{"id":812245,"date":"2026-07-19T13:59:15","date_gmt":"2026-07-19T13:59:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/812245\/"},"modified":"2026-07-19T13:59:15","modified_gmt":"2026-07-19T13:59:15","slug":"corus-to-centralize-calgary-edmonton-productions-of-global-news-some-jobs-to-be-cut-6","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/812245\/","title":{"rendered":"Corus to centralize Calgary, Edmonton productions of Global News, some jobs to be cut"},"content":{"rendered":"

TORONTO \u2014 Corus Entertainment Inc. says it will centralize some production of its Global News broadcasts for Alberta while cutting an undisclosed number of roles.<\/p>\n

The Toronto-based company said the move is part of programming changes across the country that are meant to improve efficiency and allow it to continue producing journalism.<\/p>\n

Corus spokesperson Annie Arnone said that while some jobs would be affected, the broadcaster is also adding roles to continue providing news programming in the Calgary and Edmonton markets.<\/p>\n

\u201cCorus is committed to local news and will maintain its local news delivery in Calgary and Edmonton,\u201d she said in an emailed statement.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a result of these changes, we have had to say goodbye to some of our Global News personalities. We greatly appreciate their time with us and wish them the best in their future endeavours.\u201d<\/p>\n

When asked, Arnone did not confirm if production of Global News\u2019 Calgary and Edmonton broadcasts would take place from Toronto.<\/p>\n

She said changes will be reflected on air in the coming weeks but that Corus would not comment on any specific individuals affected.<\/p>\n

The moves come amid significant financial struggles for Corus, which last month reported a net loss attributable to shareholders of $36.5 million in its third quarter, as its revenue for the period fell 16 per cent compared with a year earlier.<\/p>\n

Corus is also awaiting approval of its proposed recapitalization plan that would see a change in ownership shifting effective control of all licensed programming services operated by the company and its subsidiaries.<\/p>\n

Under the proposal, some of Corus\u2019 lenders would forgive approximately $500 million in debt in exchange for 99 per cent ownership of a newly created parent corporation, called NewCo, that would wholly own Corus and its services. Existing Corus shareholders would be expected to swap their holdings for shares that together would represent the remaining one per cent of the new company.<\/p>\n

Corus has indicated to the CRTC that the proposed deal is necessary to address its high debt load and improve its financial stability so it can continue to operate.<\/p>\n

Its board has said the deal represents the \u201cbest viable option to secure Corus\u2019 future while preserving the most shareholder value.\u201d The company has said it will lead to annual cash interest savings of up to $40 million and preserve Corus \u201cin its vital role as a leading independent Canadian broadcaster.\u201d<\/p>\n

Corus sought court approval for the proposal after a shareholder vote in January failed to pass. In March, Corus received an order from the Ontario Superior Court to proceed, but still awaits the regulator\u2019s decision.<\/p>\n

Shareholder decries layoffs<\/p>\n

A group of minority shareholders has called on the CRTC to reject the restructuring plan, saying it risks creating financial incentives for cost-cutting rather than maintaining local service.<\/p>\n

Last month, the group raised particular concern about the potential role of Canso Investment Counsel Ltd., which is expected to be NewCo\u2019s largest shareholder. As an investment fund rather than a media operator, the minority shareholders warned that Canso lacks the experience needed and could be motivated to shut down local stations or reduce staff.<\/p>\n

A spokesperson for the group said in a Thursday interview that Corus\u2019 layoffs serve to create \u201ca justification for the transaction.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not believe that those layoffs are necessary in any way,\u201d said S\u00e9bastien Ouellet, one of 13 individuals and three companies holding a combined 10 million Corus shares.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see how this will help the company. I just think that it supports the narrative that things are bad and the transaction must be concluded as fast as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

In a separate submission to the regulator, Canada\u2019s largest private sector union said the CRTC should approve Corus\u2019 application but set conditions to protect jobs and local programming.<\/p>\n

Unifor, which represents 5,000 workers in the broadcast and film industries including some at Corus, said the CRTC\u2019s green light should be conditional upon the company committing not to close any media outlets, nor implement layoffs, operational downsizing or other reductions in head count.<\/p>\n

\u201cSimply put, the best way to ensure that Canadians have access to local news is to require the employment of trained, professional journalists and media workers in local markets,\u201d said Unifor media director Randy Kitt at the time.<\/p>\n

Corus has thus far snubbed takeover offers from Quebecor Inc., its president and CEO Pierre Karl P\u00e9ladeau said last month.<\/p>\n

The Montreal-based media and telecommunications firm told the CRTC that the future of Corus and its place within Canada\u2019s broadcasting sector depends on a sale to \u201cfinancially sound acquirers\u201d who are familiar with the sector. P\u00e9ladeau urged the CRTC to reject Corus\u2019 restructuring proposal.<\/p>\n

Ouellet said he would welcome a sale of Corus to a company with \u201cexperience and knowledge\u201d of the industry.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the best situation you can have,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf they really want to sell everything, why not sell to people that claim to be very interested, that have the knowledge to do it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\t\tKeep it Factual<\/p>\n

Add CityNews Ottawa as a trusted source on Google to see more local stories from us.<\/p>\n

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