CBC has given 35 employees a “notice of redundancy” amidst budget pressures.
The majority of the affected positions are in Toronto with layoffs set to take effect Dec. 31.
“As is the case with every Canadian media company, CBC faces challenges in the context of an ever-shifting media landscape with so much disruption,” said Chuck Thompson, Head of Public Affairs for CBC English Services, in an email to Broadcast Dialogue. “To meet these challenges, as an organization, we have to make changes. Yesterday’s layoffs are part of a difficult but necessary exercise to manage a decrease to the News operating budget.”
Thompson said affected staff include Canadian Media Guild (CMG), unaffiliated employees and management within CBC News, “across the national news service.”
“It’s important to note that wherever possible, we have protected ‘feet on the street’ and have looked to attrition and unfilled vacancies to help manage this,” added Thompson.
Bell Media also made a round of layoffs this week, that included several long-serving employees. While the company declined to say how many positions or stations were affected, job losses were reported in Winnipeg, Montreal and Ottawa.
Among the casualties were longtime CTV Winnipeg anchor Gord Leclerc, who had been with the station since 1995; 99.9 Bob FM (CFWM-FM) Winnipeg morning co-host Mark Morris, CFRA Ottawa midday talk host Rob Snow, who had been with the station for two decades; CJAD Montreal host and weather specialist Eramelinda Boquer, who had been with the station since 1999; and TSN 690 (CKGM-AM) morning show co-host Rick Moffat, who also served as the play-by-play voice of the Montreal Alouettes and Montreal Impact.
“Our industry is changing fast, with growing international competition and new viewing and listening options impacting audiences and advertising across the Canadian media sector,” said Bell Media Communications Manager Patricia Garcia, in an emailed statement. “We’re feeling the effects of rapid industry change in many parts of our business, including local TV and radio. To ensure we remain competitive, we’re managing the impact on our bottom line while also investing in content and platforms.”
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