CHUM cuts hard news in several markets; centralizes ops. Not cost-cutting, says Switzer

TORONTO – The days of "hard news" gathering appear to be over in some CHUM Television regions. The company announced Wednesday a cross-country overhaul of its news operations which will see the broadcaster move away from so-called hard news reporting (think car crashes and daily political coverage) on the local level to softer news shows coupled with a national, centrally-produced newscast. Company CEO Jay Switzer (who said "it's been a long day," three times in the opening minute of today's conference call with financial analysts) said in a follow-up interview with Cartt.ca that these moves are not something foisted onto the company...