TORONTO — Canwest Global Communications Corp. says Global Toronto is eliminating its noon television newscasts.

Canwest spokesman John Douglas wouldn't confirm how many layoffs the decision will result in, but says fewer than 40 employees will be affected.

He says Canwest decided in November that it would eliminate the morning newscast, and in the process of reviewing Global Toronto's operations, decided to cancel the noon newscast as well.

Canada's largest media company said in November it would slash five per cent of its Canadian workforce, or 560 jobs, as it struggles to deal with slumping advertising revenue, brutal economic conditions and fierce competition.

Those layoffs included 210 positions at Global and Canwest's other television operations.

They follow cutbacks at many of Canada's major media operations, including 105 layoffs at broadcaster CTV.