TORONTO — After 30 years at Rogers Communications, Colette Watson (above) is stepping down as senior vice-president of television and broadcast operations for Rogers Sports and Media. Her last day at Rogers will be June 15, the company announced today.
“Colette has been an invaluable member of the Rogers team and a driving force behind industry change. Over her 30-year career, whether it was in cable, regulatory, or media, she consistently delivered under pressure, championed what’s right, and put the company first,” said Jordan Banks, president of Rogers Sports and Media, in the news release. “Faced with industry challenges, she never waivered in her commitment. She thinks big and always finds a way to win.”
“Colette’s experience, business acumen, and ability to foster relationships with key leaders have always been critical to the company’s success,” added Phil Lind, vice-chair of Rogers Communications, who hired Watson at Rogers in 1990.
Among the highlights of her tenure at Rogers, she led a stable of more than 40 community channels considered to be the gold standard in Canada, lobbied the CRTC to allow vertically integrated companies to move funds to over-the-air TV from community television, won the OMNI Television 9(1)(h) licence, and returned Citytv to profitability, says the news release.
Watson will continue in her role as president and general manager of Cable Public Affairs Channel (CPAC).
“I have seen tremendous change in the telecommunications and media industries these past three decades, and I’m so proud to have been part of the leading transformations by Rogers. There’s a great team in place, and the friendships I have made here feel more like family,” said Watson.
Following her departure, Julie Adam (right) will take on an expanded portfolio and become senior vice-president of TV and
radio for the company, effective June 16. Adam has been with Rogers Radio for 21 years and currently oversees Rogers Sports and Media’s 56 radio stations and two podcast networks. In her new role, Adam will now also be accountable for Citytv, OMNI Television, FX/FXX, OLN, the company’s 30 local Rogers TV stations, and broadcast operations.
“I am very excited to work with the TV team and I know that our Radio and TV groups will prove to be even stronger together as one,” said Adam. “Colette and I have been trusted colleagues and friends for many years, and I couldn’t be more honoured to take the reins from such an incredible leader.”
