Azeb Wolde-Giorghis has been named the new anchor of Téléjournal, succeeding Céline Galipeau, who has held the position for 18 years. The announcement came on Wednesday morning, and Wolde-Giorghis expressed her excitement for the role, acknowledging the high standard set by Galipeau.
Background of Azeb Wolde-Giorghis
Wolde-Giorghis joined Radio-Canada in the late 1980s. She began her career in Winnipeg, shortly after the Meech Lake Accord debates. Subsequently, she worked across Canada, including Saskatchewan and the Atlantic provinces, as well as internationally.
International Experience
- Opened Radio-Canada’s first bureau in Africa, located in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
- Served as a correspondent in London from 2001 to 2010 for both English and French networks.
Wolde-Giorghis’s recent tenure as a correspondent in Washington, D.C., provided her with insights into significant political issues, particularly during the Trump administration. She described the environment as challenging, with widespread questioning of established norms such as press freedom and the First Amendment.
Commitment to Diversity
As she takes on her new role, Wolde-Giorghis emphasized the importance of diversity in media. She noted that her goal is to reflect a wider range of opinions and voices within the show. She stated, “I see this as a journalist’s role to elevate others.”
Support from Leadership
Crystelle Crépeau, the director of information at Radio-Canada, praised Wolde-Giorghis’s selection, highlighting her strong understanding of community issues and storytelling ability. Galipeau, who is set to host her final episode on June 18, will transition to a new international news magazine this fall.
Wolde-Giorghis looks forward to leading Téléjournal while continuing the commitment to representation, an essential aspect of her journalistic ethos. “I am proud of who I am, and it’s vital to ensure representation on screen,” she asserted.
