News Releases

June 15, 2005

Télévision de Radio-Canada's Daniel Gourd to Retire in November 2005

Ottawa - CBC/Radio-Canada President and CEO Robert Rabinovitch announced today that Daniel Gourd, Executive Vice-President of Télévision de Radio-Canada, has decided to retire when his contract ends in November 2005.

"When Daniel Gourd accepted the position of Executive Vice-President of Télévision de Radio-Canada, he indicated to me that it was unlikely he would be seeking a second term," said Mr. Rabinovitch. "Although I was expecting this, it is still a major loss to the organization. Daniel is a visionary leader and staunch defender of the role of public television. The impact he has had since being promoted to Executive Vice-President nearly three years ago is nothing short of spectacular. He has given new meaning and momentum to the idea of public television and we are very grateful to him for that."

In early 2003, Daniel Gourd and his team launched the repositioning of Télévision de Radio-Canada, an initiative that turned a struggling television network into a leader in innovation and risk-taking, as well as a formidable competitor in the ratings.

To ensure a smooth, orderly transition, the Corporation will soon begin an internal and external search for his replacement using executive search consultants. Mr. Gourd has agreed to play a role in this process.

Mr. Gourd will continue to manage CBC/Radio-Canada's French Television services during the recruiting period. He retains all of his current responsibilities, including the services' 2005–2006 program schedule and corresponding budget.

"This was an extremely difficult personal decision for me," said Mr. Gourd. "After 26 years of service with CBC/Radio-Canada, I am very proud of what we have all accomplished together at Télévision de Radio-Canada. I will spend the next few months thinking about my future. The time had come to step aside for the benefit of my family members in the broadcasting industry, who have seen their careers hampered by my presence at the head of Télévision de Radio-Canada. They will now be able to pursue their professional and artistic goals with much greater freedom."

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