Corus cancelling Global TV's '16X9' investigative news program

Corus Entertainment's headquarters is shown in Toronto on Wednesday, January 13, 2016. (Cole Burston / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

TORONTO -- Corus Entertainment (TSX:CJR.B) has cancelled the Global TV investigative news program "16X9" after eight seasons and has let go "The Morning Show" co-host Liza Fromer.

"As we continue to evolve our business alongside the changing and competitive media landscape, we made a number of changes across our properties this week," Rishma Govani, spokeswoman for Global News, said Tuesday in an email to The Canadian Press.

"As a result, Liza Fromer's position was impacted. Her contract wasn't renewed. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours and thank her for her significant contributions to the show."

Govani said Fromer's position will not be filled. She added the company is making "internal reorganizations" meant to eliminate "duplicate costs, capture operating efficiencies and create the structure that will enable future growth."

"16X9" had been airing since 2008 and won numerous honours, including two Canadian Screen Awards.

Its cancellation was "purely a business decision" and not a reflection of the work done on the show, said Govani.

"16X9" host Carolyn Jarvis will take on the role of chief investigative correspondent for a new "network investigations unit to work with local teams across all platforms, including radio."

"The Morning Show" debuted in October 2011 and airs nationally between 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. from a Toronto street-level studio.

Fromer, who hails from Kitchener, Ont., was a main host on "The Morning Show." Her previous credits include co-host of "Breakfast Television" on City in Toronto. Govani said "The Morning Show" co-host Jeff McArthur will remain on the show, as will its news anchor Carolyn MacKenzie and weather reporter Liem Vu.

Govani would not say how many employees overall were affected by the changes.

Corus recently bought Global TV owner Shaw Media for $2.65 billion in cash and shares.

"Today, we announced changes across the news organization designed to build audience across all platforms and focus our teams on high-quality, original storytelling," Troy Reeb, senior vice president of news, radio and station operations, said in a memo issued to staff on Tuesday.

"As audiences adjust to new ways of consuming information, we are confident the new structure being introduced will ensure the long-term sustainability of Global News and our local station brands."