TORONTO – There’s a great radio gig coming open at the CBC in the coming months as the Corp’s radio chief Jane Chalmers, vice-president, CBC Radio, has decided to retire at the end of the year.
CBC president and CEO Robert Rabinovitch announced it to staff today. “It’s no exaggeration to say that Jane’s departure will be an incredible loss to the organization,” he wrote in a company-wide e-mail. “She embodies the values of public broadcasting to the core. Not only is Jane one of our most experienced and valued leaders, but she has also been a standard-setter in journalism, programming and management since she started at CBC Calgary in 1984.”
Since being appointed vice-president in 2002, Chalmers has led CBC Radio through a large number of changes, “and CBC Radio is today as strong as it has ever been, if not stronger,” said Rabinovitch.
“CBC Radio’s shares are reaching record levels. CBC Radio One’s morning shows are today in the top three in most markets. The redevelopment of CBC Radio 2 has been successful, having met program development and ratings goals during its initial phase. CBC Radio 3 has entrenched itself as a true leader in bringing contemporary Canadian music to new audiences. And CBC Radio’s success on alternate platforms like Sirius Satellite radio and podcasting testifies to what we can achieve in bringing distinctive and high-quality Canadian content to new and emerging platforms,” added the CEO.
Jennifer McGuire will assume the role of vice-president, CBC Radio on an interim basis.
In her own note to staff, Chalmers (right) called her decision to step down “deeply personal” and that she has decided to return to her roots and move back to western Canad
a.
“Working at CBC and with so many of you has been deeply rewarding. I’ve been so fortunate for the opportunities and challenges – for the ability and encouragement to move throughout the organization, in the regions and at the network, in television and most recently, leading the senior service, Radio,” she wrote.
“You have been my mentors, my sounding boards, my creative colleagues and trusted friends. Throughout, I have been moved and inspired by our programming and by your talent and professionalism.
“I want to thank you for the support and trust you’ve given me these many years. It has been a great privilege. I also want to thank Robert Rabinovitch for taking a risk on me five years ago, for his support throughout my tenure and his kindness and understanding as I made this decision,” she added.
