CCR People

Barbara Williams has been hired as VP and GM of toronto/one, the yet-to-launch over-the-air TV channel licensed to Craig Broadcast Systems Inc. Williams moves to toronto/one from Alliance Atlantis Broadcasting Inc., where she was senior VP of lifestyle programming. She also spearheaded the launches of Discovery Health Channel, HGTV, U8TV, and Food Network Canada. Sayedali Rawji has been appointed director of technical services at the National Film Board (NFB). Currently assistant director-general of the English Program, Rawji has been with the NFB for close to 30 years. He takes up his new duties on March 3. Cinar Corp. co-founder Micheline Charest has left the Just for Laughs Group, just nine months after joining the comedy festival. Charest announced her departure in a media release, but gave no reason for her move. She was hired last March by Just for Laughs to generate new international business (CCR, March 28/02). Paul Lewis has been named president and general manager of the Discovery Channel. He replaces Ken Murphy who was released as part of restructuring at the channel. Previously, Lewis was senior VP of programming for Discovery, with responsibility for the network’s program strategy, including the schedule, commissioning and development of new Canadian documentaries and series as well as international co-productions. He was also responsible for three digital channels: Animal Planet, Discovery Civilization, and CTV Travel. He joined Discovery Channel in 1994 as executive producer of in-house programming. Former Torstar executive David Wetherald has been hired to help sell Headline Media Group Inc.’s digital gay and lesbian channel PrideVision. He will work with Headline Media chair and CEO John Levy to find new partners or a buyer for the channel. Wetherald was most recently director of development and legal affairs at Torstar Corp. As well, Sarah Hughes has resigned as VP of finance at Headline Media to "pursue other opportunities." She had been serving as interim CFO since May 2002. Tina Novotny joins Teletoon as manager of media relations. She used to work at TVOntario as program publicist and writer, and has also worked at CTV and the CBC. John Tory has been appointed chair of Rogers Cable Inc., while retaining the responsibilities and title of CEO. Edward Rogers, son of company founder Ted Rogers, rejoins Rogers Cable as president and COO. He previously worked at Rogers Cable as VP and general manager of the Toronto region. He moves to Rogers Cable from his most recent position as senior VP of planning and strategy at Rogers Communications. CHUM Ltd. has formed a consultancy arrangement with U.S.-based broadcast veteran David Fox. He will be responsible for creating new sales and business development opportunities for CHUM in the United States. Kevin Cash has been hired as CFO of Microforum Inc. He comes from Brascan Business Services, where he was senior VP and CFO. Previously, he worked as director of finance at Canbras Communications; as regional controller, Eastern Canada for Shaw Communications; and as director of finance at CUC Communications. Berge Ayvazian returns to the Yankee Group as senior research fellow, effective January 1. He has 16 years experience at the Yankee Group and eight years of research and consulting experience at Kalba Bowen Associates. He has directed more than 100 consulting projects, forecasting product and service markets, assessing and analyzing investment opportunities in the telecommunications, wireless, computer, Internet, cable and broadcast television industries. Susan Millican, CEO of the Winnipeg-based National Screen Institute – Canada, and Donald Obonsawin, a former senior civil servant with the governments of Ontario and Canada, have been named to the board of directors of Vision TV. Also, Jelena Mihajlovic joins VisionTV as host of the network’s new current affairs series 360 Vision. Doug Kirk has retired from BMO Nesbitt Burns to devote himself full-time to developing his broadcasting interests. He will operate CJKX-FM in Ajax ON and CIWV-FM in Hamiltion/Burlington as well as being an active director/shareholder of stations in Kingston, Cobourg and Chatham. Ron Killeen has been appointed VP of business development and research at Communications and Information Technology Ontario (CITO). CITO is an Ontario Centre of Excellence, committed to strengthening the global performance of Ontario’s information technology and communications industries. Women in Film and Television – Toronto (WIFT-T) has elected its 2002-03 board of directors. Emily Morgan becomes chair of the board, replacing Kate Hanley, who was elected president of the organization (CCR, Dec. 5/02). Morgan is director of programming for Showcase Action and Showcase Diva at Alliance Atlantis Broadcasting. New members elected at the meeting were Kathy Ceroni, associate of the Entertainment Law Group at Gowlings LLP; Anne Schneerer, account manager of the TV and Motion Picture Group, National Bank; and Allison Vale, principal of Redbird Communications. Other executive committee appointments include: Megan O’Neail, director of legal affairs at the Canadian Television Fund (CTF), as vice-chair; Melissa Amer, CTF business analyst, as secretary; and Schneerer as treasurer. Anita Simand becomes VP of creative development at Portfolio Entertainment. She will be in charge of development activities of the company’s current television projects. Previously, she was in charge of creative at Telescene Film Group and produced for Fox, Discovery Kids, Showcase and Warner Bros. Carole Asselin has been named director of public relations at Télé-Québec. Richard Peddie, president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd., has been awarded the first Odette Award from the Odette School of Business at the University of Windsor. Peddie earned his Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Windsor in 1970 and an Honorary Doctorate from the university in 2001. In 2002, he served as business executive-in-residence for the Fall semester. The Odette Award recognizes outstanding service of alumni and friends who have made significant commitments in time, energy and expertise.

CCR People

Broadcast | January 16, 2003

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