Concordia University Television will hold a General Assembly this Saturday to establish a proper governance structure in an effort to move forward following weeks of instability.
The future of CUTV remains unclear; clouded by uncertainty and fuelled by several unresolved issues. The campus television station underwent a slew of resignations, frozen funds and financial instability in recent weeks. CUTV experienced a rough transition period in separating from the Concordia Student Broadcasting Corporation coupled with a legally defunct Board of Directors. Following a second public meeting, a GA was unanimously voted for last Monday.
“I think everyone involved right now in the process of preparing for the GA shares one common goal,” said Sabine Friesinger, the sole director remaining on CUTV’s emergency provisional Board. “It is building a solid, democratic, inclusive and transparent structure that reflects the values of community media.”
Gabrielle Bouchard, the 2110 Centre for Gender Advocacy peer support and trans advocacy co-ordinator, moderated both meetings in hopes of aiding the station to establish a plan to move forward. Bouchard also helped plan the upcoming GA because there was a “collective understanding to work together” and is currently facilitating conversation between active members of CUTV.
At the second meeting, everyone agreed that a GA was necessary to give a foundation to a new CUTV legal identity. According to the CUTV’s event page, the goal is to form bylaws, appoint an auditor who will assess the station’s finances, elect a new BoD and establish voting rights—all legal requirements of a Quebec not-for-profit organization.
Undergraduate students, volunteers, employees, donors and community partner organizations are eligible to vote.
“I hope to see an open and positive discussion and some good bylaws adopted,” Bouchard said. “I also hope that some great, strong and empathetic people will come forward and get elected on the board.”
It remains unknown as to where the GA will be held but Bouchard hopes to ask the Concordia Student Union for the seventh floor lounge and a list of all students to make identification easier when voting.
“Despite the gloomy period CUTV has gone through in the past weeks, the fact that members are stepping up and taking the time from their own busy schedules to continue to get things done at CUTV is one of the most positive things that could happen at this point,” Friesinger said. “I’m really encouraged by their determination and will to help the station move out of the impasse.”
