MEDICINE HAT, AB — While Medicine Hat and the surrounding area have grown tremendously over the last 60 years, one thing has remained consistent. Residents can turn on the television and be able to catch up on the news.
It was September 14, 1957 when CHAT Television went live on the airwaves for the first time.
There have been many changes since the first broadcast 60 years ago. The population of Medicine Hat was roughly 20,000 people. Today, the city has more than 63,000 residents. The first studio building on Broadway Avenue used to sit by itself on the prairies.
And while many programs were broadcast out of the studio, CHAT News remains the only program still on the air. The RTNDA award winning broadcast airs daily at noon and 5:30 p.m.
“Everyone at CHAT TV is immensely proud of the 60 years of local television, great information and entertainment, community service and business development that we have provided over the years,” said Dave Sherwood, general manager of the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group in Medicine Hat, in a statement.
“Hundreds of professional broadcasters have passed through our doors, adding vibrancy to our community, becoming long-term Hatters or moving on to major markets and other opportunities worldwide. Thanks to all those whose shoulders we stand on—and to our community for supporting us for the past six decades.”
CHAT Television has continued to evolve over 60 years. In February 2017, the station launched CHAT News Today, a digital-first portal to continue bringing news to Medicine Hat, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
