Broadcaster Norm Bolen has been named the new president and CEO of the CFTPA, effective April 15. Bolen is the former EVP of content for Alliance Atlantis Communications, where he oversaw programming for 13 specialty channels. Prior to AAC, he spent 21 years at the CBC as a journalist and executive, with his last position being head of network television current affairs.

‘In all of his various roles, both public and private, Norm has always been a champion of Canadian content,’ commented CFTPA chair Sandra Cunningham in a release, adding, ‘It is a challenging time for Canadian independent producers and the CFTPA needs an advocate like Norm at the helm.’

‘I intend to work closely with the members and other stakeholders in the industry to continue to grow the independent production sector in Canada and in the international marketplace,’ added Bolen.