From a media release:
CBC Television announces changes to two daytime programs
CBC Television announced today that its daytime lifestyles program Steven and Chris will go on hiatus next season. Production of the program will continue until April 15, 2009. Another daytime program, Fashion File, will conclude production on March 31, 2009 and will not return to the schedule next season.
“Regretfully, as a result of our current financial situation, we have had to make the difficult decision that the show will be on hiatus next season,” says Kirstine Layfield, executive director of network programming, CBC Television. “This is no reflection on either the hosts or the program; the show has seen increased viewership over the past year and Steven and Chris have a terrific relationship with their live studio audiences; we very much hope to continue to work with Steven and Chris in the future.”
“Similarly, our decision to conclude Fashion File has nothing to do with the show or its host Adrian Mainella,” Layfield says. “We intend to retain the brand, which we co-own with Fashion Magazine, and hope to use it in other ways across our various platforms. We’d like to thank Adrian and the entire production team for their creativity, passion and commitment to Fashion File.”
After production is concluded, both Steven and Chris and Fashion File will be broadcast in repeats and will form part of a new afternoon schedule, announcements about which are expected in coming weeks.
We remain committed to factual programming and building a strong afternoon schedule, but like every other media organization right now, we’re facing big challenges as a result of a significant drop in advertising revenues,” Layfield says. “We’re not able at present to make the kind of expenditures we ordinarily would. However, we will manage our way through this difficult period. We want to thank everyone involved for their professionalism and commitment.”
I think it would be a good idea to put reruns somewhere on you fall program with Steven and Chris. Had I not seen them in their new? show on Global yesterday I would not have caught on. They have new hair styles and look up to date on Global. It is unfortunate about funding cuts. I feel badly. I am aware of cutbacks on radio too…..