Bell Media has cut jobs in Vancouver as various prominent TV anchors and radio hosts have been let go, reports Daily Hive.
The co-anchor of CTV Vancouver’s prime time newscast at 6pm, Scott Roberts, has been let go.
Roberts confirmed his departure on Twitter Thursday evening, saying, “Tough day. Had a good 15 year run at CTV, but unfortunately layoffs are part of a difficult business climate for journalism. Wishing all my colleagues the very best. Continue doing important work.”
Tough day. Had a good 15 year run at CTV, but unfortunately layoffs are part of a difficult business climate for journalism. Wishing all my colleagues the very best. Continue doing important work. ❤️ https://t.co/CNRgYWLsmP
— Scott Roberts (@ScottRobertsCTV) March 11, 2022
Another layoff involved CTV Morning Live traffic reporter, Luisa Alvarez, who confirmed her departure on Thursday afternoon, saying, “today my life changed.”
The layoff caught her by surprise—she did not know she would be let go coming into her shift. “I didn’t know it when I got to work this morning but today was my last show for CTV Morning Live and my last day at Bell Media,” said Alvarez.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the viewers and my amazing co-workers that made the 3:30 am wake up call worth it every single day. I started at CTV back on 2019 as a video journalist and then became the traffic host. I know it wasn’t a long time but it was a great time…Let’s see what comes next,” she concluded.
Today my life changed. 😔 pic.twitter.com/aIybiTHY9F
— Luisa Alvarez (@luisaalvarez95) March 10, 2022
As for radio layoffs, longtime 103.5 FM mid-day host, Olivia Jones, similarly confirmed Thursday was her last day with Bell Media.
“After 17 years, today was my last day with Bell Media,” said Jones. “From The Beat Street Squad to hosting the Midday Show on Move 103.5 in 4 markets and fill-in weather caster on CTV Morning Live, it’s been an incredible run. Excited for what’s next,” said Jones.
After 17 years, today was my last day with Bell Media.
From The Beat Street Squad to hosting the Midday Show on Move 103.5 in 4 markets and fill-in weather caster on CTV Morning Live, it’s been an incredible run.
Excited for what’s next…
— Olivia Jones (@OliviaJonesFM) March 10, 2022
Bell Media also cut Amy Beeman, the producer of 94.5 FM Virgin Radio’s Morning Show and 17-year veteran of the station. Beeman confirmed her job cut on Friday morning.
“It’s always hard when decisions are made for you, but I have to believe that something must end in order for something else amazing to start. Here’s to 17 years of early mornings in Vancouver and to those who made it possible- thank you,” said Beeman.
“There will come a time when you believe everything is finished.
That will be the beginning.”
❤️#AccordingtoAmy pic.twitter.com/ajqAneCI2Y— Amy Beeman (@AmyBeeman) March 11, 2022
These are prominent names in the media space in Vancouver–and also likely some of the highest-paid given their long tenures and name recognition.
Just over one year ago, Bell Media similarly cut jobs in early spring, with over 200 employees let go in the Greater Toronto Area.
The company also simultaneously cut TSN radio stations off air suddenly in Vancouver, Winnipeg and Hamilton at the time, resulting in the hashtag #BellLetsCut to go trending on Twitter, as the news came about a week after the company’s annual Bell Let’s Talk mental health fundraiser.
