Brandon's CKX television station has faded to black after its 6 p.m. newscast Friday.
The potential buyer notified CTV Thursday that it's pulling out of a deal to take over the station. In July, Bluepoint Investment Corporation agreed to buy CKX for one dollar.
The deal was expected to close by Dec. 31.
"I guess at the end of the day they just didn't see a business there," said CTV spokesman Paul Sparkes. "It just speaks volumes for the future of local TV in this country."
About 39 people work at the station.
Staff said they were shocked by the closure.
Station manager Alan Cruise says the closure of the station will have a massive effect on the community and area residents will no longer see local politicians or issues on television.
"I shudder to think what happens if there's a killer winter storm. I don't know where people are supposed to turn for information," said Cruise.
Longtime weatherman Ron Thompson worked at CKX for 37 years before retiring in 2004. He stopped by the station on its last day and said the closure is a big blow to the community.
CKX has a history that stretches back decades, first as a radio station and later launching as a television station in the 1950's.
During its first night of broadcasting, families reportedly lined sidewalks outside store windows in downtown Brandon to watch the then new technology of television, according to author Chris Wood.
CKX opened a new building in 1954 which was the first in Canada to house both radio and television studios, writes Wood in a book.
The station was run by the Craig family before later being taken over by CTV.
Prior to Bluepoint backing out of a deal to buy the station, Shaw Communications had also pulled out of a deal to purchase the station for one dollar.
- with files from THE CANADIAN PRESS
- with a report from CTV's Karen Rocznik
