Stephen Tapp, the executive in charge of CHUM Television properties, has lost his job in a corporate reorganization that eliminates his position. He leaves Aug. 31.

In a release, CHUM president and CEO Jay Switzer says the changes are part of an ongoing ‘continuous improvement’ of CHUM Television’s management structure and operations.

‘This is a particularly difficult announcement given Stephen’s important contribution during his last eight years with CHUM’s television group,’ says Switzer. ‘We have come to this decision amicably and with the shared belief that this is in the best interest of the company.’

CHUM says it expects to announce a new management structure for its television division in the near future. In the meantime, stations will report to Peter Palframan, who is CHUM Television’s VP of finance and administration. No one from CHUM was available for further comment.

CHUM recently reorganized The New VI in Victoria following the new channel’s unimpressive business results. It’s unclear whether the departure of Tapp, who was instrumental in the launch of the Victoria station, is linked to The New VI’s restructuring. Its license is up for renewal at the end of August. *