Last month it was reported Bell Media head, Kevin Crull, interfered with CTV News coverage over the CRTC’s TalkTV announcements. CRTC Chairman Jean-Pierre Blais called the manipulation of news coverage “disturbing” at the time.
Crull later apologized and said his “intrusion” on CTV News was a mistake. While he acknowledged his actions, it still made many question the true editorial independence of his news team.
Today, Bell CEO George Cope has announced Crull is leaving his position as president of Bell Media, effective today. The following statement from Cope explains the reason for the departure:
“However, the independence of Bell Media’s news operations is of paramount importance to our company and to all Canadians. There can be no doubt that Bell will always uphold the journalistic standards that have made CTV the most trusted brand in Canadian news,”
There have been other allegations Bell gets special treatment from CTV, and this move to have Crull depart looks to let everybody know his actions are not what the company stands for.
Mary Ann Turcke, formerly Group President, Media Sales, Local TV and Radio for Bell Media, has been appointed to take over the position.
