Vancouver: It was an unlucky 13 for the 334 people eliminated from Baton Broadcasting’s payroll May 13.

The job reductions, which have been anticipated since Baton acquired sole ownership of the CTV Network in December, reflect streamlining achieved by merging ctv with Baton’s other broadcast operations. Regionally, 105 personnel were laid off in Toronto, 123 from operations east of Toronto through to the Atlantic coast and 106 west of Toronto through to Vancouver.

Atlantic Television was hit hardest with 41 layoffs. The 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. local news update has been canceled and BreakfastTelevision replaced by the Canada am feed.

Tom Curzon, vp, communications, says that of the 334 job losses 85% are a result of duplication in administration and operations.

Much of the restructuring work is being done to ensure the ability to continue to deliver vital local services, particularly in Canada’s smaller markets, says Bruce Cowie, exec vp and coo.

The one-time cost of the reorganization is $11.5 million, of which $8.3 million comprises severance costs that will be accounted for in the acquisition costs of ctv. The balance of $3.2 million arises from regional restructuring. Overall, the job eliminations will represent $16 million in savings on the expense sheet per year.

Of the 334 job losses, 208 are actual layoffs. The remaining 126 jobs will be from existing vacancies, attrition and early retirements. Some of the layoffs have already occurred, while others are spared until the end of August when the fiscal year completes.