CAB President O'Farrell To Step Down
December 15, 2008

By Robert Thompson,
Billboard.biz


Toronto - Glenn O'Farrell, the longtime president of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters, has announced he will be stepping down after six years.

O'Farrell, who joined the CAB in 2002 after leaving an executive post at the Global Television Network, will exit the position in January, he said in a news release. No replacement was announced.

"It's never easy to move on from something you passionately believe in, but after seven years and a lot of thought, I have concluded it's time for me to take on new challenges," he said. "I will miss the team of dedicated professionals at the CAB with whom I have worked to strengthen the Canadian broadcasting system in a remarkable period of industry transition."

Under O'Farrell, the CAB has become increasingly vocal about its battles, especially with the Canadian recording and publishing business. The CAB contends its radio members - about 70 privately-owned stations - are struggling under increasing high royalty rates. The organization is currently in Ottawa presenting to the Copyright Board in a massive hearing that encompasses five tariff proposals.

Would this have anything to do with CTV's apparent move to pull out?