Canada’s leading media companies announce Canadian Broadcasters for Sustainability

Announced today at the Banff World Media Festival, 22 Canadian broadcasters have united to form Canadian Broadcasters for Sustainability, a group which is committed to working together to increase environmentally sustainable change. This is the first time such a broad and diverse group of Canadian public and private broadcasters from different linguistic and regional markets have come together for a common cause. The group includes: Accessible Media Inc., Asian Television Network, Bell Media, Blue Ant Media, CBC/Radio-Canada, Channel Zero, CHEK Media, Corus Entertainment, Hollywood Suite, Knowledge Network, New Tang Dynasty (Canada), Nunavut Independent Television Network, OUTtv, Pelmorex Corp., Remstar Media, Rogers Sports & Media, Super Channel, Télé-Québec, TFO, TV5, TVO and Wildbrain.

Canadian broadcasters play a significant role in the creation, support and delivery of content to people living in Canada, and with that role comes the obligation to embed environmentally sustainable thinking in their commissioned productions. Working together, the group will share their learnings, reduce duplication and increase collective impact and the speed of environmentally sustainable change.

Canadian Broadcasters for Sustainability is committed to meeting at least quarterly to leverage each other’s sustainability progress and collectively advance five goals:

collaborate on sustainability initiatives to avoid duplication and ensure resources and learnings have more impact;
increase the scope and impact of sustainability actions;
improve efforts to produce content* sustainably including how carbon impact is measured and addressed;
reach more audiences with content* that inspires people to make more sustainable choices and is informed by science;
understand and consult with marginalized communities that are disproportionately affected by climate change.
*Excluding news and current affairs.

“Our industry has a responsibility to take meaningful action on climate change. After the launch of our first environmental strategy in 2021 and the recent announcement of our participation in Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge, CBC/Radio-Canada is proud to redouble our efforts by joining with other broadcasters to make Canadian media production greener and more sustainable.”
– Catherine Tait, President and CEO, CBC/Radio-Canada

“AMI is committed to supporting positive steps to improve living conditions for all, and we look forward to collaborating on continuing the work that has been started.” – David Errington, President and CEO of Accessible Media Inc.

“This initiative, combined with our ongoing commitment to make our operations carbon neutral by 2025 and to reduce absolute GHG emissions by 2030, demonstrates our determination to pursue change within our industry. Bell Media is proud to participate in this essential initiative, with the support of our broadcasting colleagues, to change things for the better and build a more sustainable and prosperous future.” – Karine Moses, Senior Vice President, Content Development & News and Vice Chair, Québec, Bell Media

“Blue Ant Media is proud to participate in what is a shared commitment to driving sustainable change in Canada with our industry peers. This collaboration marks an important step for our company as we work towards making a positive environmental impact,” said Michael MacMillan, co-founder and CEO, Blue Ant Media. “As leaders in media we have an opportunity to use our diverse platforms to raise awareness, inspire action and shape a more sustainable future for generations to come.”

“Channel Zero supports the Canadian Broadcasters for Sustainability, which is not only an ethical responsibility but also a strategic decision that drives innovation, ensuring a thriving business in a rapidly changing world.” – Romen Podzyhun, Chairman & CEO, Channel Zero.

“Given our commitment to sustainability, Corus is proud to be collaborating with our colleagues on this industry-wide initiative,” said Colin Bohm, Executive Vice President, Content and Corporate Strategy, Corus Entertainment. “Together with our production partners, these five goals will help us make meaningful gains in reducing our collective impact on the environment.”

“Broadcasters may not be top of mind when it comes to creating a sustainable future, but the measures we are taking together today will help. We are exploring new ways to ensure we minimise the impact of broadcasting and streaming technology, as well as production, and are proud to be collaborating with the Canadian Broadcasters for Sustainability. Hollywood Suite will continue to bring exciting content to audiences while working to reduce our carbon footprint.” – David Kines, President, Hollywood Suite

“Knowledge Network looks forward to working in concert with this strong coalition of broadcasters to develop sustainable sector-wide practices and contribute to informed public dialogue about climate change.” – Michelle van Beusekom, President and CEO of Knowledge Network Corporation.

“When we look at the impacts of climate change, Inuit are one of the most at risk populations in Canada. As a broadcaster that is providing a voice for Inuit, Uvagut TV is committed to help move the sustainability agenda forward.” – Lucy Tulugarjuk, Nunavut Independent Television Network Executive Director

“Pelmorex Corp. strives to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future through our actions and solutions, one decision at a time. We are excited to be a part of this initiative, working with other Canadian broadcasters collectively to increase environmentally sustainable change at a faster speed.” – Nana Banerjee, President & CEO, Pelmorex Corp.

“Responsiveness and adaptability are part of the daily challenges that an independent broadcaster like Remstar Media is exposed to,” said Isabelle Legris, Vice-president and General Manager, Remstar Media. “Our team is honoured to be part of this historic group, whose goal is to encourage positive change, lessen our industry’s carbon footprint and act for a greener and more sustainable future.”

“We are very proud to be joining our fellow broadcasters in this important initiative and doing our part to ensure that meaningful steps are taken in our industry to combat climate change.” – Don McDonald, President & CEO, Super Channel.

“TVO is encouraged and inspired to be a part of this group of Canadian broadcasters,” said John Ferri, VP of Programming, TVO. “We are excited to lend our voice and energy to working collaboratively to bring more sustainable practices and initiatives to the industry.” BCS Bureau