Corus Entertainment, owner of the Global Television Network and multiple radio stations, says programming changes across Canada will result in an unspecified number of job losses. The move comes as Corus grapples with a persistent drop in advertising sales and rising debt.

In a statement to CBC News on Thursday, the Toronto-based media company says the changes are an effort to “strengthen and sustain” its news divisions. The statement also references a plan to “centralize production,” without specifying where in Canada that will happen.

“Corus is committed to local news and will maintain its local news delivery in Calgary and Edmonton. While some roles have been impacted as we centralize production, we are adding additional roles to continue providing news programming in these markets,” Corus spokesperson Annie Arnone wrote in an email.

“At this time, we are not commenting on individual personalities. Changes will be reflected in the coming weeks on air.”

News of the changes at Corus were first reported by the Western Standard news website on Wednesday.

Declines in radio, TV revenue

Last month, Corus chief executive officer John Gossling cited “continued pressure on linear television advertising demand” as the company reported double-digit year-over-year declines in radio and television revenue. 

Toronto-listed Corus shares have plunged nearly 70 per cent over the past 12 months, reaching penny stock territory, amid mounting financial challenges. Corus ended its latest quarter with $1.16 billion in debt on its balance sheet. Much of this debt is linked to the company’s 2016 purchase of Shaw Media in a deal valued at $2.65 billion.

Last month, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice formally approved a debt-for-equity swap between Corus and its lenders aimed at easing the company’s debt load. The transaction requires approval from regulators, including the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission. 

The cuts at Corus follow recent job losses at larger rivals Bell Canada and Rogers Sports & Media. 

Earlier this month, Rogers announced plans to eliminate 230 jobs by closing six radio stations in four Canadian cities.

Last month, Bell Canada, a division of telecom giant BCE, confirmed plans to cut nearly 700 jobs.

In 2024, BCE slashed nine per cent of its workforce, affecting about 4,800 jobs, in a shakeup that also saw the company offload dozens of radio stations, and end multiple television newscasts. The company owns media brands including CTV and TSN.