Sun News Network was plunged into darkness early Friday morning, with the broadcaster shutting down after three years of "hard news and straight talk," lawsuit-worthy Levantisms, and one glorious episode of Ford Nation. (R.I.P.)

The demise of the conservative-minded channel had been forecast for some time, but it still came as a shock to the 200 or so employees who, as of late Thursday night, had yet to be informed of the news.

Now, The Tyee may seem different from Sun News, but the further loss of scarce journalism jobs, coupled with the fact that we've had our fun with the broadcaster and its hosts in the past, means at least a few of us around here are in mourning.