Montreal, April 10, 2025 – Youth Media Alliance (YMA) is saddened to learn of the passing of Robert Roy on April 7, 2025. Founder of the organization, staunch advocate for quality youth content, and a living archive of Canada’s public broadcasting history, Robert Roy leaves behind a legacy of immeasurable value. 

En In 1974, a visionary and unifier, he founded the Children’s Broadcast Institute (CBI) — later known as the Alliance for Children and Television (ACT), and eventually Youth Media Alliance (YMA) — with a clear mission : to improve the quality of programming for young audiences. He firmly believed that television should uplift, inspire, and reflect the richness of Canadian youth. 
 
Robert Roy also played a pivotal role at Radio-Canada during a transformative era, where he encouraged creators to innovate while respecting the intelligence and sensitivity of young viewers. Thanks to his vision and support, iconic shows such as Bobino, Bagatelle, Alexandre et le roi, and Génie en herbe came to life — programs that combined imagination, rigor, and a strong cultural identity. 

In his book Il était une fois Radio-Canada, Roy chronicled with both sensitivity and insight the rise of public broadcasting and key moments in contemporary cultural life. 

 In 2024, the YMA paid tribute to its founder as part of the organization’s 50th anniversary celebrations. 

Robert Roy also authored a book retracing the organization’s first 35 years, An Alliance Devoted to Kids – 35 Years of History. He closed the book in 2009 with words that still resonate deeply today: 

“2009 marks an important anniversary: the Alliance has now been promoting media for children and quality Canadian content for 35 years. Like most NGOs, CBI/ IRTE and then ACT/AET have experienced their fair share of difficulties. But the talent, determination, hard work and courage of those at the helm, with the support of volunteers on the board of directors, allowed the Alliance to remain on a steady course for the first 25 years and enter the 21st century. Our organization is still working to ensure quality television for Canadian children. Times are tough and many challenges lie ahead-as witnessed by the short list of topics addressed at Média-Jeunes 2008. 

However, today's management team is not only aware of the needs, but fully able to meet the challenges and support any initiative seeking to produce intelligent, enter-taining, varied and dynamic programs for children of all ages.” — Robert Roy, March 19, 2009.” 

The YMA salutes the memory of a true pioneer. His dedication, humanism, and unwavering belief in the power of youth media will continue to inspire our community for years to come. 

 Our thoughts are with his loved ones, his family, and all those whose lives he touched throughout his career.