to focus o

Sclerotinia Fungicide Sensitivity Survey

Manitoba Canola Growers along with SaskOilseeds, Alberta Canola, Canola Council of Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) are currently funding research projects that evaluate sclerotinia for sensitivity to fungicides with different modes of action. Sclerotinia with levels of insensitivity and immunity to common modes of action, have already been identified in Manitoba through this project. With favorable conditions across the province in 2026 we need samples from across the province to understand how widespread this problem is and provide farmers with recommendations for fungicide stewardship and efficacy. You will receive fungicide test results from the samples you have submitted. Combined results with samples from across Manitoba and the other provinces will be shared publicly at the RM level. All other field information will be handled confidentially. Sampling and Submission Instructions From a single canola field collect 1-10 sclerotia from infected stems at crop ma

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service