Corus Entertainment has confirmed that its local Global News morning shows in its Prairie and Eastern markets will be centralized as part of ongoing programming changes.

By the end of July, a single edition of Global News Morning will serve those markets, including Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, Winnipeg, Saskatoon and Regina.

“We can confirm we are introducing one centralized morning show across all Eastern stations, with implementation targeted for end of July. This is a programming change that allows us to strengthen and sustain local journalism by focusing on investments where they have the greatest impact,” Corus said in a statement supplied to Broadcast Dialogue.

Under the new model, the current Global News Morning programs in the Prairie and Eastern markets become one show, covering the news of the day across local, regional, national, and international stories.

Global BC, Global Calgary, and Global Edmonton will continue to have morning shows dedicated to those markets.

“Global News remains committed to keeping our morning audiences informed, engaged, and entertained in these communities,” a spokesperson said. “We will continue to have local reporters across the country providing fresh news and insights each weekday morning, as well as local weather forecasts. Additional programming details will be shared in the coming weeks.”

Confirmation of the morning show consolidation comes following a fresh round of layoffs initiated by Corus earlier this month across its television and radio divisions. At least 43 unionized employees were impacted across the country, 28 of those jobs in Alberta where the company plans to centralize aspects of news production for Calgary and Edmonton in Toronto.

Corus has clarified that it will continue to maintain current local newscasts in Calgary and Edmonton, with separate local content, assignment desks, producers and newsgathering teams.