Youth Media Alliance Mourns Loss of Founder Robert Roy

Robert Roy, founder of the Youth Media Alliance (YMA), has passed away, with the organization remembering him as a “staunch advocate for quality youth content and a living archive of Canada’s public broadcasting history.”

Roy founded the Children’s Broadcast Institute (CBI) in 1974, which later became known as the Alliance for Children and Television (ACT) and eventually Youth Media Alliance (YMA). His mission was to improve the quality of programming for young audiences. “He firmly believed that television should uplift, inspire and reflect the richness of Canadian youth,” the YMA said in a statement.

Roy also played a key role at Radio-Canada during a transformative era, where he encouraged creators to innovate while respecting the intelligence and sensitivity of young viewers. “Thanks to his vision and support, iconic shows such as Bobino, Bagatelle, Alexandre et le roi and Génie en herbe came to life, programs that combined imagination, rigor and a strong cultural identity,” the YMA said.

Roy also authored a book retracing the organization’s first 35 years, An Alliance Devoted to Kids—35 Years of History.

“The YMA salutes the memory of a true pioneer,” the organization said. “His dedication, humanism, and unwavering belief in the power of youth media will continue to inspire our community for years to come.”