CBC Gears Up for Digital Transition

OTTAWA: Canadian pubcaster CBC/Radio-Canada has unveiled its plans for the digital transition, and has announced the exit of its executive VP for English services, Richard Stursberg.

With the analogue switch-off a year away, CBC reports that it is installing digital transmitters in all of the markets in which it produces original television programming. Of these 27 planned transmitters, 15 will be operational by August 2011, with the rest ready before August 2012. Analogue service will be offered beyond the August 31, 2011 shut-off date in all markets not identified by the CRTC as mandatory for digital transmission.CBC is also seeking approval from the CRTC for a temporary extension of analogue service in those markets not slated for transition until after the August 2011 deadline.

“We believe that our plan is appropriate given our financial challenges, given our mandate, and given industry trends,” said Steven Guiton, VP and chief regulatory officer. “When all is said and done, our estimate is that less than 1 percent of Canadians will need to turn to a cable or satellite provider in order to continue receiving our signal.”

Meanwhile, Stursberg is leaving CBC after a six-year stint. Kirstine Stewart, general manager of CBC Television, will fill the role on an interim basis.  Hubert T. Lacroix, president and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada, commented, “When Richard was appointed executive vice-president of CBC Television six years ago he brought with him a revolution that shook the foundation of the organization and eventually of the whole of our English services. He challenged every premise, attacked conventional wisdom, and uprooted whole parts of the internal culture. Six years later, the institution is better off than it was. I want to acknowledge his success in turning CBC Television around and thank him for his contribution.”

Lacroix continued, “We are in the midst of developing a new strategic plan that will guide CBC/Radio-Canada through the next five years. This is the opportune time to bring new leadership to English services and to ensure alignment of the senior team on the future of the public broadcaster.”