MONTREAL (CelebrityAccess) – Media executive and former CRTC chairman André Bureau died on April 12th after a battle with cancer. He was 83.
Bureau’s passing was first announced by Bell Media Quebec VP, Pierre Rodrigue.
“We are saddened by the passing of André Bureau, who served as CRTC Chairperson from 1983 to 1989. Mr. Bureau played a pivotal role in providing Canadians more choice on television. It was during his mandate that the first specialty television channels were licensed in 1984. From those beginnings, Canadians today enjoy a variety of lifestyle, sports, music, third-language and other specialized programming that cater to their interests. We join Canadians in celebrating his legacy and contributions to the broadcasting and telecommunications sectors. His resolve and dedication will be missed and we offer our sincere condolences to his family.”
A native of Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Bureau studied law at Université Laval in Québec City and the Sorbonne in France, joining the Quebec Bar in 1959.
After representing Telemedia in his legal practice, he was named executive vice-president at Télémédia Communications in 1976 as the company was emerging as an important player in the Canadian radio and teleivision industry. He later became president and CEO of the company.
From 1983 to 1989 he served as Chairman of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, Canada’s lead broadcast and telephone regulator, overseeing the agency at an important period of transition amid the rise of cable television and the growth of FM radio in Canada.
As well, he served as Chairman of the Board of Astral Media Inc., Canada’s largest radio broadcaster, which included 84 radio stations in 8 provinces and which was later acquired by Bell Media.
After stepping away from government service, he returned to private law practice, and joined Heenan, Blaikie, a Montreal law firm where he remained until it closed in 2014.
He is survived by his wife Thérèse and his sons Yves-André and Jean.
