More layoffs coming to CBC

Unfortunately the CBC layoffs haven’t stopped at Steven and Chris.

CBC executives told staff this morning they will be laying off 800 staff members in an attempt to balance its budget by saving $171 million.

"These are tough times for the public broadcaster," CBC president Hubert Lacroix said. "The changes are significant and it will take time to talk them through.”

At least half the cuts will be made in English-language departments, while television will see more cuts than radio.

In addition, senior managers' take-home pay will be cut by 20 per cent, through reduced bonuses, and corporate salaries will be rolled back by 5 per cent.

Lacroix maintains CBC television will continue to have 80 per cent Canadian content in primetime, and that radio will continue to be commercial-free and retain “major market” morning and afternoon shows.

So what will be cut? The broadcaster will be “scaling back” regional radio and television programming, current affairs drama, music and special event shows. News will be reduced, and more shows will be repeated throughout the day.

Managers will deliver more specific news to effected areas tomorrow.

Layoffs will occur through the summer.