Citytv is in the midst of major restructuring, which will bring major cuts across the board. Rogers Media, which bought Citytv in 2007, was mum on how many jobs would be affected. According to CBC News, there will be multiple layoffs at Citytv’s Vancouver, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary and Toronto stations. Toronto’s noon and 5 p.m. newscasts, CityNews at Noon in Edmonton and Calgary and Lunch Television in Vancouver have all been cancelled. On-air personalities Anne Mroczkowsk, who has been co-anchoring the 6 p.m. newscast since 1988, and Laura DiBattista have been given pink slips. The 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts will remain in Toronto and CityLine will remain in all its markets. Popular morning show Breakfast Television will remain on the air in five cities, with Vancouver slashing an hour of programming.
According to Rogers Media Television CEO Leslie Sole, the cuts are meant to improve core business operations by focusing on top performing local programs. They hope to focus on the quality, not quantity, of local programming. Right. Fat chance. Looks like local television is taking a hit yet again and the trend towards nationalizing Toronto’s news providers is growing.
About the author
Suniya Kukaswadia was the Director of Circulation and Advertising for the Spring 2010 issue of the Ryerson Review of Journalism.