CBC, Canada’s public broadcaster and #1 podcaster, today announced that Arif Noorani, Executive Producer of CBC Podcasts, has been appointed to the newly created position of Director of the division. In this role, Noorani will drive the impact and success of CBC Podcasts, leading content strategy and development, and identifying new opportunities in this rapidly evolving and highly competitive space. Additionally, Noorani will head up initiatives that continue to grow audiences and take Canada to the world, such as spearheading partnerships with global podcast partners.
“When you look at the depth of his industry experience, it’s easy to see how Arif has helped lead the success of CBC Podcasts,” said Leslie Merklinger, Executive Director of CBC Podcasts. “Arif employs an audience-first approach in whatever he does, and that is particularly evident in the wide range of well-received series that he’s shepherded since co-founding the division with me seven years ago. I am so excited about the potential of CBC Podcasts and am grateful to have Arif as a partner to help take this content powerhouse to the next level.”
Since launching CBC Podcasts in 2015, Noorani has helped to grow the platform into an internationally recognized leader in the field, garnering more than 70 million downloads annually. Throughout his tenure, Noorani has developed and managed the creation of more than 40 original series, such as the international hit Someone Knows Something; 12 seasons of Uncover including Escaping NXIVM; The Village; Love Me; Other People’s Problems; Personal Best and, most recently, the critically acclaimed trilogy on extremism; The Flamethrowers, White Hot Hate and Boys Like Me.
Noorani has more than 30 years of experience in journalism having worked as a print reporter, producer, programmer, creator and entrepreneur. His career includes experience leading arts and film festivals; executive producing Day 6 and Q; and producing programming in different locations around the world on The Current with Anna Maria Tremonti.
Learn more about Arif Noorani, CBC Podcasts and its Winter 2022 line-up here.
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About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada’s trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.
Media Contacts:
Joanna Landsberg, CBC PR, joanna.landsberg@cbc.ca, 647.628.4788 (Canada)
Meryl Cooper, meryl@thecooperationinc.com, 917.974.0022 (US/International)
