Tributes flood in after Shaw’s Robertson passes at 59

Tributes are flooding in for Paul Robertson, the executive VP and president of Canadian broadcaster Shaw Media who has passed away aged 59 after a two-year with pancreatic cancer.

Robertson is credited with developing strategy and programming at Shaw’s key channel, Global, plus its specialty networks and news outlets.

“Paul’s passionate contribution to the Canadian media industry, his warm, personal leadership style and infectious sense of humour made him truly one of a kind,” Shaw Media said in a statement. “He will be missed at Shaw as both an inspiring leader and a long-time member of our family.”

Shaw rival Bell Media was among the first to offer condolences. “Paul was an inspiring leader and a dedicated champion of our industry,” said Kevin Crull, Bell’s president.

“He was not only a competitor but a friend, quickly becoming a role model to me when I entered the unfamiliar territory of the media industry. As we discussed the challenges of the industry, he was always insightful, wise, and rational. His optimism and can-do spirit never faltered. Paul was an inspiration to me and the many others whom he touched and influenced, and will be missed.”

“We have lost a great leader in our industry today,” the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television wrote on Twiter. “Paul Robertson will be missed.

“Such sad news. Lovely man, great leader,” added Twitter Canada boss Kirstine Stewart.

Robertson took up his post as EVP and president at Shaw after the company’s C$2 billion (US$2.1 billion) acquisition of Canwest’s TV assets in 2010. He had previously been president of Corus Entertainment’s TV unit, and had headed up producer Nelvana Enterprises.