Media world is still counting casualties from Bell bloodbath

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Tom Brown, CTV Toronto
Tom Brown, CTV Toronto
Anwar Knight, CTV Toronto
Anwar Knight, CTV Toronto
Kym Geddes, News Director, CFRB
Kym Geddes, News Director, CFRB

Last week’s national layoffs at Bell Media hit a scale seldom seen in the radio and television business. They seem to indicate a sense of crisis at Bell as the world increasingly turns away from broadcasting to streaming. The change has been underway for a while but few people would have predicted the end of the weather on CTV News. In Toronto, Tom Brown and Anwar Knight were both laid off. The dismissal of CFRB news director Kym Geddes seems like a prophetic statement. The bloodbath in radio has seen news departments replaced with the audio of CTV News. Here is a summary collected from many sources by media scribbler Steve Faguy.

Bell Media’s mass layoff campaign, which began Monday (Feb 1) in Montreal, continued Tuesday and Wednesday with layoffs at various Toronto operations, hitting Newstalk 1010 (CFRB), and cuts in other markets across the country.

Social media was active with people announcing they had suddenly become free agents, and others wondering who else was about to announce the bad news. Though more than a dozen came forward, that’s a mere fraction of the more than 210 who are to lose their jobs this week.

Like its sister station in Montreal (CJAD), Newstalk 1010 gutted its newsroom, as its newscast has been replaced by CTV News branding and reporters. It also cancelled its weekday evening program — The Night Side with Barb DiGiulio — and will run more repurposed programming in its place.

Its schedule shows it will rebroadcast CTV News Toronto daily at 6 p.m. and a rerun of the Evan Solomon Show at 10 p.m. weekdays. Jamil Jivani fills the 7-10 p.m. slot.

Weekend host and Toronto broadcasting legend Ted Woloshyn was also let go. Among those 1010 staff confirming their departures on social media were news director Kym Geddes, reporters Hayley Cooper, Lucas Meyer and anchor Claude Feig.

Bell won’t confirm which jobs or employees it is cutting, so we must rely on self-reporting to find out who has been told their services are no longer required.

Others across Bell Media to announce they had been laid off:

  • Rick Henriques, communications coordinator
  • Robin Johnston, director original production, factual and reality
  • Dahlia Kurtz, weekend morning show host at CFRA 580 Ottawa
  • Steve McCann, managing writer at Your Morning
  • Ivy Mak and Glynn Perkins, CTV Toronto assignment editors
  • Brent Wallace, TSN Ottawa reporter
  • Playback reported Tom Hastings, director of original programming, drama, had been let go
  • Toronto Mike reports weather anchors Tom Brown and Anwar Knight were cut
  • A number of sales people and affiliate reps for Bell specialty services were also eliminated.
  • Update since first posting: TSN anchors Dan O’Toole and Natasha Staniszewski have been let go.
  • Update #2: The Windsor Star reports Steve Bell has been let go from CKLW Windsor after 40 years with the station
  • Update #3: The Niagara Falls Review reports two producers with 610 CKTB along with veteran reporter
  • Noelle Sinclair have lost their jobs.
  • Update #4: BNN anchor Catherine Murray.
  • Lynzee Barnett, host of London’s Pure Country
  • Cash Connors, morning host at Kitchener-Waterloo’s Virgin Radio

  85 comments for “Media world is still counting casualties from Bell bloodbath”

  1. I’m shocked, disappointed and disgusted that Tom Brown and Anwar Knight have been let go by Bell.
    It was pretty bad when Ken Shaw left. Still missing him. But now this. Bell, let’s talk: YOU SUCK.

  2. Can’t believe Tom Brown and Anwar Knight were dismissed. They were our favourite weathermen of all times and kept us enjoying the last awful year with their friendly weather news. Anwar was great in the outdoors and Tom Brown with his lovely warm humour. We thought that they were just having a break and suddenly thought about it and wondered where the “new” weather people came from. Nothing was announced on CTV and I think they deserved a wholehearted mention and thank you.
    We are so sad. We will now watch other stations and not CTV.
    Susan and Irving Berger

  3. I totally agree with all the above negative comments. A really bad heartless move on Bell’s part and it really shows they don’t know their audience and worse, that they don’t care. If they were worrying about declining numbers, they’ve just shot themselves in the foot!

  4. I too recently felt that something was missing from CTV. Can’t believe they let Anwar and Tom Brown go. I was thinking they were just taking a break.Shameful, those two guys were so interesting and motivating. Extremely upset about this!! Won’t ever be a Bell customer.

    • I could not have said it better myself very disappointed and disgusted where what time did 420 Mountain for all the people in need Christmas time it is just sickening!

  5. Bell surely must be run by idiots. Why on earth would you get rid of the best employees. Hopefully the other channels will pick them soon. I have stopped watching ctv .

  6. Have to say I wish they cared.
    They lost this constomer after 54 loyal years and didn’t care. They are after something else… Facebook style dominance?
    Hard to find local news now… papers and mags are shadows of their former selves. Radio too. Now local TV news.
    Part of a design to keep us ignorant?

  7. I was so upset when Lance and Joe were let go from the station and now Anwar and Tom!!!! That’s it for me. No more CTV on our television.

  9. I’ve been loyal to ctv for decades, but the loss of Tom and Anwar caps it for me. I guess toy mountain will end without tom. I’m ought here.

  10. Bell. Let’s talk. Letting go of Tom and Anwar was a classless act. Will divest myself of any Bell products and services. That’s the best way to register my disgust. To others out there, vote with your feet.

    • Only now I realized they let go Tom Brown! Why Tom ? What a shame .i will stop watching their news at 6.00 pm .
      I’m disgusted! Bell products no thanks !
      I Feel for all the people they let go ! Special Tom is a Star. !

    • Absolutely!! I was a loyal CTV fan for over 40 years…. I was horrified that they cut Tom and Anwar. They brought personality and humanity to the news room. I just deleted all the scheduled CTV News casts. Tom and Anwar did not deserve this…. I hope they land somewhere where they will be appreciated!

  11. My husband and I were also wondering why we haven’t seen Anwar and Tom. We realized there’s a new weather girl and Lindsey Morrison. Then I googled it just to find out that they were let go. Shame on you Bell Media. Now we have to ditch your channels. BAD MOVE BELL… VERY BAD MOVE….

  12. My husband and I have been wondering what happened to Tom and Anwar. I finally decided to Google it and just now see that they were let go as a cost saving measure. We are sorry for both of them, and others who were let go, to be treated so badly when they have given so much energy and professionalism to the show. Tom and Anwar will be missed by the viewers of the CTV news, and many viewers are now looking elsewhere for their news and other services. Bell media should get with it – profits are not everything. Humane treatment of your employees means much more. Your jobs should be cut back if you think this is the way forward for Bell Media. Shame on Bell , not even a public thank you and explanation for their job cuts. Really the explanation isn’t good. Profits over people. My husband says that those who made this decision should look in the mirror and ask if it was right or wrong.

    • I also was just wondering what happened to Tom and Anwar. I will not watch anything CTV going forward. I canned Bell home phone and mobile years ago. Bell should be ashamed of themselves. It’s all to satisfy greedy shareholders. I will turn to CBC and Global for my news and weather. I encourage others to do the same.

      • We are disappointed with Bell Media’s decision to dismiss Tom and Anwar. We will not be tuning in to CTV from now on and we will also be dismissing Bell services from our home. I sincerely hope that you will not be adding any other light weights as was done when Canada AM was axed.

      • Utterly disgusted! These two fella’s brought a smile to an otherwise, gloomy year. All Bell services are hereby, cancelled. “Thanks for your contribution”.

    • Like you, my husband and I have noticed the absence of Tom Brown lately and are wondering what is happening. We thought maybe he’s away on sick leave. So just like you, I decided to Google. I was totally shocked to find that he had been let go. I told my husband the sad news and we both are simply dumbfounded! Tom is such a colourful, jovial and down-to-earth character who clearly enjoys his work. We’ve always looked forward to him coming on the air with the weather broadcast. He is the BEST weather guy, delivering with such enthusiasm and joy every single time! BIG MISTAKE CTV!!!
      Equally sad that Anwar was also let go!

      • And are you aware that the ceo is making a combined wage (salary and bonus) of $10.7 million a year? Shame on him!
        BCE is a publicly traded company. The shareholders should have stepped in and ensured that bonuses will not be paid out if there are any job losses during the unprecedented pandemic. Shame on the shareholders!

  13. In complete agreement with all previous comments! Not watching CTV any more even though I feel I am penalizing Lisa Laflamme, Andria Case, Zaraida, Omar, etc. for their excellent work. Who will be next in your quest to placate shareholders?

  14. What a horrendous thing to do.My wife and I were wondering what had happened to Tom and Anwar-just very shocked to discover that they had been fired.These two professionals brought something quite special to the screen.Both men were full of energy,wit,and selflessness.CTV took them away from us at a time when their presence made a difference to so many during this time of crisis.We are sadden.We wish them well.As for CTV they are soulless.

    • Thus is a schock to hear that Anqar & Tom are leaving. Every noon we were waiting to see AnwR and his weTher cast and what other good additional ifo he puts in.

  15. I just realized today that Tom Brown and Anwar Knight were no longer with you. They were the best weather team on CTV or on any TV station. I understand you need to hire woman but the squeaky uninteresting voice I hear now drives me crazy. Therefore another station will be watched.

    • I thought Tom Brown was maybe on vacation, until
      I suddenly realized Anwar was also missing. I am appalled that they were let go. I will not be watching your news program any longer

    • I totally agree. i am a woman so I think I can say that there are too many women on CTV now. If all of the women were fired and replaced with men, what an uproar there would be. Nothing against Lyndsey but she is on non-stop. Toy Mountain will never be the same without Tom .Brown, and I miss Anwar out and about with his weather. Bell Mefia has also destroyed our local radio stations in Niagara. I have stopped listening. I have also switched to Golbal News.

  16. Unbelievable!! Here I was thinking that Tom Brown had somehow gotten Covid 19, and the public were not informed of this…..and lo and behold I find out that he had been fired. What is wrong with Bell Media? Are they a bunch of idiots? Must be a bunch of morons running the company if they felt that they had to let Tom Brown and Anwar Knight go. Think I am going to have to try one of the other Toronto stations to get my daily news fix. Bye bye CTV!!!

  17. So sad that I had to learn about the terminations of Tom Brown and Anwar Knight by searching on line. The only reason we made sure that we caught the news at noon was to see Anwar and where he was reporting from (so enlightening). Also, I consider your callous dismissal of Tom Brown so sad for all the children who counted on his Christmas Toy Mountain for inspiration. It just won’t be the same and I’m sure that the donations will suffer due to the lack of enthusiasm.
    I shall certainly stick with rogers and will avoid all programmes associated with Bell Media.
    Shame on you!!!! “Bell let’s talk” indeed!!!!!

    • My husband and I just realized Tom and Anwar were gone. Both of their positive outlooks were particularly heart warming in such a tough year. How about cost cutting by firing some highly paid executives.

    • I to am discussed that Tom Brown and Anwar Knight have been ket go and not even allowing them to say “goodbye” to their loyal fans!!!!
      CTV and Bell should be ashamed of yourselves.
      These men have been in our homes and part of our families for years!!!!
      “HUGE MISTAKE”

      • Totally agree with your thoughts & comments. They were the best! Hopefully they will resurface on another local network. Hoping GOOGLE informs the family & friends like us when this happens?

      • Shame on you. You did not even let him say good bye to all of his supporters. What a loss for Toy Mountain.
        Take some of those high salaries from the CEO and others and keep the true people that bring the news and weather.

  18. Haven’t been watching CTV for some weeks and had no idea Bell can canned Tom Brown and Anwar Knight. That’s Bell for you, always looking to the bottom line with no regard for their staff and customers. Gave up all Bell products years ago because of their misleading procedures and various fees. Done with them.

  19. I’m shocked and disheartened at the dismissal of Tom Brown and Anwar Knight. I looked forward every day to their reporting. They were so personable and uplifting and will sorely be missed. I wish them both the very best. Presently I now get my news from CBC and Global. CTV is going the way of the USA and we certainly don’t need that kind of news reporting.

      • I don’t understand why they were let go when you still have a weather person. Both Tom and Anwar were the best. There is no way anyone can do a better job with toy mountain. Tom was so good with the kids. Shame on you Bell it’s better to line the big wigs pockets and not the people who were really bringing in the ratings. Will no longer watch CTV.

  20. Enjoyed watching Tom and Anwar over the years. How can you replace them when they probably expected to end there careers there. Hopefully they find good options open to them. I wish them all the best

  21. I can,t believe Bell laid off Tom Brown and Anwar Knight. These were two of the best employees they had. We looked forward to Anwar,s presentation each day at noon because he brought warmth and professionalism into our living room every lunchtime. He brought the outdoors indoors with fun and professionalism. Tom
    Brown had so much energy and for years we listened to his reports and his contribution to society through all his charitable affiliations. CTV news has lost two wonderful employees. When I find out where they now work that is the channel I will be watching.

  22. Tom Brown was the best weather person. He gave world weather and he letvyou understand what was happening across Canada and the U.S.A. that was influencing our weather.. I made time to watch the weather with Tom and Anwar. It is not the same without them. BELL certainly removed people who were well like in all their holdings. I hope people stop giving them money.

  23. Tom and Anwar will be missed they made my day when I watched them I know one thing they will regret letting them go someone else will snatch them up and lots of us will find them I wish them lots of luck where ever they end up ur followers are still watching ansd smiling stay safe 😁👍☔🌞😷

  24. I’ve just learned of this tragedy. Tom Brown and Anwar Knight were two of the best. Seems now with bell if you don’t meet a certain look but are mega talented you will no longer make the cut. I will never watch anything to do with bell media again.
    Seems to be a rotating crew of late. Bell media started with the sports department 2 years ago now the weather.
    Bul you know what.
    Mark F.
    Durham Region

  27. Disguseted. Tom brown and Anwar were staples of ctv. We have severed all ties with Bell as of now. NO PHONE .no internet no satellite. nothing..NO CTV NEWS , CP24 . U GOTNRID OF 2 OF THW BEST. so disgusted . Bell Media you out did yourself.. thoroughly disgusted with you

    • All I can say, is that I totally agree with Margaret Chute’s comments. I have contacted Tom directly, and hope he received my comments, which are completely sympathetic. Have known Tom – not well – on and off over the years – and – do not know Anwar personally. HOWEVER, Anwar led me to all sorts of interesting places, I would not have otherwise known about.
      Not much more I can say, other than Bell has taken a cruel, inhumane approach to cut back on their expenses. I’ve had teacher friends who experienced this; cheaper to hire youth than experience. I DISAGREE.
      Let us hope, and pray Tom and Anwar, can rise above this, and prove how poorly they were treated by CTV

  28. I cannot believe that you let Tom Brown and Anwar Knight go!! I They are the best.

  29. Bell should be ashamed of themselves letting long time employees go without even a proper good bye. I have watch Tom and Anwar for years. Shameless. Thanks

  30. I am dismayed that two great announcers and human beings, who have given so much to CTV and their followers have let Tom Brown and Anwar Knight go after so many years. They will be difficult to replace and their loyalty to CTV should have been rewarded. This appears to just be corporate greed, and nothing to do with journalism and ethics.

  31. I am so bothered about Tom Brown and Anwar Knight. People love them both. I’ve literally heard of people saying they are stopping watching CTV due to this. They have brought so much light to the station. Hoping this is temporary. This is saddening big time !

  32. I am absolutely shocked to see that Tom Brown was let go by CFTO, as well as Anwar. I’ve been a Tom Brown fan/admirer for MANY years, as well as being a staunch supporter, which he knows, of Toy Mountain. I cannot imagine anyone else ‘doing’ Toy Mountain, and maybe CFTO wanted to drop that, but could have done so without dropping such a talented weather specialist. I am TRULY saddened , not to mention disappointed in CFTO.

  33. For Bell it’s never enough! In with the new toss out the old like trash. Pay the new little and pay the experiment nothing.
    I’m sick of big ruthless consortiums. Did the top executives or board members at give up a dime?
    I now spell “bell” with a small insignificant b.
    bell can go to Hell!

  36. I have been wondering where our favourite CTV newsman have been, seeing the new Lindsay every day, soooooooo shocked both Anwar one of the nicest guys on TV and Tom Brown are gone !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! what happened to last man in first man out, or do they prefer a pretty little blonde, just disgraceful,

  37. It is had to find real people like Lance Brown and Anwar.The new people are not the same,all about money.

  38. These cuts make me feel ill. Tom Brown and Anwar Sadat brought personality, creativity and energy to the broadcast and made the news more interesting. The cuts were a huge mistake.

  39. So very disappointed that ctv have let Tom Brown and Anwar knight go. CTV has lost two wonderful broadcasters. I looked forward to their presentations each day. A sad loss .

  40. Bell has totally ruined our St.Catharines radio station, nowMove Niagara. really. I don’t even listen anymore, and now our favourite weather guys Tom Brown and Anwar Knight. Unbelievable. Going to switch to watching Global News.

    • Bell eliminated the only reasons for watching CTV news in Toronto.

      Dumping Bell Fibe TV and its crappy internet. Other alternatives to $$$worshipping corporations.

      Hopefully many more follow.

      • Am thinking they want out of anything community related?
        Am thinking that saves money and makes the shareholders happy?

        • I commented much earlier on; and am pleased to see how many others still care. I only wish Tom and Anwar would be aware of how much they are, and will continue to be, MISSED. I applaud those who are boycotting CTV, and hence Bell; MAY follow suit as I do find some of the new faces far less professional: and I was trained in tv a million years ago!!
          I hope we can find out where they both land, and hope they were given a very generous package. Keep those comments coming. I think too of the families who are affected; maybe the worst part for Tom and Anwar, both superb family men.

    • Whoever decided to lay off Tom Brown and Anwar Knight doesn’t know their audience. They were the most personable people on the news. Bell is on a mission to lose customers. They have lost us!

  41. Just like the for profit nursing homes take care of the shareholders first. I’m sure if I had an MBA I’d put profit ahead product.
    Tom Brown and Anwar Knight are two of the classest People ever to work at CTV News.
    Bell media your an absolute disgrace !!! .

  42. One of the reasons I listen to the news is because I enjoy both Anwar Knight and Tom Brown. It is a great loss to the GTA. I’m extremely disappointed about the losses.

  43. I was shocked to hear that CTVs Tom Brown and Anwar Knight have been let go from Bell Media. These two men were outstanding meteorologists who always made their show interesting with their knowledge, personalities and interest in making a difference..I loved seeing Tom do his toy mountain drive and seeing Anwar on his daily noon trips to very interesting places that one could visit. I will miss them both. Guess i will be watching a different news show from now on.

  44. We are sòooo very upset about Tom & Anwar being let go. WE HAVE WATCHED THEM EVERYDAY FOR YEARS. VERY UPSET. So very angry that money means more to Bell than their weather casters and will now switch channels for our news & weather. Those two men made the weather report fun & interesting. I THINK THIS IS A BIG MISTAKE & Am very sad. Did you give Michelle the boot too ?

  45. Bell should be ashamed of themselves letting quality loyal employees go Tom and Anwar go is a very calious move so good bye

  46. I’ve enjoyed CTV news for years, but that has all come to an end, when Ken retired it was somewhat understandable, I thought. I was somewhat disappointed when Lance Brown was let go and sports desk eliminated. But with so many sports stations as competition I guess it seemed redundant. Now after Tom Brown, Anwar, etc let go, they are letting salaries go. Not nice at all, could have got rid of others with less time on the show, but no we are dumping salaries. So if Bell and/or CTV cannot show allegiance to their employees, why in the hell should we the audience, who have grown with these people continue to support Bell /CTV. I’M out, guess I ‘ll start watching CKWS. Very disappointing!

  47. I was very disappointed that ctv would release Tom and Anwar from the ctv team. Both men were highly professional and will be missed from the line up! As our world is so uncertain this past year it was extremely poor form for Bell to treat these two employees in such a shabby manner… compassion, I think not!

  48. My husband and myself were extremely disappointed to hear that Anwar Knight and Tom Brown (weather anchors) positions were cut.
    As seniors we still enjoy watching broadcasting each day. More
    job cuts. They will both be missed. Good luck to you both.

  49. I think it is absolutely disgusting what Bell Media is doing to the on air staff. The so called management should be cut first very like the bell is top heavy. I am like to watch the CTV news to keep up with things going on – well that will change I will go to CBC or Global for most of my television watching – most the other programming is the shits anyway that is coming from CTV.

  50. Ridiculous they would let Tom Brown and Anwar Knight go from Ctv news Toronto. Another reason to switch to Global.

  51. What the heck is Bell Media doing? Do they realize how many of us watch CTV news in Toronto and surrounding area. Very short sighted to let Anwar Knight go. He’s one of the bright spots on the news.
    Hope Global or someone else hires him. Definitely sounds like I’m changing my viewing preferences

  52. Tom Brown and Anwar Knight are excellent weathermen. Enjoyed both of them . I will now not watch CTV Toronto. Very disappointed!

  53. What a big mistake-Tom and Anwar let go? They are the best at what they do and Bell has just lost a big CTV news fan. Maybe I’ll take a look at my mobile and satellite services too. Big mistake!

    • It has been established that Eatons went into decline after giving up the Santa Claus Parade. I sincerely hope the same happens to Bell… heck with this display of disregard, I’d welcome AT &T.

  55. The weather men, Tom Brown, Anwar Knight will certainly be missed. what a terrible way to find out you do not have a job.

  57. I think CTV (Bell) are forgetting the population is getting older. The way you did Tom Brown was really tacky. You bring in Lyndsay Morrison and slowly push Tom out. I’m switching to Global you Bell make me sick.

  58. I can’t believe you laid off Tom Brown. He is one of the most congenial and well liked members of your news team. His annual Toy Mountain campaign is without rival. I understand the need for austerity during these changing times. Gutting your front line news team is not the way to go about it. I will be getting my media information from other sources from now on.

  60. Very upset about Tom Brown and Anwar Knight dismissals. Really Bet Let’s Talk!!!! That’s all lip service!!!! I wish I could boycott Bell Media!!!!!

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