Robert Rabinovitch has announced he will not seek another term as president and CEO of CBC, and will step down from the public broadcaster at the end of 2007, according to The Globe and Mail.

Rabinovitch made the remark on March 10, following a speech in Toronto on the need for more public funding for CBC – noting that he has been in meetings with newly minted Minister of Canadian Heritage Bev Oda.

The head of CBC is appointed by the prime minister, usually on the recommendation of the heritage minister. Oda is also set to recommend a replacement for Charles Dalfen when the head of the CRTC ends his five-year term later this year.

Rabinovitch, 63, will have headed CBC for eight years by the time he steps down – a reign recently marred by calls for his resignation following last year’s lockout of 5,500 staff.

His tenure was due to expire in 2004 but was extended by then-prime minister Paul Martin.