Letter to CBC from Friends of Don Hill
March 15, 2005
Robert Rabinovitch, President CBC
Jane Chalmers, Vice President CBC
Don Orchard, Regional Manager, CBC Alberta
RE: Public Relations Fiasco in Alberta
Dear All,
I and others have expressed objections to CBC Calgary about the removal of Don Hill as host of Wild Rose Forum. We of the Friends of Don Hill are being advised that Mr. Hill's removal was "solely a business decision." As well, that it was "… a fiscal decision that we unfortunately, have to make from time to time."
I would have to say that a good corporate "business" plan would have identified the popularity and impact that Don Hill had in Alberta as host of Wild Rose Forum. A good "business" plan would logically have identified the importance of retaining Don Hill because he was exemplary at what he did and he was helping to grow the audience for CBC.
The business planning activities of CBC Alberta are highly suspect. Why would CBC remove a broadcaster who was so popular and who had an enormous and loyal following? One possible answer (the most charitable) is that CBC had failed to identify the extent of Don Hill's popularity and that Wild Rose Forum had a large audience because Don Hill hosted the program.
CBC has terminated the best and most liked radio host ever in Alberta. This is a public relations nightmare for the CBC. As a contact person for The Friends of Don Hill in Calgary I am now being copied on many responses to CBC's letters of explanation about why Don was terminated. The CBC's attempts to justify its actions are enraging people even more. Ironically, the CBC is fueling the outcry by its justifications.
The Friends of Don Hill want him reinstated to Wild Rose Forum. To this end the following actions will continue: (1) Public rallies (2) A concerted letter writing campaign (3) Sending out Information to rural newspapers about the movement (4) Contacting magazines in Alberta to tell this story.
It is wonderful for us that new people are joining us everyday. Many people are working night and day and will not rest until Don Hill is reinstated.
Diana Hodson, Ph.D.
Contact Person, Friends of Don Hill
Calgary, Alberta
Related Documents
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March 21, 2005 - Letter to CBC re termination of Don Hill
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