Corus Entertainment, the parent company of Global Television Network and several radio stations, is set to undergo programming adjustments nationwide, leading to a significant number of job cuts. The decision comes amidst Corus facing ongoing challenges with declining advertising revenue and increasing debt.
According to Unifor, the union representing numerous media professionals, including those at Corus, a total of 43 positions will be eliminated. These cuts are regionally distributed as follows: 28 in Alberta, 2 in British Columbia, 5 in Winnipeg, 2 in Saskatoon, 3 in the Maritimes, and 3 in Ontario.
In an internal communication obtained by CBC News, Corus stated that the changes are essential to ensure the sustainability of their operations and enhance operational flexibility. Despite centralizing some production of Global News broadcasts for Alberta, Corus emphasized its commitment to continuing local news content production within the province. The company also plans to introduce additional undisclosed roles to bolster local news delivery.
Amidst these changes, Scott Roberts, co-anchor of Global Edmonton’s 6 p.m. newscast, expressed his departure from the evening news reporting due to the significant local news cuts. The news regarding Corus’ restructuring was first unveiled by the Western Standard news website.
Corus spokesperson Annie Arnone emphasized the company’s dedication to maintaining local news delivery in Calgary and Edmonton, mentioning the addition of new roles while centralizing production. The company refrained from commenting on individual personalities impacted by the changes.
Corus reported a decline in radio and television revenue, with CEO John Gossling attributing this to the continual pressure on linear television advertising demand. The company’s shares have plummeted nearly 70% in the past year due to mounting financial pressures stemming from the 2016 acquisition of Shaw Media.
Last month, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice approved a debt-for-equity swap between Corus and its lenders to alleviate the company’s debt burden. The transaction aims to reduce annual interest costs by up to $40 million and necessitates regulatory approval.
These cutbacks at Corus follow recent job reductions at major competitors Bell Canada and Rogers Sports & Media. Rogers recently announced the elimination of 230 positions, while Bell Canada confirmed plans to cut nearly 700 jobs in a previous restructuring initiative. BCE, Bell Canada’s parent company, had previously downsized its workforce by nine percent in 2024, impacting approximately 4,800 roles and leading to the sale of numerous radio stations and the cessation of several television newscasts.
