CBC Cancels Steven & Chris, Fashion File
Financial Woes Force Cancellation of Two CBC Series
Mar 11, 2009
The decision follows a recent federal government announcement there would be no further funding for the CBC.
Steven & Chris Cancellation
Steven & Chris is daytime lifestyle show filmed in front of a live studio audience. The show has been on the air for under a year. It will go on indefinite hiatus following the completion of its current production schedule this April.
Fashion File has been a CBC staple for over 17 years, and will see its run end March 31st. The network will keep the show’s name and format for use in other areas. The decision for cancel both shows will affect a total of 34 jobs, 6 permanent and 28 contract jobs.
The network is blaming the current economic situation, saying canceling shows is a sign of the times. Kristine Layfield, the network’s executive director of network programming addressed the issues on cbc.ca: “Like every other media organization right now, we’re facing big challenges as a result of a significant drop in advertising revenues.”
Federal Government Denied CBC Further Funding
According to the Canadian Press, CBC advertising revenues have fallen by $65 million, and are predicted to continue falling this fiscal year. Corporation President Hubert Lacroix has warned of deep program, and staff cuts without government assistance.
The Federal Government has firmly denied requests for increased funding. Heritage Minister James Moore remarked in press reports that he thought the network received enough funding. In comments published on cbc.ca he remarked on how the money was invested: “CBC is receiving record investment from our government and I have every confidence that their management can make do with the taxpayer money they’re getting.” CBC has received a total of $1.1 billion dollars.
The Canadian Media Guild agrees with the request for more money. They say that although $1.1 billion sounds like a lot of money to the average Canadian, to the broadcast industry it’s not very much. The Guild foresees CBC is in for some tough decisions across the country. In comments published by The Canadian Press Lise Lareau said that what bothered her was “For a relatively small amount of money, jobs in communities across the country are at stake.”
CBC isn’t the only one feeling the pinch. CTV Globemedia, has laid off a further 24 employees with their morning show Canada Am, and have announced they aren’t renewing licenses for their “A” Channel affiliates in Windsor and Wingham.
Canwest Global is in serious financial trouble and has sold off its stake in sports network The Score. They are also looking to sell their Hamilton property: CH, possibly to a group led by Anchor Donna Skelly
