Rogers Media says it will be “reimagining” its Breakfast Television morning shows in Calgary and Vancouver, following word today that it’s cancelled BT Montreal. The Toronto version of the show will remain unchanged.
In a statement provided to Broadcast Dialogue, Colette Watson, SVP of Television & Broadcast Operations, said the Montreal show was no longer sustainable. Rogers confirmed the broadcast was drawing an average of 4,700 viewers a day. Eight local staff positions were affected by the cancellation.
Rogers Media says the Calgary and Vancouver versions of the shows will move toward a shared content model with the refresh to launch Sept. 23. Eleven staffing positions in Calgary and four in Vancouver have been impacted.
The shows will continue to feature local news, traffic and weather with local hosts, but the most popular segments across all three Breakfast Television markets in Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary, will be shared. Rogers says those shared segments will be lifestyle and entertainment-focused with broad appeal.
“We are always striving to better serve our local audiences and are evolving our local morning shows in Calgary and Vancouver to stay ahead of consumer trends. We recognize and thank all employees who worked with BT Calgary and BT Vancouver over the years,” said Watson.
Rogers Media says more details will be announced in the coming weeks.
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