The CBC’s announcement today that it is cutting 244 jobs across the country, mostly in news programming, is deeply disturbing. This “2020 update “ continues to diminish the capacity of the public broadcaster to do quality journalism, and serve Canadians in their communities. This announcement is particularly discouraging as it follows the CRTC’s recent recognition of the CBC’s prominent role as one of the key providers of local programing. The communities most impacted by this round of cuts are Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia. Here is a detailed breakdown of the cuts (as provided by CBC) by region:
English services:
Newfoundland & Labrador: 7 positions
Nova Scotia: 11 positions
Prince Edward Island: 2 positions
New Brunswick: 4 positions
Quebec: 9 positions
Ontario: 30 positions
Manitoba: 3 positions
Saskatchewan: 11 positions
Alberta: 37 positions
British Columbia: 25 positions
The North: 5 positions
French services’ Radio-Canada has announced it will cut an additional 100 positions.
“This is more awful news following the cuts of 1000 jobs last year,” said March-Philippe Laurin, CMG President at CBC. ” The continued deep cuts to Canada’s main news organization is an attack on local newsgathering across the country, at the very time that the CRTC has acknowledged its importance to all Canadians. Survey after survey, before the CRTC and Parliamentary committees, Canadians have been clear that local news is very important to them, and CBC plays a huge role in that. These cuts are a major blow to Canada’s biggest, independent news organization.”
Carmel Smyth, CMG National President added: “We are disheartened that CBC/Radio-Canada would go ahead with these destructive cuts despite the CRTC’s decision to include CBC/Radio-Canada in the “skinny basic” television package, and before the federal election when we already have heard public commitments from some political parties to reversing the cuts, and fighting for better funding. “
CBC management said they plan to meet with local executives committee members next week and expect that layoffs will occur starting in July through to September. Questions and more information (http://www.cmg.ca/en/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/cbccutsfaq2014EN.pdf) : info@cmg.ca or 416-591-5333 or 1-800-465-4149.