Rudy Buttignol, CEO of The Knowledge Network, will part ways with the B.C. public broadcaster, effective June 30, following an equity audit that found a distinct lack of representation in its commissioned programming and a subsequent petition. Buttignol had been at the helm of the network for 15 years. Prior to joining Knowledge Network in 2007, he served as President of BBC Kids, and before that held various roles at TVO over a 13-year period, leaving as Creative Head, Network Programming.
Robert Turner has been named APD for Newstalk 1010 (CFRB-AM) Toronto. Turner has been a host and Chief Operator with the station for 24 years. He currently hosts The Early Edition, a first look at the day’s news, traffic, weather, and sports.
Alex Boissonneault will succeed Claude Bernatchez as host of ICI Radio-Canada Première morning show, Première Heure. Boissonneault has spent the last six years with Radio-Canada’s National Assembly bureau. Bernatchez announced his departure from Première Heure in May after 17 years. He’ll host his final show June 23. Bernatchez has been with Radio-Canada since 1988, hosting on both radio and television with stops in Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal and Trois-Rivières.
Imani Walker is joining The Brandon Gonez Show as a producer. Walker has been with CBC since 2018, starting out as an editorial assistant and associate producer at CBC News Network, before moving over to CBC Radio as an associate producer on Metro Morning, Here and Now, and Ontario Morning.
Danielle Smith is making a run at re-entering politics, aiming to win the United Conversative Party (UCP) of Alberta leadership nomination, so she can enter the race for Alberta premier. Smith, who stepped away from her Corus Radio talk show last year, has most recently been hosting a show on right-of-centre specialty channel, The News Forum and a podcast for The Western Standard.
Jim Deane is retiring as CEO of Saskatchewan’s Access Communications. Deane, who has been with the telecom cooperative since 1981, will depart in January 2023. He has served as CEO since 2000, overseeing the 100% community-owned organization that’s now expanded to over 235 communities. The Access Board of Directors has established a CEO Search Committee.
Michael Ball has left Regina’s The Wolf 104.9 (CFWF-FM) where he’s co-hosted the morning show for 25 years. Ball has stepped down to focus on being the voice of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and host of the 620 CKRM Sports Cage. Better known as “Ballsy,” he replaces Derek Taylor in the Riders’ play-by-play role who departed in February after being recruited by CJOB Winnipeg to handle play-by-play duties for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Al Tompson is joining Rogers Sports & Media as Content Director, Calgary Music Brands, overseeing both JACK 96.9 (CJAQ-FM) and STAR 95.9 (CHFM-FM). His first day on the job is July 1. Tompson parted ways with Stingray in April after a combined 17 years with Stingray/Newcap. Up until restructuring in March 2021, Tompson had served as Director of FM Programming for Calgary and Edmonton.
Andy Berridge is leaving X92.9 Calgary (CFEX-FM). Berridge has been with the station since 2017 as an on-air personality and Digital Content Producer. A 2015 Humber College grad, Berridge started his career with Bell Media’s Halifax stations.
Peter Klein has joined Daily Hive in Calgary as a staff writer. Klein is also the co-host of Game Over: Calgary on the sdpn YouTube Channel and other podcast platforms. He was formerly with Sportsnet 960 (CFAC-AM) Calgary in various roles, including morning show co-host and afternoon producer.
