TORONTO – CBC announced the appointment of veteran journalist Kirk LaPointe as its new ombudsman, effective November 1.
LaPointe replaces Vince Carlin, whose mandate will officially expire December 31, 2010.
The CBC ombudsman acts as an appeal authority for members of the public who are dissatisfied with the public broadcaster’s journalistic and information programming. The office is independent of CBC program staff and management and reports directly to the president and, through the president’s office, the CBC’s board of directors.
LaPointe will be based in CBC’s Vancouver office, where he lives, but will work from other CBC locations regularly as part of his responsibilities. Most recently managing editor of the Vancouver Sun, LaPointe is an adjunct professor in the Graduate School of Journalism at the University of British Columbia and has held senior positions with news organizations including The Canadian Press, CTV News, The Toronto Star, The Hamilton Spectator and was a founding executive editor of The National Post. For six years, he was a host on CBC Newsworld, as well.
He has been a member of numerous advisory boards, including the Canadian Association of Journalists, the Canadian Media Research Consortium, the B.C. Freedom of Information Council and the Ryerson University School of Journalism.
"Kirk brings to this important position a wealth of knowledge and experience in the news and journalism arena with a strong focus on emerging technologies and the impact they have in the media industry and journalism in particular," said Hubert Lacroix, CBC president and CEO, in the press release. "Credibility in the eyes of our audience is our most valuable asset and must be protected. The office of the ombudsman plays a critical role in ensuring our transparency and accountability to Canadians."
"It’s a privilege to assume this vital role at what is a very exciting time in journalism, to help ensure CBC continues to be a respected, valued voice serving the world," added LaPointe, in the release.
"Kirk’s appointment at the beginning of November allows for a smooth transition of about two months before Vince Carlin’s departure," added Lacroix. "I want to personally acknowledge and thank Vince for his tireless commitment to the CBC during his five years as ombudsman.”
