CBC Cancels Fashion File

Citing financial cutbacks, attributed largely to a significant decline in advertising revenues, CBC-TV has decided to axe the long-running sartorial news show "Fashion File" as well as the lifestyle series "Steven & Chris" (known also for their previous incarnation as "Designer Guys"). Kirstine Layfield, CBC-TV's executive director of network programming, made it clear that the move was not a reflection on the shows or its hosts. Production on "Fashion File" will continue until March 31 while "Steven & Chris" will conclude on April 15. Technically, "Fashion File" is "not returning next season" while "Steven & Chris" has been put "on hiatus next season"—the difference appears to be largely semantic however, as the hiatus is reported to be indefinite. Following the conclusion of production, the shows will be broadcast in repeats as part of a new afternoon schedule. The cancellations come on the heels of an announcement by Heritage Minister James Moore that the public broadcaster will not be receiving additional government funding.

"Fashion File" is an internationally syndicated series that has been on the air for two decades, most recently hosted by Adrian Mainella, who took on the role after winning the Fashion File Host Hunt competition in 2007. CBC plans to hang on to the "Fashion File" brand, which it co-owns along with Fashion Magazine, to use in other capacities. This is an unfortunate day in Canadian fashion reporting history. So far, at least, it looks like CTV's Fashion Television, hosted by Jeanne Beker, and the spectacular Fashion Television Channel are holding steady.