OTTAWA – Radio-Canada TV president Daniel Gourd has announced he will retire when he=is contract is up this November.
"When Daniel Gourd accepted the position of executive vice-president of Télévision de Radio-Canada, he indicated to me that it was unlikely he would be seeking a second term," said CBC president and CEO Robert Rabinovitch. "Although I was expecting this, it is still a major loss to the organization. Daniel is a visionary leader and staunch defender of the role of public television.
“The impact he has had since being promoted to executive vice-president nearly three years ago is nothing short of spectacular. He has given new meaning and momentum to the idea of public television and we are very grateful to him for that," added Rabinovitch.
In early 2003, Daniel Gourd and his team launched the repositioning of Télévision de Radio-Canada, an initiative that turned a struggling television network into a leader in innovation and risk-taking, as well as a formidable competitor in the ratings.
To ensure a smooth, orderly transition, the Corporation will soon begin an internal and external search for his replacement using executive search consultants, says today’s press release.
Gourd will continue to manage CBC/Radio-Canada’s French Television services during the recruiting period. He retains all of his current responsibilities, including the services’ 2005-2006 program schedule and corresponding budget.
“This was an extremely difficult personal decision for me," said Gourd. "After 26 years of service with CBC/Radio-Canada, I am very proud of what we have all accomplished together at Télévision de Radio-Canada. I will spend the next few months thinking about my future. The time had come to step aside for the benefit of my family members in the broadcasting industry, who have seen their careers hampered by my presence at the head of Télévision de Radio-Canada. They will now be able to pursue their professional and artistic goals with much greater freedom."
