Dr. Norbert Himmler, General Director of German public broadcaster ZDF, has assumed the Chair of the Global Task Force for Public Media, succeeding CBC/Radio-Canada President and CEO Catherine Tait. This influential group comprises the heads of seven major public broadcasters: ABC (Australia), BBC (UK), CBC/Radio-Canada (Canada), France Télévisions (France), RNZ (New Zealand), SVT (Sweden), and ZDF (Germany).
Established in 2020, the Global Task Force champions the core values of public media: access, accuracy, accountability, creativity, impartiality, independence, and high journalistic standards. Facing mounting economic and political challenges, Himmler stressed the importance of unity. “Public service media are under increasing economic and political pressure all over the world. That is why we must speak with one voice across borders and continents, and strengthen our cooperation wherever possible. I also want to take this opportunity to thank Catherine Tait for all that she has done on the global stage for public media,” he stated.
Tait, who steered the Task Force since its inception, offered her congratulations and support: “I want to congratulate Norbert Himmler and wish him all the best as he succeeds me as Chair. Public service media are stronger when we stand together and under Norbert’s leadership, I know the Global Task Force will continue to stand up for the independent journalism, press freedom and authentic storytelling that serve audiences worldwide.” Her tenure concludes with her second term as President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada at the year's end.