CHEK Republic

A Revolution in Local Television

By (author): Diane Dakers
ISBN 9781927527993
Softcover | Publication Date: November 14, 2014
Book Dimensions: 5.5 in x 8.5 in
216 Pages
$19.95 CAD

About the Book

In 2009, Victoria’s CHEK-TV became the first employee-owned television station in North America after corporate owner CanWest Global threatened to shut it down. The David-and-Goliath story made national headlines and reawakened a belief in local, independent broadcasting. In the five years since the employee purchase of the station, CHEK has weathered the challenges of independent ownership and remains proudly local, in every sense of the word. While the future of media is unpredictable and the feasibility of local television continues to be challenged, CHEK Republic is, at its core, a success story, chronicling the long history, near downfall, and rebirth of a truly one-of-a-kind media outlet.

About the Author(s)

In her 24-year media career, Diane Dakers has written for most of Canada’s major daily newspapers and a number of national and regional magazines and weekly publications. Her voice has been heard on local, national, and provincial radio stations, and she has been a television host, reporter, producer, and writer. Diane holds a Master of Journalism degree from Carleton University in Ottawa. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia.

Reviews

"Readers will enjoy this passionate tale of CHEK's rebirth and survival." —Konrad von Finckenstein, chair of the CRTC
CHEK Republic is a gripping tale of corporate intrigue, executive intransigence and employee persistence. It provides a needed counterpoise to the gloom and doom that beset Canada’s television industry during the ownership upheaval that attended the recent recession. It would be especially useful reading for courses in television or media management.” —Marc W. Edge, Canadian Journal of Communication, Vol 41