TORONTO – After months of looking, CBC Television today announced that Kirstine Layfield, a senior executive at Alliance Atlantis, will become executive director, network programming.
She replaces Slawko Klymkiw, who joined the Canadian Film Centre in the fall of 2005. Her official start date in what is considered the plum job in Canadian TV has not yet been announced. It was a much-sought-after post. 
Layfield (left) will be responsible for the overall programming strategy for CBC Television and brings almost 20 years of combined experience in the broadcasting and television industries, most recently as senior vice-president, lifestyle content at Alliance Atlantis.
“We are very pleased Kirstine has decided to join us,” said Stursberg. “Ours is an increasingly competitive industry, and our audience’s expectations of their public broadcaster continue to increase exponentially. Kirstine’s wealth of experience will help us make significant strides as we focus on providing our audiences with television programming that is entertaining, enlightening and informative.”
With experience in Canada, the United States and internationally, Layfield will bring first-hand knowledge of audience trends and preferences, and will work closely with CBC’s in-house creative and production resources as well as with independent producers in realizing CBC Television’s mission as Canada’s national public television broadcaster.
“I can’t think of a better time to be returning to CBC,” said Layfield. “Canadian television audiences have more choice than ever before-but fewer choices that truly reflect the questions, concerns and experiences that are unique to Canadians. I look forward to working with everyone at CBC Television to ensure that we remain relevant, vibrant and vital to the lives of Canadians everywhere.”
In her role at Alliance Atlantis, Layfield had overall programming responsibilities for the company’s eight lifestyle channels, including BBC Canada, National Geographic Canada and Home and Garden Television. Prior to this, she was senior vice-president, programming at Hallmark Entertainment, where she oversaw the programming of 17 international cable and satellite broadcast channels distributed to over 50 million viewers around the globe. “While there, she was responsible for turning around their drama strategy worldwide-closing studio deals on series such as “Law and Order” and “Judging Amy”, which were introduced into markets for the first time,” says the CBC release.
Earlier in her career, Layfield had a connection to CBC as general manager and vice-president, programming for Trio/Newsworld International, a former CBC/Power Corporation joint venture. Prior to this, Layfield spent over 10 years in international program distribution, culminating in the role of senior vice-president of Paragon Entertainment’s distribution division.
“We chose Kirstine after a comprehensive search, both inside and outside the CBC,” said Richard Stursberg, executive vice-president, CBC Television, in a memo to staff. “I personally interviewed a large number of potential candidates for this key position, and I am convinced that she is the ideal person for the job. She brings us a wealth of national and international experience, plus a deep understanding of and commitment to our special role here at CBC.”
Besides Layfield’s hiring, it was also announced that Christine Wilson is being promoted to deputy program director. “Christine will bring to this important and expanded role her audience-driven approach and her intimate involvement with the creation of the CBC-TV schedule over each of the past several seasons,” said Stursberg.
She is currently senior director of strategy and planning and has worked in programming as a radio current affairs producer and deputy head of radio variety, and held several roles in audience research.
The research group will continue to report to her in her new role with the program office and Dan Hill will now become director of strategic planning and regulatory affairs.
