Canada’s national broadcaster to cut 600 jobs by next year

A man sits inside the Canadian Broadcast Corporation (CBC) broadcasting centre in Toronto May 23, 2014. REUTERS/Mark Blinch /File Photo

CBC/Radio-Canada said on Monday that it plans to cut about 600 union and non-union positions over the next year, as the national broadcaster implements cost-saving initiatives.

The proposed job cuts will help manage about C$125 million ($92.32 million) in budget pressures forecast for the 2024–2025 fiscal year, the broadcaster said.

CBC and Radio-Canada will each reduce about 250 jobs, while the remaining roles will be trimmed from the technology and infrastructure divisions. Additionally, about 200 presently vacant positions will be eliminated.

The company added that it would also be cutting its English and French programming budgets for the next fiscal year, including about C$40 million in independent production commissions and program acquisitions.

Earlier this year, Canada’s broadcaster began implementing over C$25 million in discretionary cost reductions including travel, sponsorships, marketing and postponement of technology initiatives.