CBC/Radio-Canada kicks off one-year countdown to 75th anniversary

Ottawa, November 2, 2010 – CBC/Radio-Canada officially kicked off today the one-year countdown to the Corporation’s 75th anniversary.

It was on November 2, 1936, that the Canadian Broadcasting Act replaced the Canadian Radio Broadcasting Commission. Through the Act was created a new crown Corporation: the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. And with that, a Canadian cultural icon was born.

In CBC’s first broadcast, then Chairman Leonard Brockington told listeners they could expect many new things from their new broadcaster. The Corporation’s governors, he said, have ideas and ideals that are “almost as numerous as apple blossoms in the Annapolis Valley or peach blossoms in the Okanagan.” Today, the Corporation delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services, in multiple languages, from coast-to-coast-to-coast.

“For 74 years today, CBC/Radio-Canada has been at the centre of the democratic, social and cultural life of Canada,” said Tim Casgrain, Chair of CBC/Radio-Canada’s Board of Directors. “Throughout its history, Canada’s public broadcaster has contributed to the nation’s identity in broadcasting the diverse stories of the people of this great country. There is much to celebrate.”

“This is a momentous year for us,” said President and CEO Hubert T. Lacroix. “It’s an occasion to recognize and reaffirm the role that the public broadcaster plays in giving Canadians a strong voice in a crowded media landscape. We invite Canadians to make this celebration their own.”

The kick-off of the one-year countdown was an occasion for CBC/Radio-Canada to unveil its new commemorative logo and slogan – “Yours to celebrate” – that will be showcased throughout the year to mark the occasion. It was also a chance to provide a sneak peek at some of the projects in store to celebrate three-quarters of a century at the centre of Canada’s cultural life, which will include open house events and special programming across all of the Corporation’s platforms. 

Celebrations will figure most prominently during the 75-day countdown to the official anniversary. More details about special events and programming will be revealed as the anniversary approaches.

A high-resolution image of the commemorative logo, along with audio of the Corporation’s first broadcast are available at the following address: http://www.cbc.radio-canada.ca/75th