**CBC Unveils New Strategic Plan Amid Leadership Changes** Canada's public broadcaster, the CBC, is undergoing significant changes with the departure of its president, Catherine Tait, and the introduction of a new five-year strategic plan by her successor, Marie-Philippe Bouchard. The plan, revealed this week, aims to address several key issues facing the broadcaster, including its declining appeal among younger audiences, rural Canadians, and new immigrants.

The new strategy emphasizes the need to attract "non-users and dissatisfied users" by diversifying programming and editorial content. It also highlights a commitment to "return to the regions," acknowledging that resources have been overly concentrated in major urban centers like Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal.

The plan's language reflects a corporate approach, focusing on appealing to a broader audience. It states, "Not every content and format has to be suitable for everyone, but everyone should find something that suits them." However, critics argue that this approach resembles a rebranding effort rather than a substantive overhaul of content.

Many observers question whether the CBC's funding would be better utilized by directly supporting content creators, rather than focusing on the network's identity. The broadcaster's non-fiction programming is often produced or co-produced by third parties, raising concerns about the effectiveness of its current funding model.

In addition to programming challenges, CBC News faces scrutiny over perceived political bias. Many conservatives criticize the national newscast for being left-leaning, which has contributed to its status as the lowest-rated news program in Canada. This perception poses a significant challenge, as a portion of the population finds the news content unwatchable.

The situation draws parallels to the BBC in the UK, where similar complaints about bias exist. The BBC has a more robust viewership, claiming that its iPlayer service is more popular than all other video-on-demand platforms combined. In contrast, CBC's struggle to maintain viewership raises questions about its future viability.

As the CBC embarks on this new strategic direction, it faces the dual challenge of improving its content and addressing public perceptions. The effectiveness of Bouchard's plan will be closely monitored as the broadcaster seeks to regain the trust and interest of Canadians across the country.