VANCOUVER – The CBC reached into the private broadcast pool of talent for a new leader in British Columbia.
M Channel’s vice-president of programming, Johnny Michel, has been hired by the CBC to the newly created position of regional director for the British Columbia region. He will be responsible for an integrated approach to all of CBC’s media platforms and starts on July 3, 2007.
“We have great talent and wonderful shows in British Columbia," said Jane Chalmers, vice-president for English Radio, in the press release. "The challenge is to build on our strengths, whether radio, television or digitally based, by making sure people get what they need and want, wherever and whenever they choose.
"Johnny has deep media experience in this dynamic, complex city. He has a compelling vision to strengthen our relevance and our impact with audiences who demand more and better choices. Johnny is impressive. I think the results will be just as impressive.”
Well-known on the coast, Michel (pictured) will bring an extensive background in programming, new business development, marketing and branding with major media players to his role as regional director.
Before joining CBC, Michel was vice-president of programming and production at Channel M, Vancouver’s multilingual television station, "where his contributions ranged from establishing brand and market positioning and developing a competitive programming strategy, to creating over 55 hours a week of local programming, including news," says the release.
He launched his career in television management in 1990, serving as director of creative services for U-TV (CKVU Television), before assuming the same role for Global Television in western Canada, and eventually BCTV, where he created the “TV for BC” brand campaign. Michel was promoted to vice-president, production and brand communication for BCTV and CHEK-TV. He also spent two years providing freelance services to a wide variety of media clients, including Corus Communications and stockhouse.com.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity and I’m thrilled to join the CBC as it e
nters what promises to be an exciting period of development,” said Michel in the release. “I look forward to meeting colleagues and establishing some initial and longer-term strategic priorities.
"There is no question that we’re in a highly dynamic period, which will no doubt create significant challenges, but also significant opportunities for all players. I believe we have a team in B.C. that will be able to capitalize on both.”
Reporting to Chalmers and Fred Mattocks, executive director, regional programming for English Television, Michel will set the strategic direction and objectives for radio, television and digital platforms, including the new MyCBC user generated content project.
"He will ensure the station continues to thrive as an integral network production centre and will direct and oversee all regional operations. As the regional representative to the networks and the face of CBC for regional communities, stakeholders and organizations, he will also be critical to outreach efforts aimed at raising the profile of the CBC," added the release.
