CBC cuts jobs at N.L. regional stations

CBC will be eliminating as many as 20 jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador, with Radio Noon cut to just one hour and Living Newfoundland and Labrador cancelled altogether.

Employees in the region were told that job cuts may be limited to just 12, however, and are dependent on how many employees take advantage of a retirement incentive program.

The cuts will reach into stations where CBC News offers four local radio morning shows. Between two and three jobs will be cut in each of the corporation's operations in Corner Brook, Labrador and central Newfoundland.

Living, which recently finished shooting its third season, was cancelled along with similar regional shows that CBC Television aired across the country. The closure means the loss of six contract positions and affects two permanent employees who willbe reassigned.

The cut to Radio Noon is also part of a national program that will see other regional midday radio shows cut in half. The cut will affect between one and two positions at the show.

As well, one position has been eliminated in CBC Radio's performance department, and funding hasbeen halvedfor recording concerts for programs such as Performance Hour, Musicraft and Canada Live.

A retirement incentive program, which still needs federal government approval, will be offered for a limited time to senior employees starting on April 6. Managers told employees that layoffs may be mitigated depending on how many employees take advantage of the program.

Outside its St. John's base, CBC operates small bureaus in Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, Corner Brook, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Labrador City.

No changes have been made to Here & Now.