News Releases
July 22, 2004
Kevin Shea Appointed CEO of Satellite Radio Venture
Ottawa and New York — CBC/Radio-Canada, Standard Radio Inc. and Sirius Satellite Radio today announced the appointment of Kevin Shea as CEO for the partners' joint venture to bring satellite radio to Canada.
"We are delighted to have Kevin Shea on board during these exciting early days of satellite radio in Canada," said Gary Slaight, President and CEO, Standard Radio Inc. "Kevin's years of management experience and his deep understanding of Canada's broadcasting industry make him the ideal leader to spearhead our efforts to obtain a license to launch a world class digital audio service for Canadians."
"In addition to offering Canadians, no matter where they live in Canada, unparalleled music selection as well as an unmatched lineup of sports, news, talk and entertainment, this service will also benefit Canadian artists who will gain exposure in the United States and benefit both from revenues generated by copyright fees and monies we will invest in Canadian talent development," added Michel Tremblay, Vice-President, Strategy and Business Development, CBC/Radio-Canada.
Mr. Shea will oversee the new Canadian controlled company's efforts to obtain a license from the CRTC to offer Canadian subscribers approximately 100 digital audio channels, including over 60 commercial-free music channels and a diverse array of information, sports and other entertainment programming.
The new service will feature Canadian channels from CBC/Radio-Canada and from Standard Radio. The CBC/Radio-Canada channels will include two new music channels (one English, one French) featuring a distinctly Canadian mix of new music and emerging artists, live concerts, studio sessions, stories and sounds from across Canada. As well, CBC Radio One and Radio-Canada's Première Chaîne will bring Canadian voices and perspectives to Sirius' diverse information and entertainment line-up, which already includes BBC World, National Public Radio and Public Radio International. If approved by the CRTC, the innovative new service will be available across the entire country, from urban centers to Canada's far North.
"I am proud to be leading the effort to bring to Canadians a service that will blend technological innovation with an unwavering commitment to programming excellence and Canadian content," said Kevin Shea. "Satellite radio has experienced tremendous growth and is on a steep curve. If licensed this service will guarantee a greater diversity of voices in the Canadian broadcasting system."
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
