Richard Stursberg: Inside the CBC

May 10, 7:00 pm in the Atrium

The Tower of Babble: Sins, Secrets and Successes Inside the CBC

Co-presented by THIN AIR, featuring Richard Stursberg conversing with Joanne Kelly. 

In 2004, CBC television had sunk to its lowest audience share in its history. 

That same year, Richard Stursberg, an avowed popularizer with a reputation for radical action, was appointed as the head of CBC’s Television services. In 2008 his role was expanded to head of all English services: television, online and radio. 

Stursberg tells the story of the struggle that resulted, and that lasted for six turbulent and controversial years. 

The Tower of Babble tells the story of our most loved and reviled cultural institution during its most convulsive and far-reaching period of change.  It is for those who think  the CBC has lost its way, those who love where it is, and those who think it should not exist. 

Richard Stursberg has been Assistant Deputy Minister, Culure and Broadcasting at the federal department of Communications, President of the Canadian Cable Television association, Chairman of the Canadian Television Fund, Executive Director of Telefilm Canda (the national film financing agency), and Executive Vice President of English services at the CBC. 

Stursberg currently sits on the Board of the Canadian Film Centre. 

He has been variously been described as “brilliant”, “bad”, overbearing”, “charming”, “machiavellian” and “unpleasant”. Those who know him agree with these assessments.

Phone 204-475-0483

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