MONTREAL — Radio-Canada’s director of digital operations and community relations, Pierre Champoux (above), has been appointed as ombudsman for CBC/Radio-Canada’s French services. He replaces Guy Gendron.
Champoux has 35 years of experience with media organizations, such as Groupe TVA and CBC/Radio-Canada, in key roles including lineup editor, editor-in-chief and news director. He will begin his five-year term on July 1, 2021.
The public broadcaster has two ombudsmen: one for CBC and one for Radio-Canada. They are responsible for investigating complaints regarding compliance with CBC/Radio-Canada’s Journalistic Standards and Practices. They work independent of program staff and management, reporting directly to CBC/Radio-Canada’s president and CEO and, through the president, to the corporation’s board of directors.
“I hope to keep the lines of communication open so that Canadians of all backgrounds can engage more fully with their national public broadcaster. Transparency and accountability will be my watchwords,” said Champoux in a press release.
“CBC/Radio-Canada is one of the country’s most trusted sources of news and information — and that trust is our most valuable asset. Our ombudsmen play a vital role in enforcing the core principles that guide our journalists in their work — accuracy, integrity, impartiality, fairness and balance. Please join me in congratulating Guy Gendron and wishing Pierre Champoux every success in his new role,” said Catherine Tait, CBC/Radio-Canada president and CEO.
Radio-Canada’s ombudsman can be reached through CBC/Radio-Canada’s website here. CBC’s ombudsman, Jack Nagler, can be reached here.
