After a false start last year, Bluepoint Investment Corporation has firmly planted its foot in the Canadian broadcast space with its purchase of the assets and operations of Saskatchewan Communications Network (SCN) from the Government of Saskatchewan.
“We are proud of the fact that as a relatively new company, we were able to win the respect and the acknowledgement of the Government of Saskatchewan,” said Bruce Claassen, chairman and CEO of Bluepoint Investment, in a statement.
“Going forward, Bluepoint is committed to maintaining the spirit and original vision of SCN, although commercialization of the station is required in order for it to be a viable business enterprise and to relieve the government of any financial commitment.”
SCN is the province’s educational broadcaster and Bluepoint plans to continue with that mandate, while working towards growing its audience appeal. With the application to the CRTC for change of ownership, Bluepoint will also be filing for a change of condition of license to broaden the programming slate and to allow for the sale of advertising. As part of the deal, the company has committed to spending at least $1.75 million per year on Saskatchewan programming and $1 million in Saskatchewan on digital programming and content.
Last year, Bluepoint attempted to buy Brandon, Man. television station CKX-TV from CTV, but the bid was aborted after a request for approval was made to the CRTC.
In the meantime, the company continues its pursuit of multiple broadcast opportunities in both Canada and the U.S.
“We are talking to a large number of people across the country to acquire broadcast assets, to grow Bluepoint to be a respected broadcaster in the Canadian marketplace,” said Bluepoint spokesperson Marcus Gurske, adding confidentiality agreements prevent further disclosure on potential purchases.
