Groupe TVA Cuts 87 Jobs Across Quebec
Groupe TVA has announced the elimination of 87 jobs across Quebec, specifically within its broadcasting operations. This reduction is attributed to the company’s deteriorating financial situation, specifically significant losses in advertising revenue.
Job Cuts Amid Financial Struggles
As of January 2022, Groupe TVA has reported cumulative net losses exceeding $93 million. These losses have largely stemmed from declining advertising revenues and insufficient governmental support for the private television sector.
Request for Government Action
Pierre Karl Péladeau, the interim president and CEO of Groupe TVA, emphasized the need for government intervention. He stated that, despite presenting various solutions, the company requires action from policymakers to enable continued investment in content and information.
- Government inaction has hindered the industry’s stability.
- Key measures are needed to reform the ecosystem affecting television broadcasting.
The recent budget introduced by the government on November 4, under Carney, lacked crucial commitments and tax credits for the private broadcasting industry. Meanwhile, a $150 million investment in CBC/Radio-Canada was announced, a move criticized by Quebecor and Cogeco Media.
Impact on Employment Across Quebec
The latest job cuts will primarily impact unionized, permanent, and temporary positions in several cities, including:
- Montreal
- Trois-Rivières
- Sherbrooke
- Saguenay
- Rimouski
Louis-Philippe Neveu, Vice President of Operations, Information, and Sports at Groupe TVA, acknowledged that the fragile state of the industry necessitated difficult choices for the company.
Previous Restructuring Efforts
In May, Groupe TVA had already cut around 30 jobs as part of earlier restructuring efforts. This year has seen two major restructurings, leading to a total reduction of nearly 800 jobs in the company.
Reactions to the Job Cuts
These recent layoffs have elicited strong reactions from labor unions and industry leaders. The Syndicat des employé-es de TVA expressed that these cuts represent a “severe blow” to regional news production and cultural vitality.
Carl Beaudoin, the provincial president of the union, called on the government to take action to prevent the erosion of local newsrooms across Quebec. He stated that extending tax credits for audiovisual content production is crucial for the industry’s recovery.
- Beaudoin urges action against “the poison” of disappearing newsrooms.
- He highlights the need for financial support for media production.
Magali Picard, President of the Quebec Federation of Workers, has also criticized the ongoing crisis affecting private cultural producers, underscoring the urgent need for attention to the challenges faced by Groupe TVA and the broader industry.
