Sally Catto returns to CBC as Executive Director, Commissioned and Scripted Programming

Trevor Walton to take on new role

VANCOUVER, June 1, 2012 /CNW/ - CBC announced today that Sally Catto has been appointed Executive Director, Commissioned and Scripted Programming. Reporting to Kirstine Stewart, Executive Vice-President, CBC English Services, Catto assumes responsibility for drama, comedy, children's and documentary programming.  Her initial focus will be on the reorganization of the department to streamline the administration and management, and to update it ensuring resources are focused on content creation.

"We're thrilled Sally's coming home to CBC; she's one of the country's most well respected broadcast executives. Sally's ability to nurture creative potential at its earliest stages, her ongoing commitment to Canadian producers and productions and her track record of successes will make CBC's already strong commissioned and scripted programming even stronger," said Kirstine Stewart, Executive Vice President-CBC English Services.

Catto, in her former role at CBC as Executive Director, Arts & Entertainment, was instrumental in the success of The Republic of Doyle, Being Erica and Heartland.  Most recently, she held the position of Executive Vice-President, Cineflix Studios.

Sally's appointment will allow her team to continue to build strong relationships within the independent production community.  "I'm delighted to be working with the tremendous talent both within the CBC and across the country. CBC's ability to tell the kinds of high-quality, engaging, and above-all Canadian stories that audiences expect from us makes this position all the more appealing," said Catto.

Catto will return to CBC on June 18th and be based in Vancouver.  Recently CBC also added expanded coverage of CBC News Now out of Vancouver hosted by Ian Hanomansing.

"It's important given the wide reach across Canada of the CBC that our activities be represented in communities outside of Toronto to complement those which are here," said Kirstine Stewart.

Trevor Walton will become the Head of Co-Productions, effective immediately. This new role plays to Trevor's strengths, leverages his experience and will complement the new structure.

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, plus seven languages for international audiences. In 2011, CBC/Radio-Canada is celebrating 75 years of serving Canadians and being at the centre of the democratic, social and cultural life of Canada.

Chuck Thompson
Head of Media Relations, CBC English Services
416-509-3315