Hamiltonians are voicing their dismay about recent cutbacks at CHCH News.

Particularly upsetting to many city residents is the news that veteran anchor Connie Smith is leaving her post today and Dan McLean can't comment about his future at the station.

"I think that they are icons. They're great for Hamilton," said Thomas Tarpos. "To see them go will be to see a bit of Hamilton go."

Tarpos, one of several people interviewed outside the Dundurn Street Tim Hortons, added the news "struck him emotionally" because he's come to think of the pair as part of the community.

He said he often watches CHCH news when he's out of town to feel connected with local goings on.

Luigi Marrello says Hamilton's major players are currently in a state of upheaval -- Mohawk College, McMaster Children's Hospital, Joseph Brant Hospital and the City of Hamilton are all searching for candidates to fill top positions -- and changes to CHCH contribute to his feeling the city is losing "all sorts of identities."

"To see an anchor go is something I'm not for," said Marrello. "You become used to them. You like to think you're hearing from someone you can trust, because you've seen them for so long."

News that 14 people will be laid off at the station left some Hamiltonians concerned about whether their jobs are safe in the current economic climate.

"It's always sad to hear that people are getting laid off," said Kelly Ryan. "It makes me wonder whether I'm next."

Amanda and Mark Vanoord say they're not happy CHCH is cutting back on their local programming.

"It's really unfortunate," said Mark Vanoord.

Amanda Vanoord said the other news programming available is mostly Toronto-centric and doesn't provide her with Hamilton-focused news.

"I definitely prefer to watch CHCH because it's right around the corner from us," said Amanda Vanoord. "It brings Hamilton together as a community, and to lose that is a pretty big deal."

ereilly@thespec.com

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