Restructuring Knocks Loudly @ 89X

RAMP has confirmed that extensive restructuring at Canada’s Bell Media has resulted in the company closing its American office in Detroit and laying most of the on-air staff at Alternative CIMX (89X)/Windsor-Detroit. The Detroit News reports that the casualties include longtime Cal and Co. morning host Cal Cagno and his co-host Gillian Reilly, midday personality Phil “PK” Kukawinski and afternoon talent Reed Petitpren. Right now it appears that the only live body left on air is night jock Mark McKenzie. The Detroit News reports the cuts extended to promotions and sales as well, resulting in around a dozen layoffs in all.

Last Thursday, Cagno tweeted, “I no longer work at 89X. After 18 years… it’s over. I hope to be back on the air soon but if not…thanks to the listeners for a great run.” Cagno later remarked, “It was really fun working there. I had a great run and it was an amazing job to have. My whole adult life I’ve worked there. I’m going to miss the people I’ve worked with, and I’m going to miss the listeners the most. But overall it was a great experience.”

RAMP reached out to Bell Media company spokesman Matthew Garrow, who confirmed the staff reductions and issued this statement, which read, “We have reduced a number of broadcast positions at Bell Media local TV and radio stations as part of a larger restructuring at Bell Media, including the closure of our Detroit satellite office supporting Windsor radio stations 89X, The River, Memories 580, and AM 800. The four stations will retain their current formats and their signals will continue to carry into the Detroit market. The restructuring is a response to the challenges we and other Canadian media companies are facing on multiple fronts: changing broadcast technologies and growing international competition, a tough advertising market, and ongoing regulatory pressure. We are not confirming the specific number of positions affected at this time.”