Sean Cohan explains layoffs and program cuts as crucial for Bell Media's digital and diversity aims
Bell Media President Sean Cohan recently spoke out about the necessity of layoffs and programming cuts at the company, stating they were crucial steps towards achieving the organization's objectives in the evolving digital media landscape.
During his first public engagement since assuming his role at the Black Screen Office Symposium in Toronto, Cohan emphasized Bell Media's ongoing commitment to diversity, according to BNN Bloomberg.
Following his keynote speech, Cohan addressed concerns over the portrayal of the layoffs conducted by Bell Media's parent company, Bell Inc., across Canada, rejecting the notion that these actions were “killing journalism.”
In February, Bell Inc. disclosed a significant reduction of its workforce, announcing 4,800 job cuts across various levels of the organization.
Less than 10 percent of these cuts directly impacted Bell Media, which also saw the discontinuation of several local newscasts nationwide and the integration of the investigative series W5 into other programming rather than standing alone.
Despite these changes, Cohan highlighted that Bell Media has expanded its journalism presence, boasting “more dedicated journalists in more territories” in Canada than at any previous point, thanks to the restructuring.
The organization plans for CTV National News to feature dedicated newsgathering staff in all 10 Canadian provinces, marking a first for the broadcast.
Amidst restructuring, BCE Inc., Bell Media's parent company, announced the divestment of 45 out of 103 Bell radio stations.
Cohan, however, remains optimistic about the future of radio, asserting the medium's viability and noting that the sold stations have found “better homes” with “committed local players.”
In his address at the BSO Symposium, Cohan underlined the importance of diversity within Bell Media, arguing that it contributes to outstanding business outcomes.
He revealed the company's goal for the current year: to ensure that half of the English and French language programs it commissions are created by individuals from Black, Indigenous, people of colour, and other underrepresented groups.
Cohan, who took on his role in November, pledged his dedication to fostering differentiated storytelling through a diverse, inclusive workforce, underscoring the integration of diverse perspectives as a key component of the company's strategy.
