The Canadian Media Guild was informed last week of the decision by the Canadian Press/Broadcast News board of directors to embark on a strategic planning process. The Guild, as well as CP/BN employees, will have a role and voice in this initiative.

The Guild welcomes the announcement and believes the initiative is critical to CP/BN’s ability to meet the changes ahead and maintain its key role in the Canadian news industry. We are also pleased by board chairman Andr? Pr?fontaine’s comment that the review needs to create tangible benefits for employees as well as members and clients.

The process will focus mainly “on the role CP will play in the transition to new digital platforms such as RSS (a format for distributing content via the Web) and Google, and the growing number of free transit newspapers in large and smaller markets,” according to a memo to all staff from CP/BN President Eric Morrison.

“This process will better define revenue opportunities for CP in the years ahead, to help us manage challenges such as pension costs while at the same time enhancing value for members and clients and keeping our cost structure competitive,” Morrison says.

The Guild will discuss the issue with management soon and our Branch Council will meet to decide how we want to engage in this. We will consult with our members at CP/BN once we have a better idea of the details and timing.

For more information, please contact Kathy Viner (kathy@cmg.ca) at 416-591-5333 or 1-800-465-4149.