Big Cuts at Global News!

In a startling move, Global News has laid off nearly 45 employees across its newsrooms, primarily affecting workers in British Columbia (B.C.) and Alberta. This drastic step raises concerns about the future of local news coverage in these regions.

Union Reacts to Job Losses

Jenny Yuen, a representative from Unifor—the union that represents Global News employees—confirmed that the layoffs included 22 jobs in B.C., 23 in Alberta, and one in the eastern division. Of these cuts, 26 were journalists, highlighting a significant blow to the core of news reporting.

Unifor's Bold Statement

The national president of Unifor, Lana Payne, expressed her dismay, stating, "The recent layoffs are a devastating blow to local news across the country and to our democracy. We will support our members through this difficult and uncertain time." Her statement underscores the critical impact of these job losses on the media landscape.

A Journalist Speaks Out

Award-winning journalist Simon Little took to social media to lament his own layoff. He shared, "It’s incredible I somehow made it 10 years in the news biz without being laid off but my luck ran out today. Sad to see a quality team torn apart." This sentiment resonates with many in the industry, as journalists face increasing workloads amid declining staff.

Official Response from Corus Entertainment

In a statement, a representative for Corus Entertainment, Global's parent company, explained that these layoffs were part of an "efficiency review process" aimed at ensuring a sustainable future for the organization. The company mentioned implementing new workflows and modern technology to adapt to the changing media landscape.

Commitment to Local Reporting

Despite the cuts, Corus reiterated its commitment to serving audiences across Canada, promising to continue sharing important local news stories that matter to Canadians. The company emphasized its role as a trusted news source.

An Ominous Trend

These layoffs follow a previous wave of job losses at Global and Corus, where 16 positions were eliminated last August, adding to an alarming trend of reducing journalistic resources. Unifor pointed out that just last summer, 55 positions were slashed across the nation, with significant casualties including the shutdown of a century-old AM radio station.

The Future of Canadian Journalism?

As more cuts loom in the industry, the future of Canadian journalism remains in jeopardy. The loss of experienced journalists raises pressing questions about the sustainability of local news and the press's role in a vibrant democracy.