Corus must ‘take some risks’ after recapitalization approval grants lifeline: expert

Despite the company receiving a reprieve from Canada’s broadcasting regulator, critics say Corus Entertainment Inc.’s new owners will need to invest in differentiated content in order to turn around its financial situation.

The beleaguered broadcaster’s proposed recapitalization plan got the green light from the CRTC on Thursday, in a move that would see a change in ownership and shift effective control of all licensed programming services operated by the company and its subsidiaries.

Corus had indicated to the CRTC that the proposed deal is necessary to address its high debt load and improve its financial stability so it could continue to operate.

Jeffrey Dvorkin, former director of the University of Toronto’s journalism program, says that with the lifeline, Corus must avoid “simply repeating what has got them into trouble in the past,” with content that didn’t stand out as unique to audiences and advertisers.

He says the television and radio broadcaster needs a management culture “that is prepared to take some risks” as the industry continues shifting.

Corus owns 25 specialty television services and 15 conventional stations, 36 radio stations, as well as digital and streaming platforms.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 18, 2026.

Companies in this story: (TSX:CJR.B)

Sammy Hudes, The Canadian Press