CAB scales back staff in restructuring aimed at greater efficiencies

Seven positions have been cut at the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB), with the workload being shifted and some employees picking up new titles. The downsizing comes after repeated requests by CAB members for the association to scale back its overhead. There are now 31 staff members at the association. "As many of our members in the industry have also undergone restructuring of late, our exercise was primarily to look at how we can increase efficiencies and reduce our operating costs. We have basically combined positions and eliminated a few," states a CAB source. While money may be saved, some in the industry are questioning whether the reorganization will result in fewer broadcast voices being heard, particularly on the specialty television side. Members of the former Specialty and Premium Television Association had anticipated a stronger lobby when the organization was absorbed by the CAB before the launch of new digital specialty services (CCR, Nov. 23/00). The CAB, however, describes its new look as being "more horizontal than sectoral" and believes all its members will be just as well served. Under the restructuring, consultant Wayne Charman joins the CAB on a full-time basis as senior VP of television, specialty and pay services, and new technologies. He was on contract filing in for Beverley Kirshenblatt, VP of television, who will not be returning to the association from maternity leave. Sean Kiely, formerly VP of specialty and pay services, becomes senior VP of marketing and member services. Jim Patrick, who was director of specialty and pay policy, becomes director of policy and regulatory affairs. The same title has been given to Susan Wheeler, who was director of television policy. Andrew Cameron, manager of government affairs, has left the association. As well, three administrative positions and a communications manager position have been eliminated. Kiely replaces Sharon Orr, who retired earlier this year after nine years with the CAB. Also leaving earlier this year were Andrée Dumulon, formerly director of membership services, who returned to the National Research Council as communications advisor to the president, and Lynn Buffone, who was director of radio policy, who joined Canadian Heritage on secondment (CCR, April 12/02). This position has been left vacant with the director of radio policy’s work being shared by Patrick and Wheeler.

CAB scales back staff in restructuring aimed at greater efficiencies

Broadcast | May 23, 2002

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