April 12, 2019, Winnipeg, Manitoba – Jocelyn Formsma, APTN Chairperson announced today that Jean La Rose, APTN CEO, will be leaving the network on Dec. 31, 2019 to pursue new challenges. The announcement comes at a time that suits both the organization and its leader, given the recent renewal of the network’s licence for a five-year term.

“Jean and the board met last fall to discuss the timing of his departure,” says Formsma. “His contract ends in 2019 and we wanted to ensure we had enough time to prepare for the transition, especially since he has been at the helm of the network for over 17 years.

“On behalf of the Board, we are very grateful to have worked with Jean over the years. We continue to maintain our full trust and confidence in him as we discuss engaging his services going forward. He has provided inspiring leadership to APTN and we have watched the network grow under his vision.”

Both parties agreed that his departure should take place at the end of the contract, allowing for an orderly transition and giving the Board sufficient time to launch a national search to identify the next CEO.

Throughout his term as CEO, La Rose has brought the world’s first national Indigenous broadcaster to new heights. This includes the creation of APTN’s distinct linear channels, being a consortium partner in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, the establishment of arms-length enterprises such as Animiki See Digital Productions and Animiki See Distribution, and the licencing and launch of two radio stations, ELMNT FM Ottawa and ELMNT FM Toronto. Most recently, the network also conducted the first-ever broadcast of a National Hockey League (NHL) game in an Indigenous language, Plains Cree.

“I am proud of the team of people at APTN that made all of this possible,” says La Rose. “APTN has many reasons to be proud of its growth and success over the last 20 years. Our employees are second to none, and credit for our achievements goes to them.”

A formal search process will launch in the coming weeks. APTN aims to have a successor identified by late October to allow for a smooth and orderly transition.

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About APTN
APTN launched in 1999 as the first national Indigenous broadcaster in the world, creating a window into the remarkably diverse mosaic of Indigenous Peoples. A respected non-profit and charitable broadcaster, it’s the only one of its kind in North America. The network is Sharing Our Stories of authenticity in English, French and a variety of Indigenous languages to approximately 11 million Canadian subscribers. With over 80% Canadian content, APTN connects with its audience through genuine, inspiring, and engaging entertainment on multiple platforms.

For further information about this announcement, please contact:
Jocelyn Formsma
APTN Chairperson
(613) 864-7033

Jean La Rose
APTN CEO
(204) 947-9331, ext. 352.

For further information about APTN or image requests, please contact:
Jacqueline Jubinville
Manager of Communications, APTN
(204) 947-9331, ext. 339
jjubinville@aptn.ca