The former head of production at Rogers Sportsnet has been named the new executive director of CBC Sports.

Scott Moore succeeds Nancy Lee, who left the CBC in October to head the host broadcast team for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. David Masse, senior director of CBC Sports, had been serving as interim executive director.

"I'm very excited with this opportunity to help take CBC Sports to its next level," Moore said Thursday.

Since Moore left Sportsnet in July 2003, he had worked on the independent production company he owns, Vancouver-based Top Notch Studios, where he was involved in the Athens and Torino Olympic Games, the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, the Grand Prix of Edmonton, the Asian Games and other projects.

"As a Gemini and Emmy award-winning producer with an international reputation for innovative sports production, Scott has a wealth of knowledge and experience which will provide a tremendous benefit to the CBC," said Richard Stursberg, executive vice-president of CBC Television. "Sports are a key part of the CBC's service to Canadians."

Challenging times

Moore assumes his new post at a pivotal time for CBC Sports. The home of Hockey Night in Canada is in negotiations with the NHL to extend its television broadcast rights past the 2007-08 season, when its current deal with the league expires.

Last September, the CBC inked a deal with FIFA, soccer's global governing body, to show the 2010 and 2014 World Cup tournaments. The contract also includes the 2007 men's under-20 World Cup in Canada, the 2007 women's World Cup in China and the 2011 women's World Cup.

CBC Sports is also talking with the Toronto Blue Jays about returning major league baseball games to the network for the 2007 season after a four-year absence.

Moore must also deal with the recent loss of some long-time CBC properties.

CFL moves to TSN 

Last December, the CFL announced it had signed a new television contract with TSN that will leave the CBC watching from the sidelines after the completion of the 2007 season.

The five-year deal, which includes an option year, begins in 2008 and will see TSN serve as the sole broadcaster of all regular season and playoff games, including the Grey Cup.

Following the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, the CBC will be without the 2010 and 2012 Olympics — a consortium from Bell Globemedia and Rogers Media bought those rights.

"As always, the CBC will be operating in a competitive and rapidly changing environment," Moore said. "I intend to build on its reputation for excellence and strengthen the CBC's position as the place Canadians turn for the best in amateur and professional sports.”