Unifor announced late Wednesday that 45 of its members working at the network in Alberta and B.C. had been subjected to layoffs, with an additional member impacted in the Eastern bargaining unit. Of the 46 jobs affected, the union said 26 are journalists.

A Corus spokesperson told Broadcast Dialogue on Thursday that the new round of layoffs is just the latest measure taken as part of an ongoing efficiency review process.

“As part of our efficiency review process across Corus, we have made some difficult but necessary changes to create a more sustainable future for the company and our News division,” the spokesperson said, in an emailed statement. “We are applying new workflows and ways of working, using the latest technology that will enable us to pave the way forward for the future of Global News. As a result, certain roles within some stations have been impacted.”

“Corus’ commitment to serving our audience across the country remains stronger than ever, and we will continue to tell important local news stories that matter to Canadians,” she added. “Corus is committed to providing information to our audiences and remain dedicated to upholding our responsibility as a trusted new source.”

In its Q3 earnings report in June, the company said it was anticipating a further year-over-year TV advertising revenue decline of 20% in Q4, citing geopolitical and economic uncertainty and an over-supply of premium digital video inventory from foreign competitors.

Corus slashed employee costs by seven per cent in the third quarter. The company last undertook major layoffs in the Global News division in August 2024 that resulted in more resource-sharing between the Calgary, Edmonton and Lethbridge TV newsrooms, among other changes. The company reorganized its Audio division in August 2023, and this past June made a sweeping round of layoffs that primarily impacted its Ottawa radio properties. The company has also paused new productions at its children’s content studio, Nelvana.

Corus shares on the TSX on Thursday morning were trading down slightly, hovering around nine cents.

The post Corus confirms layoffs at Global News as it eyes sustainability appeared first on Broadcast Dialogue.

Chris Pearson, President of Acadia Broadcasting, has announced his transition to retirement, with Senior Vice-President Shelley Snodgrass to succeed him, effective Dec. 1. Pearson, who has spent nearly four decades with the company and held the role of president since 2016, will remain on in an advisory role to support the transition. He’ll also continue as President of the Ontario Association of Broadcasters (OAB) and continue to serve on the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) CEO Radio Council. Based in Saint John, NB, Snodgrass has been with the company since 2016, holding roles including Vice-President, Sales. Read more here.

Tracey Connolly has been named Global Director of Broadcast Sales at Nautel, as longtime Senior Director of Broadcast Sales Wendell Lonergan retires after more than 47 years with the company. Based in Metro Halifax, Connolly’s sales background includes more than 17 years with Sysco in Atlantic Canada. Lonergan first joined Nautel in 1978 in research. Successive roles included Project Leader, Medium Wave Transmission, before being named Sales Manager, Middle East and North Africa in 2005. He’d been in his current role since 2012. Read more here.

Mike Crawley is headed to Washington, D.C. to cover the U.S. capital for CBC News. Crawley has been with the public broadcaster since 2005, initially as a reporter in Saint John, before joining the Toronto bureau where he’s been a Provincial Affairs reporter for the last 16 years.

 

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Damian Rickards (aka Mr. D), who recently announced his departure from JUMP! 106.9 (CKQB-FM) Ottawa, has joined 91.5 The Beat (CKBT-FM) Kitchener in middays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. weekdays. Rickards has previously done two separate stints hosting evenings on 91.5 The Beat.

Danger (aka Darren Grieve) is joining Rock 101 (CFMI-FM) Vancouver on weekends. Grieve has been working with the Canadian Traffic Network (CTN) for the last decade, heard on Rogers Sports & Media’s NewsRadio 1130 (CKWX-AM), and was the host of ResurreXtion Radio on the former SONiC RADiO (CKKS-FM). He rejoins Corus Radio, where he was a host on CFOX for nearly a decade.

Brenden Escott is the new host of Edmonton Oilers hockey on CHED 880. Escott will be heard during the Face-Off Show, each intermission, and on Oilers Overtime, in addition to hosting Inside Sports weeknights from 6 – 8 p.m. He’s been with CHED since 2018, initially producing Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer.

Leah Camenzind is now Executive Director of the TELUS Fund, overseeing finance, operations and program design. With TELUS since 2017, she previously led the TELUS originals film program and co-founded the TELUS independent film program, stewarding the investment of over $15 million into the production of more than 100 social-purpose films and series. She succeeds Elizabeth Friesen, who has retired from the position after 12 years.

Jinny Howe has been named Head of UCAN (U.S.-Canada) Scripted Series at Netflix. She’ll succeed Peter Friedlander – one of the company’s longest-serving creative executives – who will be leaving the streamer after almost 14 years. Howe joined Netflix in 2018, holding the title of VP, Original Series, Drama, helping develop series like Bridgerton, Inventing Anna, The Night Agent and The Diplomat.

The post Revolving Door appeared first on Broadcast Dialogue.

According to the union, the cuts have impacted members in B.C. and Alberta, with one member in the Eastern bargaining unit. Of the 46 jobs impacted, 26 are journalists.

“The most recent Global News layoffs are a devastating blow to local news across the country and to our democracy,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne, in a statement. “We will support our members through this difficult and uncertain time.”

A source to Broadcast Dialogue said the main teams hit at Global BC, included those working in online, as well as techs and part-time editors.

More to come.

The post Unifor confirms 45 layoffs at Global News in B.C., Alberta appeared first on Broadcast Dialogue.