National

Four newsroom staff at Radio NL in Kamloops are cut in format change

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 24 Sep, 2024 05:31 PM

More than half of the newsroom at Radio NL in Kamloops, B.C., has been let go as the station moves to a music format.

The radio station has had a decades-long grip on news in the Interior and beyond, breaking stories and covering everything from emergencies to courts and city hall.

Today some changes were made at Radio NL in Kamloops to ensure the radio station’s long-term viability and commitment to the community. Instead of programming news/talk around the clock, the station will now include a mix of music, news, sports, and community information. (1)
— RadioNLNews (@RadioNLNews) September 24, 2024

As a result of this difficult decision, some positions were impacted in news and programming. Our remaining news team at Radio NL will continue to provide the most local newscasts throughout the day reflecting all that is important in our community. (2)
— RadioNLNews (@RadioNLNews) September 24, 2024

The closure of RadioNL’s newsroom is just bad news for local journalism. @RadioNLNews has long been a trusted source of information for the community, and @MineerBrett voice has been a steady presence in their lives.
— David Eby (@Dave_Eby) September 24, 2024

Radio NL news director Paul James says four of seven journalists have been let go, but they will still be maintaining a newsroom.

He says the ability of radio stations, particularly in the smaller communities, to maintain a news-talk operation has become less financially viable.

Radio NL, at 610 on the AM dial, was one of more than 100 licences purchased by Stingray Digital Group Inc. in 2018.

B.C. Premier David Eby says in reaction to the cuts on social media that the decision by the Stingray Group to reduce the newsroom was "just bad for local journalism."

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Wildfire update planned in B.C. as crews battle about 350 blazes

British Columbia's minister of emergency management is scheduled to give an update on the wildfire situation today as some areas in the province cool off while others flare. Bowinn Ma and Forests Minister Bruce Ralston will be joined by staff from the province to give an overview of the wildfire trouble spots in B.C.

Wildfire update planned in B.C. as crews battle about 350 blazes

Third BC United MLA set to go to B.C.'s Conservatives

BC United Leader Kevin Falcon is losing a third member of the legislature to the Conservative Party of British Columbia. BC United's director of communications Adam Wilson says in a statement that Teresa Wat, who represents the riding of Richmond North Centre, has indicated her intention to join John Rustad's B.C. Conservatives.

Third BC United MLA set to go to B.C.'s Conservatives

Parks Canada, Guilbeault defend wildfire preparation policies after Jasper blaze

Parks Canada officials and politicians angrily denied Monday that forest management policies in Jasper National Park contributed to a catastrophic wildfire that damaged one-third of the townsite. Ron Hallman, CEO of the federal agency, said it was "ridiculous" to assert his organization puts a higher value on nature than people.

Parks Canada, Guilbeault defend wildfire preparation policies after Jasper blaze

Internal federal public service report details racism in the Privy Council Office

The Coalition Against Workplace Discrimination obtained the report using the Access to Information Act. It details barriers for employees of colour at the Privy Council Office, the administrative arm of government that serves the Prime Minister's Office and cabinet. The conclusions were based on group discussions and interviews with employees in 2021 and 2022.

Internal federal public service report details racism in the Privy Council Office

WestJet, Air North announce deal for single-ticket travel involving both airlines

WestJet and Whitehorse-based Air North have announced a new agreement that will allow single-ticket travel across both airlines' networks. A statement from WestJet says the new "interline agreement" allows passengers to book a single ticket with a connected itinerary between WestJet's network and the Yukon and Northwest Territories.

WestJet, Air North announce deal for single-ticket travel involving both airlines

Woman rescued off B.C. glacier calls those who braved smoky conditions 'superheroes'

Mark Jennings-Bates, with the Kaslo Search and Rescue, says a skilled helicopter pilot was able to navigate the winds and thick smoke to rescue the hikers from the side of an alpine lake. He says the four were well prepared and used an iPhone's emergency SOS feature to provide rescuers with their precise location.