CBC/Radio-Canada President and CEO Catherine Tait will keep her job for the next one and-a-half years as the federal government begins the process of picking a permanent replacement. .“It’s a critical issue that all Western democracies are grappling with,” Tait told CBC News on Thursday. .“I believe Canada's public broadcaster has a unique role to play to address disinformation, build trust in verified and trusted news, and, most importantly, to foster Canadian conversations in English, French and indigenous languages." .Tait will stay on until January 2025. Her first five-year term ends in July. .A senior government source said the second shorter mandate gives the government “a bridge to get us through the independent open process we need to run, just like 2017.” .The previous committee was chaired by former television journalist Tom Clark and eight other non-partisan people from across Canada — a process intended to neutralize claims the government exerts too much control over CBC’s governance. The government will soon initiate a similar process to pick her successor. .Tait said she wants to spend her remaining time at CBC focused on addressing “the urgent issues of polarization and distrust which are undermining democratic and open societies.”.Her anticipated six and-a-half year stint is shorter than those enjoyed by some past presidents. .Former CBC president Hubert Lacroix served for 10 years. Before Lacroix, former president Robert Rabinovitch led it between 1999 and 2007. .The next president will lead it at a time of profound change in the media landscape. .Conventional television and radio platforms are grappling with stagnant or declining audiences while streaming services, such as CBC Gem and CBC Listen, are finding their footing. .“We'll kick off 2025 with an exciting new leader that can carry it forward for the long term,” said the source. .Tait — an industry veteran with a long list of credentials — championed public broadcasting in the five years she's been on the job. .Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez praised Tait for her efforts to combat online and physical threats to journalists. .Rodriguez acknowledged under her leadership, the CBC deployed journalists to underserved communities such as Grande Prairie and Lethbridge in Alberta; Nanaimo and Cranbrook in British Columbia; and Kingston, ON. .“CBC/Radio-Canada plays an essential role in our country's democracy and culture,” said Rodriguez. .“Given the scope of change with the implementation of the Online Streaming Act and the proposed Online News Act, the continuity in her role at the helm of the public broadcaster is key during this time.” .Tait denounced Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre in February for inciting attacks on the CBC. .READ MORE: CBC president bashes Poilievre for making people hate the network.“There’s a lot of CBC bashing going on — somewhat stoked by the leader of the Opposition,” she said. .“I think they feel CBC is a mouthpiece for the Liberal government.” .Poilievre fired back in February by saying Tait is coming after him because she wants to take more money from the Canadian government. .READ MORE: Poilievre condemns CBC president for bashing him.“They’re not even pretending to be unbiased,” said Poilievre. .He started off by saying he meant it when he announced during the Conservative leadership race he would defund the CBC..He said Tait, who runs “[Justin] Trudeau’s $1.2 billion propaganda arm, the CBC, is now openly attacking me."
