Richard Stursberg's "Tower of Babble"

Together with Douglas & McIntyre Publishers and McNally Robinson Booksellers, the Winnipeg International Writers festival presents Richard Stursberg, in conversation with Joanne Kelly, and signing and talking about his new book "The Tower of Babble: Sins, Secrets and Successes inside the CBC."

Thursday, May 10, 7:00pm

At McNally Robinson Booksellers, Grant Park in the Atrium

In 2004, CBC television had sunk to its lowest audience share in its history. That same year, Richard Stursberg, an avowed popularizer with a reputation for radical action, was appointed as the head of CBC’s Television services. In 2008 his role was expanded to head of all English services: television, online and radio. With incisive wit, Stursberg tells the story of the struggle that resulted—a struggle that lasted for six turbulent and controversial years.

The Tower of Babble tells the story of our most loved and reviled cultural institution during its most convulsive and far-reaching period of change. It is for those who think the CBC has lost its way, thosewho love where it is, and those who think it should not exist in the first place.

Richard Stursberg has been involved with media for most of his adult life. He has been Assistant Deputy Minister, Culture and Broadcasting at the federal department of Communications, President of the Canadian Cable Television association, Chairman of the Canadian Television Fund, Executive Director of Telefilm Canda (the national film financing agency), and Executive Vice President of English services at the CBC. Stursberg currently sits on the Board of the Canadian Film Centre.

He has been variously described as “brilliant”, “bad”, overbearing”, “charming”, “machiavellian” and“unpleasant”. Those who know him best agree with these assessments.