Tag Archives: Kirstine Stewart

Richard Stursberg leaves CBC; effective immediately

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Richard Stursberg, head of CBC’s English services, is leaving after six years in the position.

CBC president Hubert T. Lacroix announced his departure Friday in a statement to employees. Lacroix gave no reason for Stursberg’s departure, which is effective Friday.

“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,” Lacroix said in his statement.

“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.”

Kirstine Stewart, currently general manager of CBC Television, is to take his job as executive vice-president of English services on an interim basis.

(original text from CBC.ca)

Kirstine Stewart named top woman communicator in Canada

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Kirstine Stewart, general manager, CBC Television has been named CWC 2010 Woman of the Year by Canadian Women in Communications.

The CWC Woman of the Year award recognizes an outstanding woman who has made a significant contribution to the communications industry throughout her career, and who has contributed materially to the advancement of women within the industry.

In announcing the award, CWC said: “Stewart has led a distinguished career, which includes revitalizing the CBC’s ratings by launching such hits as Dragons’ Den, Little Mosque on the Prairie, The Border, Battle of the Blades, The Tudors, The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos and The Next Great Prime Minister. She has also nurtured the ongoing development of CBC’s legacy programming—shows such as Marketplace, The Nature of Things, Rick Mercer Report and Hockey Night in Canada.

As general manager of CBC Television, Stewart is the network’s “chief creative officer,” overseeing and commissioning drama, comedy, arts, current affairs and documentaries.

Since coming to the CBC in 2006, Stewart has revitalized ratings, which has generated new revenue for the broadcaster, all while recognizing the unique value of CBC’s service. Additionally, CBC is the only conventional Canadian network whose audience share has grown consistently over the past four seasons.

“This is delightful news for a wonderful colleague,” says Richard Stursberg, executive vice-president of CBC English Services. “Beyond her considerable achievements in contributing to CBC Television’s current success, Kirstine has been a champion for and mentor to many within our organization and beyond with her commitment to innovative and high quality Canadian programming. She continues to make her mark on the industry and this recognition is entirely fitting.”

“We are all very proud of Kirstine,” added Hubert Lacroix, president and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada. “This is an exceptional achievement in a long list of personal and professional triumphs. Her contribution to CBC and to Canadian public broadcasting is enormous—we are very lucky to have her.”

Stewart and the other CWC winners will be honoured at the CWC’s annual awards gala on Mar. 29 in Ottawa.