It’s been 5 1/2 years since CHCA-TV went black and Red Deer lost its only local television station. But a former videographer and producer at the station now hopes to fill part of the lingering void.
Rene Rondeau is developing Channel 6 News, an online news network.
“It’s going to be all locally based, from news items that affect you and me and your family: to schools, to health, to sports, to entertainment and business news,” said Rondeau, who worked at CHCA for nearly 10 years, when it operated as RDTV.
“Our goal at the end of the day, like any other news medium, is to inform people, educate them and empower them with the information where they can actually make decisions and do something.”
Channel 6 News will have its own videographers and reporters, and will post news on its website as it’s generated throughout the day, he said. A “mini newscast” is also expected to go up every evening.
The online news channel will be available for free, and accessible when and where it’s convenient for users, said Rondeau. He expects to generate revenue from local advertisers, who will pay for 10-second videos that will appear on Channel 6 News.
“We’re looking for the local corporate support. That’s the big thing that’s going to drive this network.”
Rondeau said he’s currently developing that advertising backing, and has received a good response. His goal is to launch Channel 6 News in the first half of 2015.
Newspapers and radio stations play an important role in informing local residents, said Rondeau. But there’s also a place for television, and Red Deer is one of the largest urban areas in Canada without a local TV station.
“What I want to do is bring back that local television component.
“With the amount of growth that’s been happening, it’s screaming for a place to be seen.”
Online news programming already exists elsewhere, said Rondeau, but most of it is affiliated with traditional television networks.
Rondeau currently operates iMediaTV.ca, which produces videos for clients, like businesses and sports teams. Channel 6 News will operate as an separate entity, he said, although iMediaTV.ca will likely assist with the production of its ads.
To obtain information about Channel 6 News, go online to channel6.ca.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com