OTTAWA – Vincent Carlin has been appointed as ombudsman for its CBC/Radio-Canada’s English services. He begins his five-year term in January 2006.
“The ombudsman’s office plays a vital role at CBC/Radio-Canada and reflects our commitment to accuracy, integrity and fairness in our journalism,” said Robert Rabinovitch, president and CEO, CBC/Radio-Canada in a statement. “With his extensive background as one of this country’s leading commentators on the business and practice of journalism, broadcasting and media ethics, Mr. Carlin is uniquely qualified to take on this role.”
Most recently, Carlin spent six-plus years as chair of the School of Journalism at Ryerson University, and is currently an associate professor at the School. He is also well recognized for his consulting work – assisting the South Africa Broadcasting Corporation on its election programming in 1994, working on the Polish Broadcasting Project in 1993, and often serving as an expert witness in court cases on issues of libel, journalistic practice and media ethics.
Carlin also has wide-ranging experience as a working journalist in Canada and abroad, including posts at CBC/Radio-Canada and positions at Time Magazine and the Time-Life News Service in the U.S.
He takes over for David Bazay, who will be retiring at the end of November.
CBC/Radio-Canada has two ombudsmen, one for its English networks and the other for its French. Each investigates audience complaints and comments, and evaluates compliance with journalistic policies related to the networks’ Radio, Television and online programming.
He or she serves as an impartial and independent appeal body for citizens, and may also alert journalists and managers to issues causing public concern based on comments and complaints received. CBC/Radio-Canada’s ombudsman’s offices have served as a model for other media organizations around the world, says the Corp.
“The search for a new ombudsman was a rigorous one. CBC/Radio-Canada sought candidates from both outside and inside the Corporation, with a selection committee comprising external and internal members,” says the release.
