CBC’s new CEO says cutting government funding would ‘cripple’ English and French services
The CBC is facing an ‘existential threat,’ says new CEO
The new CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada, Marie-Philippe Bouchard, has expressed grave concerns over Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s pledge to defund the public broadcaster. She believes that such a move could have detrimental effects on both the English and French services of the CBC, fundamentally altering the media landscape in Canada for the worse.
In a recent interview with The Current’s Matt Galloway, Bouchard described the potential defunding as an “existential threat” that could drastically change the corporation as we know it today. Poilievre has proposed cutting the CBC’s government funding of $1.4 billion per year, with the intention to eliminate all English services while retaining some French services.
CBC/Radio-Canada operates both English and French services that share resources, such as buildings. Bouchard emphasized that a $1 billion cut to the English services would have far-reaching consequences for the French services as well. She warned that such a move could cripple not only the English services but also the French service.
Bouchard assumed her role as CEO in January, bringing with her a wealth of experience in the media industry. Prior to this position, she served as president and CEO of the specialty channel TV5 Québec Canada. She has also held various management roles at the CBC, spanning legal services, strategic planning, regulatory affairs, digital services, and music.
When asked about a potential “Plan B” in the event of defunding, Bouchard refrained from providing specifics, noting that the details of the plan are still unclear. She stressed the importance of having a meaningful conversation about the impact of such a decision on Canadians, including Francophones, Anglophones, and Indigenous peoples.
Bouchard highlighted the broader implications of defunding on Canada’s journalism and entertainment industries, emphasizing the CBC’s role as a significant supporter of creators and artists across various disciplines. She expressed concerns about the impact on young Canadians, who rely on the CBC to navigate a complex and often polarizing media landscape.
Regarding the issue of executive bonuses, Bouchard did not confirm whether she would receive a bonus at the end of the year. She mentioned an ongoing independent report requested by the CBC’s board of directors, which is expected to provide clarity on the matter in the coming weeks.
Looking ahead, Bouchard emphasized the importance of renewing the lease for the CBC by connecting with Canadians on both an intellectual and emotional level. She underscored the value of the public broadcaster, whether through its journalism, entertainment, or a combination of both.
A recent national survey conducted by McGill University revealed that a majority of Canadians support increasing or maintaining the CBC’s current government funding. However, there is a divide among Conservative supporters, with a significant portion favoring cuts to the funding.
As discussions around the future of the CBC continue, Bouchard remains committed to advocating for the importance of public broadcasting in Canada and ensuring its sustainability for future generations.
