News Releases

December 1, 1998

Adrienne Clarkson Elected President of the IMZ

Adrienne Clarkson, host and executive producer of CBC Television's ADRIENNE CLARKSON PRESENTS and SOMETHING SPECIAL, is the first non-European to be elected president of the prestigious IMZ-International Music Centre (Internationales Musik-zentrum/IMZ), headquartered in Vienna, Austria.

"This is a great honour for Adrienne and indeed for the CBC," said CBC President and CEO Perrin Beatty. "Adrienne is a Canadian cultural icon and fiercely committed to furthering the arts and cultural expression in Canada and around the world. For many years, the CBC has been a major beneficiary of her energy and expertise. It is fitting that the IMZ has chosen someone of her grace and stature to help lead them into the next Millenium."

The IMZ is an international organization of over 230 leading audio/visual producers of cultural and arts programs with a focus on classical and contemporary music. Its members also include the world's principal creators, distributors and broadcasters who all share an interest in the arts, and the electronic media. The IMZ is responsible for such prizes as the Golden Prague and the newly created Salzburg Prize, in honour of Herbert von Karajan.

Rhombus Media producer Niv Fichman, IMZ board member and former vice president said, "Adrienne Clarkson's election signifies a willingness and necessity in the IMZ to look for the first time beyond the borders of Europe for leadership and direction. Her credentials as arts broadcaster, producer, journalist, administrator and diplomat are impeccable."

One of Canada's leading television personalities with a number of International film and television awards to her credit, Clarkson has distinguished herself in a variety of endeavours over the past 30 years. A national figure in Canada's cultural life, she has been Chairwomen of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Museum of Civilization since 1995. She holds honourary doctorates from a number of universities and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1992.

Clarkson's work at the CBC continues with SOMETHING SPECIAL, a series of arts specials on CBC Television, debuts with an in-depth profile of Canadian superstar tenor Ben Heppner on Wednesday, December 2 at 8 p.m. On December 8 at 9 p.m., she offers Beauty for Ashes: Artists and Human Rights a look at some of the writers, musicians and visual artists who have braved the forces of oppression and are champions of human rights.

About CBC/Radio-Canada

CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. CBC/Radio-Canada reaches Canadians through eight national radio and television networks, its full-service Web sites, local/regional stations and affiliates, as well as the digital television channel Country Canada and the continuous music network Galaxie. In addition, CBC/Radio-Canada has forged partnerships with other broadcasters and is a partner in the satellite radio service SIRIUS Canada as well as in the specialty television services ARTV and The Documentary Channel. Through this array of activities, CBC/Radio-Canada brings diverse regional and cultural perspectives into the daily lives of Canadians in English, French and eight aboriginal languages. (2006)

For additional information, please contact:

Katherine Heath-Eves
Media Relations
CBC/Radio-Canada (Ottawa)
Tel: (613) 288-6235
heathevk@cbc.ca
www.cbc.radio-canada.ca