My source at City says the duo, has been let go.  They've been on there for 3 years...

Anyone confirm?

Bios are still up on the website as of 1pm

they were escorted out of the studio this morning after the show. NO NOTICE just GOODBYE

WTF!!!! I love watching those two! The only reason I ever watched CityTV

Who is going to host the  Morning show , or are they cancelling the show  and getting totally out of local news ?

Does  any have any  ratings for the local newscasts?

Gordon

Depends if you actually THINK what CITY-TV has been cranking out is classified as NEWS vs fully staffed newsrooms at Global/CTV and somewhat staffed at CBC.

Sad news.  Both topnotch broadcasters and I thought they had a very entertaining morning program.  I hope they both turn up somewhere else in town.

This begs the question of what happens with Mark, Dawn, and especially Tasha, who really makes the show.   Those are two BIG severence packages...so Rogers must have something up their sleeve!

A million and one stories in the big CITY .... I bet they'll send some juice out of Calgary.  Monkey-see, Monkey-doo

It appears that they will reduce the length of their morning show from 4 to 3 hours, but no increase in other local news programming that I can tell from their fall launch.  Is CityNews International considered local news content?  

Quoted from VancouverTVGuy

Bios are still up on the website as of 1pm

They're still up as of 5:15 pm.  But it is indeed confirmed.

City-TV replacing hosts of Breakfast Television
Wednesday, August 13 - 04:50:47 PM
Erin Loxam

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - City-TV's Breakfast Television show is going in a new direction. City-TV management has confirmed the hosts of 'B-T', Simi Sara and Dave Gerry, will not be returning to the show.

There is no word yet who will replace Sara and Gerry, who have hosted the show since August 2005

http://www.news1130.com/news/local/article.jsp?content=20080813_195047_19468

I honestly can't believe this.

Granted, City TV's morning news coverage wasn't as in-depth as their Channel 11 counterparts, but this duo had outstanding chemistry. And that's not just compared with the estranged-brother-and-sister relationship Darling & Colliar seem to be mired in - I mean real chemistry. There isn't much to watch or listen to in this city during the mornings. Simi & Dave were a rare bright spot among a mediocre batallion of one-liner-kings and akward second bananas.

They're bound to resurface somewhere - Does CFUN need a changing of the morning guard?

Saw this add a few days ago on Media Job Search Canada. My morning coffee just won't be the same. I feel like I've lost a family member.

CITYTV VANCOUVER

Television Host
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Category: Television
Website: http://www.citytv.com
Job Code: N/A
Date Posted: Aug 7, 2008

Tags: On-Air Host, Live Television, Interviews,

There is an opportunity available in the Breakfast Television department of Citytv in Vancouver, BC to fill the position of Host.  This non-bargaining unit position reports to the Managing Producer or others as assigned.



Duties and Responsibilities Include:

•  Co-host daily breakfast show on location
•  Attend, as required, community and public service events on behalf of the station
•  Help research community and news stories
•  Contribute creative story ideas
•  Maintain active and current knowledge of local, national and international stories
•  Help set up and produce interviews with personalities on a variety of subjects
•  Maintain a professional image - make-up application, suitable hairstyle and fittings for appropriate clothing
•  Other duties as required




Requirements and Qualifications Include:

*  3 years of experience in television in a variety of jobs including hosting, reporting, producing and/or writing television news.
*  Post-secondary graduate of broadcast/journalism program or equivalent
*  Must have a proven ability to ad lib and perform live
*  Must be flexible with the ability to respond quickly to changing situations
*  Must have demonstrated leadership skills while still functioning as a team player
*  Must have an excellent sense of humour and a positive attitude
*  Must have a sense of adventure and be up for physical challenges
*  Must be available to work shifts and weekends




Interested applicants must e-mail their resumes to:

E-mail: hr.van@citytv.com  by  5:00 p.m.  August 29, 2008

If true ... this is  a shame.
So I guess this is the end of City Cooks?

Thse two are pros  and dont deserve this  KTLA  has done the same thing  .get rid of good experiance people  bring on  the BIMBOS and cheap labour.  Steve & lynn  watch your back

Here's an idea.  Tamara Stanners is the new APD for the New PEAK station under Pattison's umbrella.  She worked with those guys in the day...maybe she'll hire them as the stations morning duo.  

While I sometimes felt Simi was too one sided on her political ramblings, there is no doubt their chemistry was fantastic and they will be sorely missed. Hasn't Simi been there for nearly 20 years?

Well, I guess I won't be watching CityTV anymore. In my opinion Dave & Simi BT was the only thing going for them. I'll never understand why stations think their ratings will improve dramatically by canning and replacing talent so often, while stations like Global remain familiar and do well! Hmm, gee, I wonder if that's just a coincidence.

Quoted from FRED

Here's an idea.  Tamara Stanners is the new APD for the New PEAK station under Pattison's umbrella.  She worked with those guys in the day...maybe she'll hire them as the stations morning duo.  

I'd listen!

Dave is talented, sad to see him go.
Simi yaps too much, interrupts too much.  Glad to see her gone.

Breakfast Television co-hosts fired by Citytv

Show will continue, but go 'in a different direction,' manager says

Doug Ward, Vancouver Sun
Published: Thursday, August 14, 2008

VANCOUVER I Citytv Vancouver has fired Simi Sara and Dave Gerry as co-hosts of its Breakfast Television show, which has been unable to erode Global BC's dominance in the morning time period in the Vancouver market.

Seven other Citytv staff, including Bruce Dawson, director of the Breakfast Television show, were also laid off Wednesday.

Sara and Gerry were named hosts of Breakfast Television in 2005. Sara has worked at the Citytv station since 1993. Gerry has been at the station for 20 years, handling news, features and comedy.

Citytv station manager Geoff Poulton said the show will remain on the air and the station will be introducing new local programming in six to 10 months.

"Over the last two months we've come to the conclusion that we want to take the show in a different direction," said Poulton.

He said the morning show's new approach and new hosts will be decided in the next few months.

The Citytv station has been owned by Rogers Media since October 2007. Local versions of Breakfast Television, also known as BT, air on Citytv stations in other major Canadian cities, including Toronto, where it is the No. 1 morning show.

But Breakfast Television in Vancouver has failed to dent Global BC's substantial lead in the morning time period, said Poulton.

"Global owns breakfast morning television in Vancouver and has approximately three times the audience we do," said Poulton. "We're second, although a fairly distant second."

Poulton said it is difficult for a young show like Breakfast Television to compete with Global BC's Morning News show, which has dominated the market for many decades.

"Global was the news leader when I was eight," said Poulton, now 44. "It's difficult to make significant inroads into that arena because of the habits people have formed."

The original hosts of Breakfast Television in Vancouver were Michael Eckford and Fiona Forbes. They were replaced by Shane Foxman and Beverly Mahood, who were then replaced by Sara and Gerry.

The station first went on the air in 1976. It was formerly known as CKVU, VU-13 and U.TV and has had a variety of owners. Local programming has shrunk over time, with Breakfast Television now its only in-house show.

"It's a much tougher business than it was a decade ago and that has forced all competitors to evaluate their programming," said Poulton.

He said local spot advertising in conventional television across Canada is down for the first time in 17 years.

Spot television revenue in the Vancouver and Victoria markets as of May 2008 was down 2.4 per cent from the previous year. Total spot television in all of Canada was down two per cent over the same period, he added. And the marketplace has changed.

"When I was eight years old, there was no Internet, no YouTube, no Facebook. When you wanted news you found it on Global or you read The Sun or The Province or listened to the radio.

"Fast-forward to today, and even before the news is on the air, it's on YouTube or some other form on the web."

http://www.canada.com/vancouve.....97-86af-a79ebcc83b91

My wife and I have watched Simi and Dave every morning for at least 2 years now and this is quite surprising. They had a great chemistry   and in my opinion made watching the local news much more enjoyable. We will both miss them   , and I for one will most likely not watch CityTV because there really wasn't much else to see on this channel, but mainly because Simi, Dave and the others deserved better than to be let go in such a cold hearted way   . The world is changing, but is it for the better?  

When that Simi Sara / Dave Gerry concept was launched, I thought Gerry was hopelessly miscast as a part of a morning duo. Over the years, I think he has come miles in growing into the role that I think City TV first envisioned. Simi is a real pro, a good interviewer and a good reported. Gerry is a genuinely funny guy and now has some solid on-camera experience if he wants to keep going in that direction. I think they could both go to radio and do well. As bland as Colliar and Darling seem, millions of viewers still have their TV dials soldered to Global and nothing has been able to budge them off it. City TV gave it a good shot, but the numbers aren't there.

this is really too bad.

It takes time to change people's established habits with thier news.  My folks are huge Global watchers, but my old man started getting into the BT show.  he likes Dave and thought he was hilarious.  I agree, put Dave on the radio in AM drive... he'd start with at least one 50 something male Vancouver executive.

They were a great team almost married like.

Dave Garry is kind of a hero to me.  If you get a chance to watch some of his old features, they truly are brilliant.  Because they were on CKVU-UTV, etc...nobody ever saw them.  He was the funny version of Mike McCartell, and never laughed at himself.   Deadly serious, totally committed...I think one of the most under-rated talents this city has ever seen.

I hope he pops up again...and I think he could last years and years on radio.

Get the 5 minute hit of news from Global, then go to CITY-TV for the human interest/lifestyles stuff on BT.  That USED to be my routine.  I just laugh every time Princess Fiona and Les Nesman over at Global Morning try to do their version of BT, it's so LAME.  Their little fashion show the other day from Canada Place took the cake.  The morning Global News went "green" was equally LAME.  The interaction between Lynn and Steve is so cardboard.  

As for the topic of this thread, I'm sure Dave and Simi will land on their feet somewhere else.  I remember watching some of the priceless "bits" Dave used to do on U Tonight and the daily "bit" he used to do with Frosty Forst plugging his "human interest" story to come later on City's 6pm news.   Simi's got a warm, believable personality....she'll do well too...Simi would do well to approach the folks at the "W" network, see if she can't start a food/nutrition version of "The Shopping Bags."

Wasn't it Billy Joel who sang..."Ony the good get fired"...(my apologies to Billy)...Very sorry to hear that Dave and Simi were shown the door...I was fortunate to have worked with Dave and was there at good ole CKVU in his first few days...I'll never forget his arrival from the East when we did the "Summer Madness Bikini Contest" from the Expo grounds in '85...he was priceless...his comedy made me laugh so many times...such a great sense of humour...One of his best routines was his spoof of "Miami Vice"...great television.  I do like the suggestions here about putting Dave and Simi on radio...I agree, their chemistry together would be a good fit.  To Dave and Simi, best of luck in your next steps, whether they are together or separate, your futures are bright...And how could I forget the people behind the scenes...(been there, got fired)...I should never forget them...they are just as important as the people you see every morning...Sorry to hear that Bruce Dawson got caught up in the sweep as well...Bruce had been at 180 West 2nd for well over 20 years...a hard dedicated worker, and not a bad hockey player either...Good luck to you Bruce and all the other production people sent packing...

O-kaaaay.  Here goes.  I know I'm gonna get crucified here but I have to say  it.  What took CiTso long? I swear guys I've REALLY tried to watch Breakfast TV (even once like Alex in Clockwork Orange having my eyes held open with specula) Gerry comes across as that guy at parties who has to always be sooo amusing-(How can I make this moment funny? The Lamp Shade Guy.) Simi? Sorry.  I know by the comments above that most of you know these folks personally and I'm sure they're wonderfule but, as an outsider from the Vancouver scene, I judge them from a viewer's perspective. And it ain't good.  Never was.  I suspect from the mangement's point of view they weren't drawing enough numbers either.

Yes, you are right!!

Mailman, you obviously wouldn't know talent if it slapped you in your big ugly mug.  Sorry, Mr. Man but I for one really take exception to your comments.  In light of the situation couldn't you of kept your big ugly opinion to yourself.  I for one have listened and watched both Simi and Dave for years and I KNOW for a fact  that they are both VERY talented broadcasters and although not your cup of tea I wish them the best.  I don't know them, have never  met them but  as someone in this business I know they are that good and will turn up sooner than later.  My reply shouldn't be any surprise to you but really sometimes people should just stfu!!

have to say that the five minute bits Dave and Frosty did just before the 8am news on NW were often funnier than some entire morning shows.  best wishes to Dave and Simi,  whether they work together as a team again or individually.  i look forward to both resurfacing soon.

My mother called me to ask why they were not on this morning. She was a big fan of the two. Appears to be a good opportunity to dump two long term staff as a cost cutter. The history of the previous hosts "fired" Never will Global be beaten. I wished they would because the 30 minute updates are very boring.

Good luck to both Dave and Simi.  

I cannot believe it.  I am sooooooooo sad.   They were my jumpstart everyday.  My kids too.  Why would anyone judge the ratings in the last two months.  It's summer, no one is on schedule they are all on summer vacation.  This is just crazy, we will most likely not watch anymore.  The only reason we watched was because of those two.  Great chemistry.  Please keep us informed as to where they go someone should snap them up quick.

So, they're going to get big fat severance cheques...and may even get offered jobs before they can start spending them.   SO, I wouldn't feel too sorry for them.   They'll be alright.

I'm sad to hear this.  My morning routine for the past little while has been turning on CBC radio for my news, then off to Dave and Simi for a morning laugh.

I'm sure these two will turn up somewhere.  They're far to entertaining to be finished.  Their amazing chemistry made the show.

When you get new owners and new bosses taking over a show with no ratings this sort of thing is inevitable. That's two morning shows this year that have been cancelled or drastically changed in the face of overwhelming ratings for Global. CTV's short-lived attempt with Mi-Jung Lee, and now this.  It makes you wonder if anyone will ever put a dent in Global's dominance. Look at all the money CTV has spent to go after Global at 6 o clock and still have poor numbers. Best of luck to those who got let go at CITY.

At first I was one of the skeptics that the pairing of Dave and Simi wouldn't work.  He's old enough to be her...well we won't go there.   But the chemistry worked and I dare say they were the BEST BT duo CITY-TV has had in its short existence.  

Simi was with the station 15 years and Dave 20 yrs , yeah pretty safe to say their dismissal had everything to do with corporate cost-savings and nothing to do with their ability to do the job.  

Too bad this  move didn't happen 2 months ago, CTV could have scooped them up for the now axed Vancouver segment of Canada AM.  

Has CBC hired a replacement for Jennifer Burke on Living Vancouver?  That could be Simi's calling.  Perfect personality for it.

As for Dave, maybe real estate?  J/K

http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=81200630264&ref=mf

not that a facebook group will change a whole lot... but if you care.

What they need to do is change the name to something like "Vancouver Morning"  - they need a quicker pace, to have traffic reports every 15 minutes (with traffic web cam info) and pieces of news - snippets new and "yesterday's", trying not to use the same clips in a half-hour - BE DIFFERENT, QUICK, and fresh.  Don't forget, a lot of people are just tuning in with their coffee and quick bite before they hit the rat race - that's why TRAFFIC is important.

wow, i am shocked. i work graveyard shift in vancouver. coming home i look forward to the antics between simi and dave. dave gerry is so real, i have admired him for years. what is their problem*(THE STATION)i have this feeling they want younger, bullshit. by the way , what happened with the handsome newscaster, i have not seen him for over a week, if he is too old i shoul start digging my grave. in any case simi and dave, i will miss you, you were a hell of a lot better than regis and kelly.  good luck, i know i will see you again.  andy

What a shame. Like many here I too enjoyed watching Simi & Dave on BT. I also like Dawn and Mark. Hopefully they will be kept on.

If the station was going to let someone go I think it should of been Kyle the reporter. I don't care for his personality or attitude.

As for Simi & Dave I wish them all the best and I hope they will get another tv spot in the near future.

Dave,Simi ( or anyone who can pass it on) -

I blogged about this yesterday morning, and the response that has come in from my readers who are equally pissed is overwhelming. I've received hundreds of letters via the email contact page that I am  still in the process of forwarding to City TV - so many,in fact, that I had to ask readers to  please call /email City TV directly. I've nearly exceeded my allotment.

They are all wondering what comes next, and what/who to turn to now.Nothing seems to fill that gaping void in the early am, and the comments speak for themselves. Most just wanted to let them know how much they meant to them, and that they appreciated all the laughter.

I'm sure Dave and Simi's fans would appreciate hearing something, anything from them. They seem to feel like family to many.  

http://lailayuile.wordpress.com/2008/08/14/calling-dave-gerry/

In spite of the CTV experiment only lasting a short time, and Dave and Simi being let go, A Channel Victoria is starting a morning show again in September. Maybe they know something the others don't, or maybe Victoria is a very different market.

Quoted from Zuben L. Genubi

Maybe they know something the others don't, or maybe Victoria is a very different market.

Regarding that, heres what Richard Gray, head of A News said earlier in a press release about the re-launch of A Morning,

Quoted Text

"There was a demand in the community for this ( 'A' Morning ) and we're moving forward with new ownership here and certainly we are looking at doing things a little bit differently," said Gray, noting the program will be a half an hour longer than its previous incarnation which started at 6:30 a.m.

I wonder what they meant by, " doing things a little bit differently ", are they trying to do all what they can to outst CHEK?

Oh, and btw, CityCooks will continue with a different host.

I knew it the min. I saw Mini & Mickey hosting the show - what a shame because they made getting up in the morning that much easier. Oh well I guess it's true, all good things eventually do come to an end!

[quote=2236]

I wonder what they meant by, " doing things a little bit differently ", are they trying to do all what they can to outst CHEK?

quote]

Likely meant doing things differently then the last incarnation of their morning program. As in simpler with less resources

I'm amazed at the outpouring of grief over the firing considering that no one here has ever said word 1 about the outstanding, award-winning, amazing, can-cure-cancer quality of BT Vancouver... before now.  It seems PSR folks are always willing to get on side with anyone who gets fired... no matter how small the ratings are.

Not saying I didn't like Dave and Simi... all I'm saying is that

a)  PSR seems to well up with support for ANYONE who gets canned.  That kind of blind support really makes it tough to separate the wheat from the chaff.  (I can sing it for you since it's a familiar song... "They got fired?  It's all management's fault!  Why?  Because managers are ALWAYS at fault.  Just ask Red!")
b)  The ratings were low.  Television is a business, and Rogers is in it to win it.  Their business decision (which isn't a half baked one) is that if it's not working, change it.  Fair ball... it's their decision to make.

Again, Dave and Simi are real pros and will land somewhere and do very well... but I can't fault Rogers for making a decision to fix a broken morning show.

Quoted from canuckkid

I'm amazed at the outpouring of grief over the firing

a)  PSR seems to well up with support for ANYONE who gets canned.  That kind of blind support really makes it tough to separate the wheat from the chaff.  (I can sing it for you since it's a familiar song... "They got fired?  It's all management's fault!  Why?  Because managers are ALWAYS at fault.  Just ask Red!")

Yes and people like this guy would do well to remember that what goes around will come around - you won't be feeling the same way when it happens to you mate!

Does  anyone think  we will ever see City  bring back its Evening News?  

Gordon

Don't hold yer breath on that one   I'd prefer if they bought the rights to Bell's unemployed beavers.  Now THAT I would watch for sure....

So, here's a question for the smarty-pants on this board...how do you win at morning TV?  What will it take to unseat the Global morning news...which, in my opinion, is INCREDIBLY weak.  

I'm surprised they don't simulcast Larry & Willy, to help Jack's position in the market.  

City's picture is weaker compared to the others, and their studio has always looked like Community TV.

Quoted from FRED

So, here's a question for the smarty-pants on this board...how do you win at morning TV?  What will it take to unseat the Global morning news...which, in my opinion, is INCREDIBLY weak.  

.

See reply #37