Ottawa Valley residents called "A" News their voice for nearly 50 years, starting as CHOV and later CHRO-TV. Now, with cutbacks that include 10 job losses in Pembroke, they say a part of their identity has been lost.
The station broadcast the area's news and culture for decades. In recent years the Pembroke office acted as a bureau for "A" News based in downtown Ottawa. A videojournalist will remain to provide coverage for the station's extended morning coverage.
"Our commitment to covering the Ottawa Valley has not changed," said Richard Gray, "A" Ottawa's general manager.
"All of us are concerned with the fact that we're losing a voice of communities, and I say communities because it doesn't just affect Pembroke, it affects the whole region," said Pembroke Mayor Ed Jacyno.
Gerald Tracey, editor of the Eganville Leader, said news coverage for the Valley will remain the same. But the cuts will still hit close to home.
"It's almost like the death of a friend or loved one," Tracey said. "There's certainly a void."
A letter writing campaign has begun to convince the CRTC to act and help restore staff at the Pembroke station. The hearing to renew its license will take place on April 27.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's John Hua
