SkyNews (Canadian Astronomy magazine) is closing

"I want to confirm that it is the desire of the RASC's Board of Directors to have SkyNews Inc. cease operations in the coming weeks, but the announcement on the SkyNews website that it is closing at the end of February was put up in error today. Let me explain. The Society’s Finance Committee and Board of Directors have been holding numerous meetings and consulting with the National Council about what action to take concerning the chronic and worsening deficits that SkyNews has been incurring in recent years, and especially in the current financial year. The RASC, as the sole shareholder of SkyNews Inc., has had to fund these deficits.

This past weekend the Finance Committee (which includes some Centre treasurers) met, discussed the situation fully, and agreed to recommend to the Society’s Board of Directors that the Board ask the board of directors of SkyNews Inc. to have SkyNews cease operations, including SkyNews magazine. The Society’s Board of Directors met last night, discussed the matter fully again, and passed a resolution in accordance with the Finance Committee’s recommendation.

Because SkyNews Inc. has its own board of directors (who are appointed by the RASC Board on behalf of the Society), it is the SkyNews board and not the RASC Board that has the authority to make the final decision about SkyNews. The SkyNews board will be meeting next week to discuss this matter. If the SkyNews board agrees to have the company cease operations, then it will also address the important issues that members have raised today, such as what will happen for subscribers who have recently subscribed or re-subscribed.

Again, the announcement today on the SkyNews website was an error and was premature. The Board takes responsibility for this and for the understandable confusion that it has caused. We will keep the membership apprised as matters unfold in the days to come and as final decisions are made.

Michael Watson Director and First Vice-President, RASC"