Originally published in the Sept. 18, 2025 edition of The Weekly Briefing
Fiona Forbes, a producer and contributor to Global BC’s The Morning Show for the last two and a half years, and online journalist Simon Little, who’d been with Global News since 2018, are among the 45 Unifor members in Alberta and B.C. who’ve been subjected to layoffs. Corus Entertainment has confirmed this round – which included 26 journalists – is part of efforts to create “a more sustainable future for the company and our News division.” Read more here.
Linda Olsen is joining the weekend lineup on Corus Radio’s QR Calgary (CHQR-FM). Starting Saturday, Sept. 20, the former Global News Calgary anchor will host The Spotlight Hour, promising to “shine a light on the people, places, and stories that make the city of Calgary so unique, featuring in-depth interviews, and conversation around what’s happening today.” Airing at 9 a.m. MT, Olsen returns to the airwaves after retiring from the anchor desk in August 2024.
Phil Johnson is stepping back from the morning show on Kelowna’s AM1150 (CKFR-AM) after 20 years helping Okanagan listeners start their day and 55 years in broadcasting. Johnson, 76, will continue to be part of AM1150 and Vista Radio with a new weekly program, along with commentaries and special features. His final morning show will air on Oct. 3.
Ethan Morneau has joined CTV National News as a National Digital Producer, based in Toronto. He arrives from CHEK News Victoria, where he was a Digital News Editor and Multimedia Journalist for the last three years. Prior to that, he was a reporter at Victoria Buzz and a reporter/anchor and host at Vista Radio in Campbell River.
Leslie Roberts will seek the Montreal city council seat of Peter-McGill as a candidate for Ensemble Montréal. Roberts signed off from 580 CFRA and CTV Ottawa in May 2022, citing a desire to be closer to family in Montreal. He has most recently been contributing as a freelance columnist for the National Post and Montreal Gazette.
Veronica Saluzzi has been promoted at FORTÉ Entertainment to Vice President of Development, while Kelsey Espensen joins the company as Development Producer. Saluzzi has been with FORTÉ since 2020. In her new role, she’ll continue to spearhead strategic development of original content and formats. Espensen was formerly Senior Director of Unscripted Entertainment at Blue Ant Media, where she developed formats including Race Against The Tide, Best in Miniature, A Cut Above, and most recently Drink Masters for Netflix. She began her career as an on-air radio reporter at Blackburn Radio’s 101.7 The One (CKNX-FM) Wingham, ON.
Ryan Cole has joined the Board of Directors of TVO Media Education Group (TVO), alongside the reappointment of Board Chair Chris Day and Stephanie Lu. Cole, vice-president of public affairs firm Policy Concepts, will serve on the board through June 2027.
