CBC/Radio-Canada has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with public broadcaster Radio New Zealand (RNZ) that may open the door to coproduction opportunities for original podcasts.

The MOU was signed at the Embassy of Canada to the Czech Republic by CBC/Radio-Canada president and CEO Catherine Tait and RNZ chair Dr. Jim Mather, both of whom will be in attendance at the Public Broadcasters International conference in Prague on Thursday (Sept. 21).

The agreement covers three core areas – Indigenous cultures and languages, podcasts, and journalist training – and focuses on knowledge-sharing and best practices, as well as opportunities for collaboration.

Both Tait and Mather are part of the Global Task Force for public media, which is chaired by Tait and composed of eight leaders in public broadcasting. The group was established in 2020 to promote and defend the interests of public media.

“As the national public broadcasters of two countries rich in cultural diversity, we have much in common and much to learn from each other,” said Tait in a statement. “Through our participation in multilateral forums, such as the Global Task Force for public media, and many bilateral exchanges, we’ve planted the seeds of a fruitful partnership over the past few years. Today, I am thrilled to see it blossom with the signing of this new partnership agreement.”

Added Mather: “During a time where misinformation and disinformation are rife, the need for independent public media has never been more significant. Our partnership with CBC/Radio-Canada signifies exciting new opportunities for collaboration and a chance to leverage our strengths together.”

CBC has already established a partnership in the podcast space with Australian public broadcaster ABC, with the two collaborating on the project Stuff the British Stole, which has been produced as both a podcast and docuseries.

Photo by Leah Takata