Representatives from SCN Matters, a group that supports the work of the Saskatchewan Communications Network (SCN), was in Weyburn on May 8 to gain public support for SCN. The network was slated for closure in the March 24 provincial budget.
The group was in front of City Hall with banners, t-shirts, and buttons, in an attempt to gain community support for SCN. Similar events have been held in Regina, Moose Jaw, Saskatoon and Swift Current.
A representative for SCN Matters, Robin Schlaht, said that they are holding these events to let the government know that they oppose this decision and ask that funding be restored to SCN.
"Ideally, we'd like to see the government restore funding to SCN," Schlaht said.
Schlaht created the seven-episode series about training at the Saskatchewan Police College in 2008. The series, "A Few Good Men and Women," was aired on SCN.
Another SCN supporter, Steve Wolfson, directed a documentary about Weyburn's former Souris Valley Hospital called "An Archaeology of Madness." This SCN production can be purchased at the local Co-op grocery store.
"We had a great time working here," Wolfson said.
Wolfson also created the 26-episode series "Edifice and Us," which highlights historical buildings in the province such as the Claybank Brick Factory and Canada's oldest grain elevator in Fleming, Sask.
"The elevator just burned down, unfortunately," said Wolfson. "Just about six weeks ago."
Wolfson said that maintaining SCN is important because it is the only network that produces programs solely about Saskatchewan.
"We're preserving history for Saskatchewan," Wolfson said.
Although the government had planned to stop operations at SCN this month, broadcast will continue while 12 Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are being considered.
About 35 employees will be impacted by the closure, which the government estimates will save $2.4 million over the budget year and as much as $5 million annually.
