Evolving, regionally rooted and forward-looking: CBC/Radio-Canada holds its fifth annual public meeting

OTTAWA, Oct. 23, 2013 /CNW/ - CBC/Radio-Canada held its fifth annual public meeting today, live from the Glenn Gould Studio in the Canadian Broadcasting Centre, Toronto.

The topics of change and evolution dominated the discussion. Today's media environment is rapidly shifting. The public broadcaster is undergoing a transformation of its own, as it strives to deliver the best possible services to Canadians and maintain the ties that bind us with citizens. The Corporation's radio, television and digital services achieved major successes this fall across the country. Audience records were shattered and CBC/Radio-Canada is now more rooted than ever in Canada's regions.

Chair of the Board of Directors Rémi Racine, President and CEO Hubert T. Lacroix, and Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer Suzanne Morris provided highlights from 2012-2013.

"Today, at the midpoint of our five years strategy 2015: Everyone, Every way, it's clear that the target priorities - to be more regional, more digital and more distinctly Canadian - are paying off," said Board Chair Rémi Racine. He also reiterated the Board's commitment to managing public funds efficiently and responsibly, to ensure that the public broadcaster "can continue serving Canadians in 2020, 2030, 2050 and beyond."

In the words of Mr. Lacroix, CBC/Radio-Canada is much more than just a media company: "We are part of the communities we serve, and we want to be the place where ideas, values and dreams are shared". He further added, "We're changing, we're evolving. We're challenging the status quo. We are trying to create a personal, intimate relationship with each of our listeners."

The annual public meeting (APM) also featured a panel made of up of CBC/Radio-Canada radio personalities who debated the following question: "How is new technology enriching the conversation on radio?" Panellists included Matt Galloway, Host, Metro Morning, CBC Radio One; Rebecca Makonnen, Host, Circuit Makonnen, Espace musique; Steve Patterson, Host, The Debaters, CBC Radio One; Jean-Sébastien Bernatchez, Host, L'heure du monde, ICI Radio-Canada Première; and Anna Maria Tremonti, Host, The Current, CBC Radio One.

About 300 people attended the APM in Toronto. Canadians were also able to watch a live webcast on the CBC/Radio-Canada corporate website.

For further information, please consult the following:

• APM speaking notes for Rémi Racine, Chair, Board of Directors:
  http://www.cbc.radio-canada.ca/en/media-centre/2013/10/23/
  
  
• APM speaking notes for Hubert T. Lacroix, President and CEO:
  http://www.cbc.radio-canada.ca/en/media-centre/2013/10/23a/

• APM speaking notes for Suzanne Morris, Vice-President and Chief Financial  Officer:
  http://www.cbc.radio-canada.ca/en/media-centre/2013/10/23b/

About CBC/Radio-Canada

CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on digital platforms, and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages.

SOURCE: CBC/RADIO-CANADA

For further information:

Onsite:
Chuck Thompson
Head of Media Relations, CBC English Services
Tel. [phone]
[e-mail]

Or:
France Bélisle 
Manager, Media Relations and Issues Management
Tel. [phone] Cell. 613-301-0552 
[e-mail]