Canadian Broadcasters Unite for Sustainability Initiative

Twenty-two Canadian broadcasters have formed Canadian Broadcasters for Sustainability, a group committed to working together to increase environmentally sustainable change.

The group includes Accessible Media Inc., Asian Television Network, Bell Media, Blue Ant Media, CBC/Radio-Canada, Channel Zero, CHEK Media, Corus Entertainment, Hollywood Suite, Knowledge Network, New Tang Dynasty (Canada), Nunavut Independent Television Network (Uvagut TV), OUTtv, Pelmorex Corp., Remstar Media, Rogers Sports & Media, Super Channel, Télé-Québec, TFO, TV5, TVO and WildBrain.

Canadian Broadcasters for Sustainability is committed to meeting at least quarterly to leverage each other’s sustainability progress and collectively advance five goals: collaborate on sustainability initiatives to avoid duplication and ensure resources and learnings have more impact; increase the scope and impact of sustainability actions; improve efforts to produce content (excluding news and current affairs) sustainably including how carbon impact is measured and addressed; reach more audiences with content (excluding news and current affairs) that inspires people to make more sustainable choices and is informed by science; and understand and consult with marginalized communities that are disproportionately affected by climate change.

Catherine Tait, president and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada, said: “Our industry has a responsibility to take meaningful action on climate change. CBC/Radio-Canada is proud to be among the broadcasters leading the charge to make Canadian media production greener and more sustainable.”

David Errington, president and CEO of Accessible Media, added: “AMI is committed to supporting positive steps to improve living conditions for all, and we look forward to collaborating on continuing the work that has been started.”

Karine Moses, senior VP of content development and news and vice chair for Québec at Bell Media, said: “This initiative, combined with our ongoing commitment to make our operations carbon neutral by 2025 and to reduce absolute GHG emissions by 2030, demonstrates our determination to pursue change within our industry. Bell Media is proud to participate in this essential initiative, with the support of our broadcasting colleagues, to change things for the better and build a more sustainable and prosperous future.”

“Blue Ant Media is proud to participate in what is a shared commitment to driving sustainable change in Canada with our industry peers,” said Michael MacMillan, co-founder and CEO of Blue Ant Media. “This collaboration marks an important step for our company as we work towards making a positive environmental impact. As leaders in media, we have an opportunity to use our diverse platforms to raise awareness, inspire action and shape a more sustainable future for generations to come.”

Romen Podzyhun, chairman and CEO of Channel Zero, said: “Channel Zero supports the Canadian Broadcasters for Sustainability, which is not only an ethical responsibility but also a strategic decision that drives innovation, ensuring a thriving business in a rapidly changing world.”

“Given our commitment to sustainability, Corus is proud to be collaborating with our colleagues on this industry-wide initiative,” said Colin Bohm, executive VP of content and corporate strategy at Corus Entertainment. “Together with our production partners, these five goals will help us make meaningful gains in reducing our collective impact on the environment.”

David Kines, president of Hollywood Suite, said: “Broadcasters may not be top of mind when it comes to creating a sustainable future, but the measures we are taking together today will help. We are exploring new ways to ensure we minimize the impact of broadcasting and streaming technology, as well as production, and are proud to be collaborating with the Canadian Broadcasters for Sustainability. Hollywood Suite will continue to bring exciting content to audiences while working to reduce our carbon footprint.”

Michelle van Beusekom, president and CEO of Knowledge Network Corporation, said: “Knowledge Network looks forward to working in concert with this strong coalition of broadcasters to develop sustainable sector-wide practices and contribute to informed public dialogue about climate change.”

Lucy Tulugarjuk, Nunavut Independent Television Network executive director, said: “When we look at the impacts of climate change, Inuit are one of the most at risk populations in Canada. As a broadcaster that is providing a voice for Inuit, Uvagut TV is committed to help move the sustainability agenda forward.”

Nana Banerjee, president and CEO of Pelmorex Corp, commented: “Pelmorex Corp. strives to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future through our actions and solutions, one decision at a time. We are excited to be a part of this initiative, working with other Canadian broadcasters collectively to increase environmentally sustainable change at a faster speed.”

“Responsiveness and adaptability are part of the daily challenges that an independent broadcaster like Remstar Media is exposed to,” said Isabelle Legris, VP and general manager of Remstar Media. “Our team is honored to be part of this historic group, whose goal is to encourage positive change, lessen our industry’s carbon footprint and act for a greener and more sustainable future.”

“We are very proud to be joining our fellow broadcasters in this important initiative and doing our part to ensure that meaningful steps are taken in our industry to combat climate change,” added Don McDonald, president and CEO of Super Channel.

Michelle Seguin, president and CEO of TFO, said: “TFO is committed, along with all members of Canadian Broadcasters for Sustainability, to collaborating and working together to accelerate the industry’s green transition and reduce the impact of climate change on our planet.”

“TV5 Québec Canada embraces this initiative allowing us to make a difference together,” said Jérôme Hellio, content director of TV5 Québec Canada.

“TVO is encouraged and inspired to be a part of this group of Canadian broadcasters,” added John Ferri, VP of programming at TVO. “We are excited to lend our voice and energy to working collaboratively to bring more sustainable practices and initiatives to the industry.”