CBC reaching out to rural, Western Canadians as part of plan to build audience

CBC reaching out to rural, Western Canadians as part of plan to build audience CBC reaching out to rural, Western Canadians as part of plan to build audience
Marie-Philippe Bouchard, CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada, is interviewed in their offices in Montreal on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi (The Canadian Press)

OTTAWA — The head of CBC/Radio-Canada says the public broadcaster’s plan to reach out to “dissatisfied” audiences means a new focus on rural areas and Western Canada.

In a five-year plan released Tuesday, the public broadcaster says it will work to connect with children and youth, newcomers to Canada and those who aren’t satisfied with or don’t use its services.

CBC/Radio-Canada president Marie-Philippe Bouchard said those dissatisfied users tend to live in rural areas or in Western Canada.

She told The Canadian Press those individuals may feel CBC does not offer content that reflects their preoccupations or values.

When asked whether that means the plan is to reach out to Conservative voters, Bouchard said there may be some overlap between those demographics but it’s not something she considers a factor.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has vowed to defund the CBC if his party forms government.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 15, 2025.

Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian Press

author avatar
Anja Karadeglija
Add a Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *