News Releases
August 8, 2005
CBC/Radio-Canada Appoints Vincent A. Carlin as Ombudsman for English Services
Ottawa - CBC/Radio-Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Vincent A. Carlin to the position of Ombudsman for its English Services, effective January 2006, for a five-year term.
"The Ombudsman's office plays a vital role at CBC/Radio-Canada and reflects our commitment to accuracy, integrity and fairness in our journalism," said Robert Rabinovitch, President and CEO, CBC/Radio-Canada. "With his extensive background as one of this country's leading commentators on the business and practice of journalism, broadcasting and media ethics, Mr. Carlin is uniquely qualified to take on this role."
CBC/Radio-Canada has two Ombudsmen, one for its English networks and the other for its French. Each investigates audience complaints and comments, and evaluates compliance with journalistic policies related to the networks' Radio, Television and online programming. He or she serves as an impartial and independent appeal body for citizens, and may also alert journalists and managers to issues causing public concern based on comments and complaints received. CBC/Radio-Canada's Ombudsman's offices have served as a model for other media organizations around the world.
Most recently, Mr. Carlin has completed six and a half years as Chair of the School of Journalism at Ryerson University, and is currently an Associate Professor at the School. He is also well recognized for his consulting work - assisting the South Africa Broadcasting Corporation on its election programming in 1994, working on the Polish Broadcasting Project in 1993, and often serving as an expert witness in court cases on issues of libel, journalistic practice and media ethics.
Mr. Carlin also has wide-ranging experience as a working journalist in Canada and abroad, including posts at CBC/Radio-Canada and positions at Time Magazine and the Time-Life News Service in the U.S.
Mr. Carlin takes over for David Bazay, who will be retiring at the end of November.
The search for a new Ombudsman was a rigorous one. CBC/Radio-Canada sought candidates from both outside and inside the Corporation, with a selection committee comprising external and internal members.
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
