CKUA Radio eliminates news department

EDMONTON — Alberta’s community-supported CKUA Radio has eliminated its news department and cut two employees.

Station spokesman Todd Crawshaw is citing financial challenges for the decision.

The change will mean no local newscasts or public affairs programs, such as Sunday Magazine.

Crawshaw says the station will run BBC World News broadcasts as it works on a plan for news programming that is more financially sustainable.

News director Ian Gray and journalist Matt Nodge have lost their jobs.

CKUA was funded by the Alberta government until 1994, when it was privatized, and it now relies on commercials, corporate sponsorships and listener donations.

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Red Deer Advocate