CBC Thunder Bay supporters protest cuts to station

About 50 supporters of CBC Thunder Bay gathered outside the station on Miles Street Friday morning to protest the latest round of cuts at the public broadcaster.

The event, organized by the Citizens United for a Sustainable Planet (CUSP), included singing a song lamenting the loss of Jolene Banning, whose administrative job was declared redundant.  She has also contributed a weekly entertainment column to Superior Morning. 

Paul Berger, a member of CUSP, said the rally may not reverse the cuts, but felt it was important to bring attention to changes at the CBC.

"We can see that CBC will continue to be cut until there's nothing left of it. So I do think that it's important that we stand on the street together and build bridges with each other and resist this."

"And that will be seen by other people and it's a little spark of resistance, and I think that's important to do that because it's the right thing to do, even if you don't think it's going to change everything."

Two retirements will be amalgamated into one position, along with the elimination of the administrative position.

Financial decision

Susan Rogers, the program manager at CBC Thunder Bay, said the cuts affecting the station in Thunder Bay are part of the financial challenges being felt across the corporation.

"Our cuts, as unfortunate as they are, are part of the nationwide $15 million cut to the CBC: $1.6 million alone in Ontario. And, every station here has been affected."

Rogers said there will be no change to the number of editorial staff at the station.

 "At least here, we've taken advantage of two retirements to meld into one position. And yes, sadly, there is one person going in an administrative role. At least we can take solace in the fact that we will keep the same number of editorial positions here."