KAWARTHA LAKES-Kawartha 411 News has learned that at least three people were laid off at Bob FM in Lindsay today.
Our sources say one person in reception, one in IT and one in sales were all let go.
Bell Media admits there are changes in roles at the company, including some departures, that they say reflect a streamlined operating structure.
“The media industry is evolving rapidly, and we’re responding with a focus on investment in new content and technology opportunities, while also ensuring our company is as agile, efficient and easy to work with as possible. It’s our policy not to discuss specific employee matters.” Nathan Gibson, Communications Bell Media told Kawartha 411.
The move is part of a number of layoffs over the past few days. The union representing staff says at least 210 people were let go yesterday and more today.
Unifor, the union condemned the cuts being made to CTV newsrooms across much of Bell Media this week, saying the layoffs will cost the network many valued media workers just when their communities need them most.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, Canadians have seen how important a strong media sector is to their continued health and safety,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias.
“These cuts go against the assurances made by the broadcasters last summer to the CRTC to stand by local news.”
Last summer, Canada’s major broadcasters asked the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission for relief from Canadian content rules, saying that local news gathering is sacred.
“Despite their commitment to save local news, they’re not protecting newsrooms,” Dias said.
The cuts announced so far include about 100 Unifor members in Toronto, plus more outside Toronto, affecting all station operations, including news gathering. Bell Media also laid off all staff in the newsroom of Montreal radio station CJAD.
“Our democracy, our right to be informed and to push back against the tide of false information relies on a strong media sector,” said Unifor Media Director Howard Law.
“Bell Media had said that news gathering is sacred, but that doesn’t appear to be the case when cuts are made in news gathering.”
We have also been told that at least one person was let go in Peterborough radio as well.
We have reached out to Bell Media for more information on the local cuts but have not yet heard back.
In November 2019 longtime, beloved morning show hosts Dave Illman and Julie Corlett were “laid off” from BOB FM and reportedly escorted from the building. They had a combined almost 50 years at the station. Both hired lawyers and were given undisclosed settlements.