CBC/Radio-Canada names Dany Meloul as EVP of French services

Dany Meloul (Source: CBC/Radio-Canada)

Canadian pubcaster CBC/Radio-Canada has appointed Dany Meloul as EVP of French services on a permanent basis.

Meloul has been serving in the role in an acting capacity since October 2023, when her predecessor Michel Bissonnette made a sudden exit from the broadcaster.

She will oversee all French-language programming services at the pubcaster, including ICI Radio-Canada Télé, ICI ARTV, ICI Explora, ICI RDI, ICI Première, ICI Musique, ICI TOU.TV, Radio-Canada.ca, and other digital and mobile services.

Meloul joined CBC/Radio-Canada in 2019 and prior to Bissonnette’s departure had served as general manager of Radio-Canada Television.

Before that, she served as VP of programming for French-language television and deputy chief legal officer at Bell Media, and as VP of legal, regulatory affairs and affiliate relations for Astral TV.

“This appointment comes at a critical moment for Radio-Canada as our industry faces profound challenges and as we work together to position the public broadcaster for the future,” said CBC/Radio-Canada president & CEO Catherine Tait. “Dany has my full confidence and the support of the senior executive team and the board of directors.”

Last month, CBC/Radio-Canada announced plans to cut around 600 jobs and reduce its commissioning and acquisitions budget by around $40m (US$29.5m).

The company said it is implementing these cuts in order to tackle around $125m in “budget pressures” forecast for the 2024-2025 fiscal year

This followed similar cuts at Montreal-based TVA Group, which announced the elimination of 547 jobs and the closure of its in-house production unit, as it grapples with mounting financial challenges and claims “unfair competition” and “anti-competitive practices” from CBC and its other local rival Bell Media.