TORONTO – Thirty-five-year CBC veteran Tony Burman announced Tuesday he’s leaving his position as editor-in-chief of CBC News, Current Affairs and Newsworld on July 13. He has been in the position since February 2000.
“Since so much of my life has been connected with the CBC, I obviously have mixed emotions about this, but mostly I have feelings of elation. And – can I say it? – liberation,” Burman said in a note sent to CBC staff Tuesday.
Esther Enkin will serve as acting editor-in-chief, and Don Knox will oversee Television News and Newsworld during the transition period. A comprehensive internal and external candidate search will be launched immediately to find a replacement.
Burman’s note also stated, “As CBC’s editor-in-chief, I have done this job longer than I had planned, longer than anyone else at the CBC in decades and as long as any single individual should. It’s time for a change – for you, and for me – and I really look forward to directing my energy, my enthusiasm and my ideas to new projects.”
He did not say in the note what he would be doing after July 13.
“Tony Burman is a brilliant journalist, a dedicated advocate of public broadcasting and a true leader,” said CBC Radio vice-president Jane Chalmers in a statement issued by the public broadcaster. “Much of what CBC News, particularly CBC Newsworld and Television News, is today is the result of his vision and leadership. CBC News and the corporation as a whole owe him an enormous debt of gratitude.”
Burman has held a variety of senior roles at the CBC in Canada and abroad, and produced some award-winning news and documentary programs for both CBC-TV and Radio.
“Tony leaves big shoes to fill,” said CBC Television executive vice-president Richard Stursberg. “We will be pushing forward with our overall news renewal that will reinforce CBC News as a leader in Canadian journalism. Without diminishing the quality and focus of The National, World Report and other signature network news shows, we will continue to re-invest more energy and airtime in our local and regional news.”
Burman wrote to staff, “It has been a privilege for me to oversee such a wonderful operation during this crucial and dynamic period. And, equally important, it has been precious for me to develop enduring friendships over the years with so many dedicated people working at Canada’s public broadcaster. Canadians are very lucky. You can sometimes be a tough crowd but I have always known you’re lovable deep down!”
