CTV is putting Manitoba’s CKX-TV on the auction block, with plans to shut down the long-running Brandon station should a buyer not emerge within the next 30 business days.

The station broadcasts mainly CBC programming as part of a longstanding agreement with the pubcaster, which purchased airtime to carry its programs and commercials. The Ceeb has indicated it will not extend its affiliation with CKX beyond Aug. 31, which is also the date that the station’s licence expires.

CTV offered CBC a chance to buy the station — there would be no CBC presence in the region without it — but the pubcaster declined, saying it cannot afford to do so.

The station, which employs roughly 40 people, was founded more than 50 years ago and renders the only local television news coverage in its area. CTV says it will sell CKX to anyone prepared to continue operating the station, with approval from the CRTC. The station will fade to black in the summer if a buyer cannot be found.