The Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) is deeply concerned by Rogers Sports & Media’s decision to eliminate 230 positions and shutter six radio stations, two each in Vancouver and Calgary and single stations in Halifax and Kitchener, across the country.
Canadians need and deserve access to accurate, balanced and timely information. Any reduction or closure of any newsroom in Canada that produces this content will only diminish our collective knowledge and our responsibility to democracy as a whole.
The public’s need for trusted local news has not diminished but grown.
Media reports have suggested that at least one employee learned of the closure on their drive to work through a radio announcement — a signal of how devastating and impersonal these layoffs were.
As one of Canada’s largest broadcasters, Rogers has an opportunity to help shape the future of local journalism in this country. Its decision to close community television channels and now eliminate local radio stations sends a troubling message about the value being placed on local news and the communities that depend on it.
It, like many other layoffs in the past, have created irreparable holes in the fabric of our democracy. The layoffs came one day after Rogers announced it was spending $4.35 billion to become the sole owner of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.
“The CRTC must examine the impact of licence returns and station closures on local news availability,” said CAJ vice-chair Paul Schneidereit. “Canadians are entitled to ask why a company with the capacity to make multibillion-dollar investments in sports and entertainment cannot sustain meaningful local journalism in communities where it holds broadcast licences.”
Our thoughts are with the journalists, producers, technicians and all media staff who have been impacted by these closures. These individuals have dedicated their time to their communities, often under increasingly challenging circumstances.
The CAJ has issued four statements raising concerns about Rogers layoffs since 2012.
The CAJ continues to advocate for policies that strengthen journalism and calls on the government and private media companies to ensure Canada’s broadcast industry is a part of the solution, not the problem.
Peer support available through CNIPS
The Canadian Association of Journalists’ Canadian News Industry Peer Support (CNIPS) program extends its support to the journalists, media workers and their families affected by the latest round of job losses announced earlier this week. The CNIPS program is available to provide free, confidential one-on-one peer support for journalists affected by the layoffs. Whether you are navigating job loss, career uncertainty or simply need someone to talk to, CNIPS is here to help. We encourage anyone affected to reach out and make use of this resource during what is undoubtedly a difficult time.
CNIPS will also be holding a virtual group drop-in session on Tuesday, July 28, at 8:00 p.m. ET via Zoom to discuss the mental health impacts of layoffs, share experiences in a supportive environment, and connect with peers who understand the unique anxieties and challenges facing journalists during times of career uncertainty.
For more information you can visit the CNIPS webpage or email peersupport@caj.ca.
The Canadian Association of Journalists is the country’s largest professional organization that serves to advance the interests of journalists from coast to coast to coast. The CAJ’s primary roles are public-interest advocacy work and professional development for its members.
For further information: Monique Durette, operations manager, Canadian Association of Journalists, monique.durette@caj.ca
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