More than 100 people held a rally protesting cuts to the CBC. (Andree Lau/CBC)

More than 100 people held a rally outside the CBC building in Calgary to protest planned job cuts by the public broadcaster.

"I love the CBC and … to hear that 800 jobs are getting cut, to me that's unacceptable," said Jeremy Klaszus, a writer and one of the rally organizers. "Canadian programming needs to be stronger and cutting 800 jobs will directly harm programming."

Friday's rally was organized through Twitter and Facebook, two social media platforms, by several Calgarians in their 20s. They said they hoped CBC management would reconsider the decision to cut jobs.

The group held up colourful signs in front of the building on Memorial Drive and drew honks from passing vehicles.

"I grew up listening to the CBC … and so it kind of really imbued a sort of sense of civic duty just in terms of that ability to connect locally," said Andrew McIntyre, a co-organizer.

"I think that the CBC's done a really great job staying relevant, and especially with respect to how they're reaching out and taking advantage of social media in order to really find and capture and create that new audience."

Filomuna Gomes and her family waved to traffic passing in front of the CBC Calgary building on Friday afternoon. (Andree Lau/CBC)

Last month, the CBC announced it had to cut $171 million from its operating costs in 2009-10, including its news departments, to make up for a shortfall in advertising revenue. The broadcaster said it would trim 800 positions across all its operations, including its French arm, Radio-Canada.

Living Calgary, a lifestyle show on CBC-TV, was cancelled and Wild Rose, CBC Radio One's lunchtime provincial program, will be shortened from two hours to one.

On Thursday, CBC News announced a reorganization of its newsgathering with an emphasis on chasing news around the clock.

The announcement coincided with a $7-million cut to CBC News and the elimination of more than 70 jobs in the division. The total number of layoffs could be reduced if some employees opt for retirement. Sources said the number of eliminated Calgary positions would number less than nine.

Filomuna Gomes and her family held a sign that read, "My Canada includes CBC" and waved at passing traffic.

"In smaller communities,you don't necessarily have a Global or a CTV, the CBC seems to be the one unifying force from coast to coast to coast," she said.

"I find the stereotype that Calgary doesn't care [about the CBC] a little tough to stomach. It might not be as hospitable as other markets, but it's important to this Calgarian."

Klaszus also defended the CBC's presence and popularity in the city: "If Calgarians hate the CBC so much, why are they all listening to it? …. It's the No. 1 radio station in the city and the website, you guys are awesome."