KSAX-TV television ends news operation in in Alexandria, Minn.

Alexandria television station KSAX-TV announced today that it will substantially reduce its operations in Central Minnesota effective immediately. Seventeen employees will be affected by the reduction in station operations.

"It's never an easy decision to reduce the scope of a business, but this decision came down to economics," said Ed Smith KSAX Station Manager. "The rising costs of technology, along with increased competition in viewing choices, have made it impossible for the station to remain profitable in its current form."

Local viewers will continue to receive ABC network, local and national news and syndicated programming from KSAX's signal via its sister television station, KSTP-TV, which is based in the Twin Cities. However, KSAX will discontinue its regularly scheduled local news cut-ins.

KSAX-TV has been in operation for 25 years, is owned by Hubbard Broadcasting and will continue a small local presence, including maintaining its studio located in Alexandria.

KSTP-TV also owns KRWF-TV repeater station in Redwood Falls, which has broadcast the KSAX-TV signal.