CBC to expand supper-hour newscasts despite cuts

The CBC plans to expand several supper-hour local TV newscasts across the country - even as it faces a $7-million budget cut and the loss of 70 staff.

It's part of a reorganization of the news division announced Thursday. Jennifer McGuire, CBC's interim head of news, told staff by conference call that the television newscasts will grow to 90 minutes from one hour.

CBC spokesman Jeff Keay said the specifics on TV lineups and newsroom changes will emerge by summer.

The CBC announced two weeks ago that it is cutting 800 jobs to deal with a $171-million deficit. Hundreds of staff are currently considering early retirement packages that would help mitigate the number who lose their jobs.

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