B.C. Lions radio play-by-play voice laid off by TSN

B.C. Lions radio play-by-play voice and TSN 1040 radio host Scott Rintoul has been laid off by Bell Media.

Rintoul announced the news on Twitter.

Haven’t had time to change my twitter bio yet, but here’s the update for those who may be wondering pic.twitter.com/NxWpjeG53w

— Scott Rintoul (@ScottRintoul) January 30, 2017

Rintoul took over the Lions job in 2014 and is well-liked and respected in CFL circles – his Twitter timeline is packed with well-wishers decrying the move.

A frustrating day. The Vancouver sports scene and our business isn’t as good without @ScottRintoul on the air.

— Chris Cuthbert (@CCtsn) January 31, 2017

Rintoul not only was passionate about the #CFL he knows football. Just a brutal decision by Bell and a slap in the face to #BCLions fans.

— BC Lions Den (@BCLionsDen) January 31, 2017

This is just the latest round of bloodletting at Bell Media – which also owns CFL TV rights holder TSN – which announced in November, 2015 that it was cutting almost 400 jobs.

But in reporting a $752 million third quarter profit last November, Bell Media’s parent company BCE said revenue for their media division grew 3.5 per cent to $716 million, up from $692 million the year before. However, BCE reported that advertising revenue for conventional and specialty TV declined and radio advertising also decreased, “mainly as a result of a weaker economy in western Canada and a general decline in audience levels.”