News Releases

January 19, 2001

CBC/Radio-Canada and La Presse Reach a Partnership Agreement

CBC/Radio-Canada and La Presse have reached a partnership agreement to take advantage of synergies resulting from their complementary activities, notably with the Internet, special events and promotion.

In December, CBC/Radio-Canada and La Presse produced a joint year-end review which was available on both Web sites. In the future, they will partner on a number of special events such as the "Gala Excellence de La Presse/Radio-Canada", a celebration of those who have made a special contribution to the community, which will be aired on CBC/Radio-Canada's French television network from now on. Both organizations have also agreed, on a selective basis, to set up joint projects which have the potential to generate visibility for both parties.

Other areas of common interest, such as resource sharing could also be included in this agreement should they enhance the efficiency of both CBC/Radio-Canada and La Presse. For example, Radio-Canada and La Presse will conduct a greater number of major surveys on current issues. Both partners also intend to increase their collaborations in order to expand their world coverage.

The agreement is non-exclusive and will have no impact on the editorial independence of both partners, who will retain full control over their own content.

"This agreement provides many advantages that stem from the complementary nature of CBC/Radio-Canada's and La Presse's activities in an environment marked by media convergence and increased competition. For readers, listeners and viewers as well as for La Presse and CBC/Radio-Canada, this partnership represents a win-win situation," said Guy Crevier, President and Editor of La Presse.

"It affords us an opportunity to strengthen our relationship with La Presse and to cooperate more fully in the many fields where we share common interests," added Michèle Fortin, CBC/Radio-Canada's Vice-President of French Television.

In addition, Sylvain Lafrance, CBC/Radio-Canada's Vice-President, French Radio and New Media stated that he "was delighted with this agreement which will allow both partners to increase their offering while safeguarding each partner's independence and control over content and decision-making process."

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