Dr Norbert Himmler, General Director of German public broadcaster ZDF, has succeeded CBC/Radio-Canada President and CEO Catherine Tait as Chair of the Global Task Force for Public Media.
The Global Task Force comprises the heads of seven major public broadcasters: ABC (Australia), BBC (UK), CBC/Radio-Canada (Canada), France Télévisions (France), RNZ (New Zealand), SVT (Sweden) and ZDF (Germany). Established in 2020, the initiative aims to promote and defend the values of public media, described as access, accuracy, accountability, creativity, impartiality, independence and high standards of journalism.
“Public service media are under increasing economic and political pressure all over the world. That is why we must speak with one voice across borders and continents, and strengthen our cooperation wherever possible. I also want to take this opportunity to thank Catherine Tait for all that she has done on the global stage for public media,” said Himmler.
Tait added: “I want to congratulate Norbert Himmler and wish him all the best as he succeeds me as Chair. Public service media are stronger when we stand together and under Norbert’s leadership, I know the Global Task Force will continue to stand up for the independent journalism, press freedom and authentic storytelling that serve audiences worldwide.”
Tait, who has led the Global Task Force since its inception, is finishing her second term as President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada at the end of this year.
