Sportscasters Let Go

Covering sports is as important to me as it is to the other markets in the lower mainland, but on this day it was anything but exciting.

In conversation with some that I knew in the business was that it was a pretty somber day for those in the broadcast media, given the nature of the business.

Over the years (if you are in the business) you become quite good friends with each other and when you hear of a loss of a job, it simply saddens you.

Word from Bell Media was that CTV Vancouver Sports Director/Anchor Perry Solkowski was one of at least 18 Bell Media staffers laid in Vancouver as the Canadian communications giant continued with its latest round of cuts.

The company stated that they expect to see 270 jobs in Toronto and another 110 in Montreal.

Along with Solkowski, reporter Lisa Rossington, reporter Peter Grainger, meteorologist Michael Kuss, assignment editor Len Catling and producer John Scott lost their jobs at CTV Vancouver.

Also included in this action was Jeff Paterson, Matt Baker and Cam Mitchell were among those laid off at TSN Radio.

It’s interesting that a major company will release quality individuals who know the business and hire on those who have no understanding for any sport, let alone report on them.

They actually make some channel surf turning the attention to the market in the States while at home in Canada we have extremely qualified reporters.

And yes there are some that are on a “power-trip” and are in the business for no one but themselves and we all know someone like this!! Right?