OTTAWA – The CRTC has a new vice-chairman of broadcasting at last.
Montreal lawyer Athanasios (Tom) Pentefountas was named to the post by Heritage Minister James Moore on Friday. The position has been filled on an interim basis by Ontario commissioner Rita Cugini since Michel Arpin completed his five-year term last August.
"I am delighted that Mr. Pentefountas has agreed to join the CRTC," said Minister Moore, in the announcement. "I am certain that his leadership, extensive knowledge, and strong legal background will be great assets to the CRTC."
Pentefountas is a partner in the law firm Silver Sandiford. He has also worked as a member and vice president of the Montreal Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, an affiliate of the Montreal Chamber of Commerce, as well as at the charitable fundraising organization Hellenic Educational Progressive Association.
Pentefountas is the former president of the Action Democratique du Quebec, a provincial party with strong ties to several senior federal Conservatives and any broadcast-industry experience was not included in the summary of his accomplishments released by the government, something both the NDP and Bloc Quebecois strongly pointed out Monday during Question Period.
