“We can confirm that, as part of programming refresh across our AM portfolio, we have made some difficult but necessary changes to our radio teams in various markets across Canada to ensure a sustainable future for Corus,” a Corus spokesperson said. “As a result, certain roles have been impacted but others have been added or changed.”
Pattison Media radio stations join iHeartRadio Canada
Bell has announced that all 51 Pattison Media radio stations will now be available on the iHeartRadio Canada platform. Pattison’s stations joining iHeartRadio include 102.3 Now Radio in Edmonton, 101.5 Today Radio in Calgary and QX104 in Winnipeg, as well as the Beach Radio and Rewind Radio brands. The stations will be available on iHeart.com and the iHeartRadio Canada app.
iHeartRadio’s library in Canada already includes radio brands such as Toronto’s Chum 104.5, the Énergie group in Quebec, international brands such as Virgin Radio and Canadian brands like Pure Country, Bounce Radio, and Move Radio. Its portfolio encompasses audio content, including 212 music channels, 100 licensed radio stations, podcasts, playlists and on-demand content.
Pattison, based in British Columbia, is one of the largest privately held media organizations in the country. In addition to 51 radio stations, it presently operates three TV stations and 20 online news portals in 32 distinct markets, spanning British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Rogers Lays off dozens of audio workers, Corus too
Citing uncertainty in the advertising market and declining revenue, Rogers has laid off a few dozen employees in its audio business across several markets. However, the media company said in an email to CBC that there will be no station closures and that Rogers has no plans to curtail programming or podcasts.
“With the radio industry continuing to feel the pressure of an uncertain advertising market, we made some difficult but necessary changes in our audio business impacting roles in several markets,” Rogers Sports & Media spokesperson Charmaine Khan said.
And on Wednesday, Corus confirmed that it had recently made similarly difficult changes in its AM radio business.
