OTTAWA – Richard Stursberg’s last day at the CBC was Friday.
The executive vice-president, English services at CBC/Radio-Canada was let go, in order to bring in “new leadership”, according to the Corp.
Stursberg was appointed to the job on November 22, 2007 and was first appointed EVP of CBC Television on October 1, 2004. He oversaw all aspects of CBC/Radio-Canada’s English-language programming services, which includes, among other things, CBC Television, CBC Newsworld, The Documentary Channel, CBC Country Canada, CBC Radio One, CBC Radio 2, CBC Radio 3, and CBC.ca.
"When Richard was appointed executive vice-president of CBC Television six years ago, he brought with him a revolution that shook the foundation of the organization and eventually of the whole of our English services,” said Hubert Lacroix, president and CEO, in the official press release.
“He challenged every premise, attacked conventional wisdom, and uprooted whole parts of the internal culture. Six years later, the institution is better off than it was. I want to acknowledge his success in turning CBC Television around and thank him for his contribution.
“We are in the midst of developing a new strategic plan that will guide CBC/Radio-Canada through the next five years. This is the opportune time to bring new leadership to English Services and to ensure alignment of the senior team on the future of the public broadcaster.”
Kirstine Stewart, general manager, CBC Television, will take on the position of executive vice-president, English services, on an interim basis. As the architect of CBC Television’s current programming success and Richard Stursberg’s official delegate for the past few years, and with the support of a talented team, she’s well placed to ensure that CBC maintains the considerable momentum it currently enjoys, reads the release.
A comprehensive internal and external recruitment process will be launched immediately.
In a note to staff, Stewart sang the praises of staff and the programming they create. “I am used to writing these notes in times of celebration and in honour of the many achievements of our great team here at CBC. And although this is a different occasion, I think that it is our progress and those great markers of achievement that are important for us all to focus upon during this period of transition,” she wrote.
“We are all moving ahead as we do our work for the CBC. Despite media speculation regarding the change that has just happened, Hubert made it clear to me that he supports our programming and is a fan of the shows that we make.
“As we head into our 75th year, and with Canadian private broadcasters calling for reductions in their commitment to Canadian content, we are alone positioned to take up that mantle,” she added. “We are CBC and we are here to remind Canadians why they are special. And we are here to learn from them and now more than ever we have the chance to listen in as well as we broadcast out.
Here’s to a less eventful rest of your summer. I’m honoured to be in a role currently where I get to work with all of you together as we move the CBC forward.”
