Michael McCabe (1938-2020)

Michael McCabe

Year Born: 1938

Year Died: 2020

Year of Induction: 2001

Member of CAB Hall of Fame

McCabe, Michael (1938-2020)

For thirteen years, Michael McCabe was an important part of Canada’s broadcasting scene. When he was appointed President and CFO of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) in 1988, the industry was on the precipice of unprecedented change. Michael led all private broadcast sectors – radio, television and specialty and pay services – through numerous successful initiatives before the Government, the CRTC and other industry stakeholders.

Through the strategic plans Taking The Lead and 2001’s Future Plan both developed under the McCabe leadership, broadcasters were able to convince the government to recognize broadcasting as an important tool to achieve Canada’s cultural objectives.

A professional in public policy and communications before coming to the CAB, Michael McCabe held senior positions in the public and private sectors, including serving as Executive Assistant to former Liberal Finance Minister Mitchell Sharp – as Executive Director, CFDC (Telefilm Canada) -as Assistant Deputy Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs – and as Chairman of Policy Research for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

In 1999, he received the Western Association of Broadcasters Broadcaster of the Year Award, and in 2000 was named by Canadian Women In Communications as Mentor of the Year.

In December, 2001, Michael McCabe stepped down from the CAB.

On October 30, 2001, at the final General Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters which he chaired, Michael McCabe was inducted into the Broadcast Hall of Fame.

Michael McCabe passed away at the age of 82 on June 27th 2020.