CISA-TV History: The Evolution of Lethbridge Television
The landscape of media in Southern Alberta was forever changed on November 20, 1955, with the launch of the region's first television station. From its humble beginnings as a joint venture to its current status as a Global Television Network affiliate, the station known today as CISA-TV has spent decades documenting the culture and history of Lethbridge and the surrounding areas.
The Early Years as CJLH-TV
The station first signed on the air as CJLH-TV, broadcasting on VHF channel 7. The operation was a partnership between the local radio station CJOC and the Lethbridge Herald, managed by Taylor Pearson & Carson. Utilizing a 167,000-watt transmitter atop a 638-foot (194 m) tower, the station initially served as an affiliate of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).
In the early days, network programs arrived via kinescope (a process of filming a television monitor), meaning shows often aired days or even a week after their original broadcast in major hubs like Toronto or Vancouver. Despite this delay, the station's reach grew rapidly; within its first year, the potential audience expanded from 9,400 to 19,200 homes.
CJLH-TV became a cornerstone of the community through local programming. Notable shows included Channel 7 Spotlight, Home Gardener, and Remember When, a historical series hosted by Harry Baalim. These efforts earned the station seven awards from Liberty magazine during the 1950s and 1960s.
Technical Expansion and Infrastructure
By 1958, the station eliminated most network time-shifting issues by establishing a direct microwave link to the CBC network via Calgary. Expansion continued in 1961 with a repeater station on channel 3 in Burmis to reach the Crowsnest Pass area. In 1968, the station installed its first 2-inch black and white videotape recorder and launched a low-power repeater on channel 3 in Brooks.
Transition to CJOC-TV and Color Broadcasting
The 1970s brought significant modernization. In 1970, the station upgraded to a two-camera operation to increase production capacity. By 1972, the Lethbridge Herald sold its stake to Selkirk Communications, and the call sign was changed to CJOC-TV to align with its sister radio station.
During this era, the station operated as a semi-satellite of CFAC-TV in Calgary. Local content remained a priority with programs such as Time Out, Our Town, and Focus on University. A major milestone occurred in 1974 when CJOC transitioned to full color, equipping the studio with two color cameras and three 1-inch color videotape recorders (VTRs).
The Independent Era and CFAC-TV-7
A shift in the broadcasting landscape occurred on September 1, 1975. When the CBC launched its own station, CBRT (channel 9), CJOC disaffiliated from the network. In 1976, the station adopted the call sign CFAC-TV-7 and branded itself as "2&7 Lethbridge Television," mirroring its Calgary counterpart.
The station continued to produce high-quality local content that gained national recognition. Ski West was syndicated to major markets in Hamilton, Vancouver, and Montreal, eventually being named the best syndicated show in the country. Other acclaimed programs included We Won't Let Him Die and community-focused shows like Key to Literacy.
By 1988, the station began integrating Global Television entertainment programming and news feeds via a new satellite dish.
The Rise of CISA-TV and Global Affiliation
Ownership changed again in 1989 when Selkirk Communications merged with Maclean Hunter, leading to the sale of the station to Western International Communications (WIC). In 1990, the call sign was officially changed to CISA-TV.
The final major transition began in 1998 when the Griffiths family sold WIC's assets to Shaw Communications and Canwest. Following CRTC approval in 2000, CISA-TV became a full-time affiliate of the Global Television Network on September 4, 2000, operating under the brand "Global Lethbridge."
Key Facts
- Launch Date: November 20, 1955.
- Original Call Sign: CJLH-TV.
- Technical Specs: 167,000-watt transmitter and 638-foot tower.
- Major Affiliations: CBC (initial), Independent, and Global Television Network (current).
- Award-Winning Content: Produced nationally recognized shows like Ski West.
- Current Branding: Global Lethbridge.
| Era/Year | Call Sign | Primary Owner/Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| 1955–1972 | CJLH-TV | CJOC & Lethbridge Herald (CBC) |
| 1972–1976 | CJOC-TV | Selkirk Communications (CBC) |
| 1976–1990 | CFAC-TV-7 | Selkirk / Maclean Hunter (Independent) |
| 1990–2000 | CISA-TV | Western International Communications |
| 2000–Present | CISA-TV | Canwest / Shaw (Global) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the station change its name from CJLH to CJOC?
The change occurred in 1972 after Selkirk Communications purchased the stake previously held by the Lethbridge Herald, aligning the television call sign with the existing CJOC radio station.
What was the significance of the 1958 microwave link?
The microwave link to the Calgary time-delay centre allowed the station to receive CBC network programming in real-time, eliminating the delays caused by the previous kinescope system.
Which local program achieved national success?
Ski West was highly successful, achieving syndication in Vancouver, Montreal, and Hamilton, and was recognized as the best syndicated show in Canada at the time.
When did the station become part of the Global Television Network?
CISA-TV officially became a full-time Global Television Network station under the "Global Lethbridge" brand on September 4, 2000.
How did the station handle network programming in the 1950s?
Programs were delivered via kinescope, meaning they arrived at the station several days to a week after they had originally aired in major cities like Toronto or Vancouver.