Harvard Media has completed a round of layoffs that it says amount to roughly 10% of the company’s workforce as the media group moves forward with a digital-first business model.
George Leith, Harvard’s newly-appointed Executive Vice-President and Managing Partner, told Broadcast Dialogue the restructuring impacts all of the company’s markets and divisions across its 13 radio stations in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
“The Canadian radio industry has faced a 35% decline in revenue during the past 36 months. To adjust to the macro-economic headwinds, Harvard Media like so many others in the industry regretfully has had to lay off some of our team members,” Leith said in a statement. “We are grateful to have been able to limit our downsizing to 10% of our total organization. We continue to be committed to the communities we serve across Western Canada.”
Leith said the layoffs are not performance-based and are about the evolution of the organization.
“Harvard Media is continuing its evolution into a digital media organization. Our strategic priorities’ include transitioning our resources to accommodate future digital growth. The company maintains its radio broadcast commitment of excellence to its customers and communities,” he added.
Leith said while 10% may not sound like a large number, in an organization the size of Harvard Media the staff reductions will be felt.
As previously reported, layoffs were initiated earlier in the week, beginning with the Edmonton cluster where Program Director Chris Myers, responsible for Play 107 (CKPW-FM), 95.7 CRUZ FM (CKEA-FM) and Kraze 101.3 (CKIK-FM) Red Deer, was released along with Play 107 midday host Jenna Winterburn, CRUZ FM midday personality Derek Allen, and producer Seth Hennig.
In Regina, the casualties include Andrew Wilcox, Program Director at 104.9 The Wolf (CFWF-FM) and Play 92 (CHMX-FM); 620 CKRM PD Abbey White and CKRM host Nick Kaczmar, in addition to marketing consultant Dave Hanni, sales rep Bhavik Shah, and creative writer Rob McWhinnie.
In Fort McMurray, the layoffs included Mix 103.7 (CFVR-FM) afternoon host and music director Marc O’Connor and midday host and assistant music director Lauren (Lita) Squires; as well as 100.5 CRUZ FM (CHFT-FM) afternoon drive personality Jackson Ducharme.
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