Memo to staff indicates support for Stursberg’s controversial changes

Source: Toronto Star

In the wake of the departure of its controversial head of English services, CBC plans to stay the course, his interim successor told staff Monday.

The abrupt end of Richard Stursberg’s six-year role as executive vice-president, announced Friday in a terse statement by CBC/Radio-Canada president and CEO Hubert T. Lacroix, prompted talk that the public broadcaster would halt or reverse Stursberg’s initiatives, which included the implementation of more commercial programming in pursuit of higher ratings.

But an internal memo by erstwhile CBC Television general manager Kirstine Stewart, who has temporarily assumed Stursberg’s duties, suggested otherwise.

“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 we make,” said her missive.

The note specifically lauded original Canadian programming such as The Current, Being Erica and CBC Network News, but made no mention of Stursberg-initiated imported American content, such as game shows Jeopardy! and Wheel Of Fortune, which dismayed CBC scrutinizers.

Stewart seemed to indicate, as did Lacroix in his statement, that Stursberg’s term, during a period of major staff cuts and declining government revenue, was a boon for the organization.

“Our relationship with audiences has been deepening as of late, with more people tuning into CBC’s multiple platforms . . . Hubert has reinforced with me that he does not want that momentum to slow down, or risk being lost,” she wrote.

Neither Stewart nor Lacroix were available for further comment. Stursberg, who oversaw all aspects of CBC’s English-language TV, radio and online programming, has not spoken publicly about his departure.

A business-as-usual approach is unlikely to appease critics, such as Ian Morrison of the watchdog group Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, who indicated he had “nothing positive” to say about Stursberg’s time at CBC.

He hoped the corporation’s estimated “six to nine months” search for a new boss would yield two executives.

“Don’t try to put one person in charge of TV and radio,” Morrison urged. “They’re two different media and deserve two skilled vice-presidents.”

Stewart ended her letter by wishing her staff a “less eventful” rest of their summer.

© Toronto Star