Heartbreaking Layoffs Shake Vancouver News Scene

The shockwaves from Corus Entertainment's recent layoffs continue to rip through the Vancouver media landscape, leaving a trail of disappointment and uncertainty in their wake.

This week, we learned that Fiona Forbes, a beloved figure in local broadcasting, has been caught in the crossfire of job cuts that have hit at least 46 employees, primarily journalists across British Columbia and Alberta.

Fiona Forbes: A Fixture on Vancouver TV

Best known for her role as a producer and contributor on Global News’ *The Morning Show*, Forbes has been a familiar face on local television for years. Her career began with hosting *Urban Rush* on Shaw cable, and she has also graced *Breakfast Television* on CityTV, garnering accolades including a coveted Leo Award.

Forbes Reflects on Her Job Loss

On Monday, Forbes took to Instagram to express her shock: 03;As some of you may have heard, there was a devastating round of layoffs at Global last week, and I was one of those affected. It was a rude awakening to find out my position has been s eliminated, but thats the harsh reality of our business right now,' she wrote. 03;I'm proud to have worked with such an incredible team that brought our show to number one! 03;A big shoutout to all my (now former) coworkers still holding the fort.

Tributes from Colleagues and Friends

The news of her layoff has spurred an outpouring of support from the community. Erin Ireland, another local media personality, remarked, 'Global was lucky to have you, Fiona.' Meanwhile, Sophie Lui, a fellow host on Global News, simply stated, 'Love you, Fi.' Forbes has also been a recurring guest on *This is VANCOLOUR*, hosted by Mo Amir, further cementing her status as a cherished local personality.

Corus and Unifor Respond to the Situation

In response to the layoffs, a spokesperson from Corus stated, 'These cuts represent difficult but necessary changes aimed at creating a more sustainable future for our company and our news division.' This stark announcement comes amid widespread criticism from Unifor, a national union representing workers, with National President Lana Payne calling the cuts a 'devastating blow to local news across the country and to our democracy.'

The Broader Implications of these Layoffs

Beyond Forbes, the layoffs have affected numerous talented journalists, prompting Simon Little, another local journalist, to share his own feelings of loss. 'It’s incredible I somehow made it 10 years in the news biz without being laid off, but my luck ran out today. Spare a thought for your local journos who are ever being asked to do more with less,' he tweeted.

The Future of Local News Remains Uncertain

As the dust settles, the repercussions of these layoffs loom large over BC's media landscape. The community will undoubtedly feel the impact of losing such seasoned professionals. The question remains: how will local news evolve in the face of these challenges?