Corus Entertainment is cutting 43 jobs across Canada as part of programming changes aimed at stemming losses from declining advertising revenue and heavy debt.
The Toronto-based media company, which owns the Global Television Network and several radio stations, confirmed the reductions on Thursday. Unifor, the union representing media workers at Corus, said the cuts will hit newsrooms hardest, particularly in Western Canada.
- 28 in Alberta
- 5 in Winnipeg
- 3 in the Maritimes
- 3 in Ontario
- 2 in British Columbia
- 2 in Saskatoon
Unifor National President Lana Payne criticized the moves, saying: “We warned that consolidation would come at the expense of local news, particularly in Western Canada, and that is exactly what we're seeing.”
In an internal memo obtained by CBC News, Corus described the changes as necessary “to support the sustainability of our operations and provide greater flexibility to us.” The company said it will centralize some production of Global News broadcasts for Alberta but will continue producing local news content in provincial studios. It also plans to add an undisclosed number of new roles to support local news delivery.
Corus spokesperson Annie Arnone stated: “Corus is committed to local news and will maintain its local news delivery in Calgary and Edmonton. While some roles have been impacted as we centralize production, we are adding additional roles to continue providing news programming in these markets.”
Among those affected is Scott Roberts, co-anchor of Global Edmonton’s 6 p.m. newscast, who posted on Instagram: “Sad to say, but I won't be reporting the evening news on Global any longer. The company is making significant cuts to local news and I among them. Thank you to everyone who invited me into their homes over the past four years. Thinking of all my colleagues impacted by the layoffs.”
Last month, Corus CEO John Gossling pointed to “continued pressure on linear television advertising demand” after the company posted double-digit year-over-year revenue declines in both radio and television.
Corus shares have fallen nearly 70 per cent over the past 12 months, trading in penny stock territory. The company ended its latest quarter with $1.16 billion in debt, much of it stemming from its $2.65-billion purchase of Shaw Media in 2016.