LONDON – CHUM Ltd.’s Southwestern Ontario broadcast stations The New PL, The New WI and The New NX (which will be A-Channels come August) today announced changes to its news programming.
While the alterations “will include significant enhancements to the morning show ‘New Day’,” says the press release, “it will also mean the cancellation of the ‘Noon News’.
On the personnel level, seven new union positions will be created (6 full time and 1 part time) but 13 full time union and management positions will be eliminated, resulting in yearly savings of approximately $500,000 for the stations. One time severance costs are estimated at $375,000.
"The conventional television market continues to be very soft and we must make better use of our resources," says Greg Mudry, vice-president and general manager, The New PL/WI/NX. "We are also responding to our viewers’ needs by enhancing our morning program which has great potential for further audience and revenue growth."
“New Day" will become "A-Channel Morning" as the stations rebrand August 2nd. Hosts Bevin Palmateer, Cheryl Weedmark, and Houida Kassem will be joined by a new, yet to be named host. The program will relaunch with a fresh look and new features to give viewers what they need to start their day, added the release.
PL is the London station, NX is Wingham’s and WI is Windsor’s, but they operate as a regional group with the same local programming.
"The strength of New Day and News Now at 6 is evident in the recent Spring BBM rating survey," added Cal Johnstone, news director of The New PL/WI/NX, in the release. "Directing our tight resources to these critical local programs is imperative for us to attract viewers and maintain our leadership position in the communities we serve."
The last broadcast of the "Noon News" will be this Friday, June 24th. Julie Simpson will continue her role as anchor of "Health and Home" at 6 p.m. Bob Smith will continue anchoring news on the morning show.
