The CBC has officially canceled their usual New Year’s Eve countdown due to what the state-broadcaster called “financial pressures.”
Despite its gargantuan $1.3 billion budget, the CBC will air a “Just For Laughs” special at 11 p.m, followed by a pre-recorded episode of “Comedy Night with Rick Mercer” at midnight.
The network has traditionally aired live musical performances with a countdown to the new year.
The momentous change comes as a shock to some. Many social media users have celebrated and mocked the cancellation, with some calling to “defund the CBC.”
CBC cancels broadcast but just handed out big bonuses to execs
The CBC’s claim of “financial pressures” comes just a few weeks after President Catherine Tait said they will lay off 600 employees due to rising production costs, a lack of advertising revenue, and “fierce competition from the digital giants.”
Earlier this month, CBC president Catherin Tait refused to rule out bonuses for CBC staff this year. Tait even received a salary increase of $60,000 in July of 2023.
As of April 2023, Tait earns between $442,900 — $521,000, all paid for by Canadian taxpayers. With bonuses and benefits, she’s able to earn up to $623,900 per year.
