CBC/Radio-Canada's Annual Public Meeting: Strategy 2020 shows positive results despite significant challenges

WINNIPEG, Sept. 29, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, CBC/Radio-Canada held its seventh Annual Public Meeting (APM) in Winnipeg. And, in the spirit of being a space where Canadians can share their ideas, experiences and connect with each other, the public broadcaster dedicated part of its APM to showcasing the best and brightest of this community.

Bringing life to the theme of this year's APM – Invite. Ignite. Inspire – four young Winnipeggers who are making a difference in their community participated in a conversation about the importance of community engagement. Their inspiring testimonials are available here.

Rémi Racine, Chair of the Board of Directors, CBC/Radio-Canada, opened the APM by welcoming the audience, live from the university of Winnipeg and via webcast: "For almost 80 years, Canadians have turned to CBC/Radio-Canada as a trusted companion in their daily lives.We passionately believe in the public broadcaster's mission: to express Canadian culture and enrich the lives of citizens through a wide range of content that informs, enlightens and entertains."

"Deepening our connection with Canadians is what the transformation at CBC/Radio-Canada is all about. This is the essence of what we do; bringing people together, connecting them with each other, and celebrating their accomplishments," continued Hubert T. Lacroix, President and CEO, CBC/Radio-Canada. "New technologies are providing new opportunities for engaging with citizens and for sharing culture. We see the potential in using our digital platforms to continue to achieve this in new ways."

The Corporation launched its strategic plan, A space for us all, 15 months ago. And, while still dealing with a number of challenges, the plan is starting to show results. In fact, the public broadcaster was able to reinvest from its savings into Canadian programs this year, the first such reinvestment since 2009.

"Our regional news services are a good example of how we're changing," declared Lacroix. This Fall, both CBC and Radio-Canada are offering audiences enhanced regional news services, with multi-screen digital content available throughout the day. "This is one more way we are going to interact, co-create, and engage with you wherever you are. Our challenge; however, is how to move fast enough to remain relevant – keep up with new technologies – while making sure we don't leave those using our more traditional platforms behind."

For further information, please consult the following: 
APM speaking notes for Rémi Racine, Chair, Board of Directors  
APM speaking notes for Hubert T. Lacroix, President and CEO

About CBC/Radio-Canada

CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages.

A space for us all is CBC/Radio-Canada's strategy to transform the public broadcaster, and ensure that it continues to fulfill its mandate for Canadians, now and for future generations. Through to 2020, the Corporation will increase its investment in prime-time television programming and continue to create radio programs of the highest quality, while promoting the development of digital and mobile platforms and content.

SOURCE Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

Alexandra Fortier, Manager, Media Relations and Issues Management, Tel. [phone], [email protected]