Denise Donlon, the new executive director at CBC Radio, says she's a strong believer in public broadcasting. Denise Donlon, the new executive director at CBC Radio, says she's a strong believer in public broadcasting. (CBC)

A veteran Canadian music executive has been given the top job at CBC Radio.

Denise Donlon, former president of Sony Music Canada, was named executive director on Wednesday.

In an interview with CBC News, Donlon said she is a strong believer in public broadcasting.

"It really has to do with who we are as Canadians, to have this public discourse and the depth of coverage," she said.

"If you're a curious listener who's interested in many things, as I am ... you come to CBC Radio because that's where you can hear that broad range," she said.

Donlon said she is to take on the job at a "historic" time for CBC Radio. She defended the new CBC Radio 2, saying she has been listening as the broadcaster changed its classical format to a mix of classical and contemporary music.

"It's a fabulous showcase for Canadian artists," she said.

"As a public broadcaster, we have to do our best to reflect the diversity of the country."

Donlon replaces Jennifer McGuire, who stepped down in May.

"Denise is without question one of the broadcasting industry's most talented and dynamic organizational leaders," Richard Stursberg, executive vice- president of CBC English Services, said in a statement.

"She is both a proven administrator, and team builder, and a champion of creativity, artistic excellence and social responsibility. Her media experience and knowledge will complement and strengthen the mandate of CBC Radio, which is to engage all Canadians through its unique position as a non-commercial national public radio service."

Rising through the ranks

Donlon, 52, was born in Toronto and began working as a host and producer at MuchMusic in 1985.

By 1992, she had risen to become director of music programming, and was named vice-president and general manager in 1997.

She was president of Sony from 2000 to 2004 and named to the CHUM board of directors in 2005.

More recently, Donlon has been involved in high-profile projects such as Live 8, CBC's Tsunami Concert of Hope, the inaugural Green Living conference main stage and the President Clinton Foundation Birthday Event, which raised over $21 million.

Donlon is a member of the Order of Canada and was named broadcast executive of the year three times during Canadian Music Week.