The Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) on Monday began a sweeping wave of job cuts and select rehires in what it has described as a restructuring to transition into a fully digital broadcaster over the next six to nine months.
Chief Executive Officer of the 61-year-old state broadcaster, Sanka Price, said a “necessary step” towards modernising the organisation was not a bid to shut down the network of three radio stations, national television channel and multichannel subscription service.
“We are transitioning to a fit-for-purpose organisation at the cutting edge of broadcast technology. It’s a long-overdue journey that begins [Tuesday]. The innovative changes coming will be revealed in the days and weeks ahead,” Price told Barbados TODAY.
“Today, the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation hit the reset button on its operations with its first phase of restructuring. It is a necessary step as we seek to modernise our operations.”
Several staff members and contractors had been re-engaged to ensure continued operations, he said.
Price acknowledged the challenges inherent in such a large-scale reorganisation, noting: “A reorganisation of this scale, regardless of its necessity, is a significant challenge for any company. We have, however, managed this process while being mindful of our staff, whom I must commend for their patience and understanding.”
The CEO pledged that viewers, listeners, and advertisers could rest assured that CBC’s radio and television stations, along with its wireless cable system Multi-Choice TV, would continue their decades-long service uninterrupted.
“We are confident that when this transition is completed, the corporation will be even more so a centre of excellence for showcasing Barbadian lifestyle, heritage, and sports,” Price declared.
Earlier this month, workers were informed during a staff meeting that they would all be made redundant as part of the restructuring exercise. Severance payments and other benefits were outlined by Oliver Jordan, the government’s special adviser on state-owned enterprises.
Jordan told staff: “What government has proposed and agreed [to] was severance of four weeks for every year of service; notice pay in accordance with the Employment Rights Act or contract—whichever is greater; outstanding vacation calculated at the exit date; employee assistance; and pension arrangements. The Ministry of Finance has agreed to honour all pension obligations of CBC in accordance [with] terms of the pension plan.”
The Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) said it has been actively involved in negotiating fair terms for employees during this transition.
BWU General Secretary Toni Moore said: “From the outset, the Barbados Workers’ Union has been resolute in ensuring that CBC employees are treated fairly and respectfully. We fought tirelessly to secure a severance package that recognises their contributions, addresses the anxiety associated with this protracted period, and exceeds standard provisions.”
Moore also highlighted the emotional toll on workers: “Transitions like these can be difficult, and we want every CBC employee to know they are not alone. We understand that every ‘i’ cannot be dotted at this stage or every ‘t’ crossed, but we are satisfied we are at a point where we can go ahead with the transition plan rolled out.”
The shift to a fully digital platform is expected to take six to nine months. Once completed, audiences will gain an enhanced viewing and listening experience through multiple free-to-air TV channels with improved audio and video quality, mobile access via tablets and smartphones, and expanded services such as datacasting for education, health information, and emergency alerts.
emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb
