Saskatoon radio host John Gormley steps down from Remai Modern board

A Saskatoon radio host has stepped down from his position as a member of the Remai Modern Art Gallery's board of trustees.

John Gormley was appointed to the gallery's board of directors last year. In his letter of resignation, Gormley worried that his work on the board may interfere with his journalism.

"I have a duty and responsibility to my audience to provide them with clear, informed and honest commentary on the issues of the day," reads the letter. "Anyone involved in the media, whether as reporters or commentators, should avoid activities that might compromise or give the appearance of compromising their independence and their ability to speak frankly and honestly on issues they may cover."

Gormley was particularly worried about his ability to cover the upcoming civic election, and wanted to make sure he was able "to be free and unfettered to comment on that election and other issues facing our city and province."

Board controversy

Gormley's appointment to the board was controversial. In December, a group of artists formally called for his removal after he posted a controversial message on Twitter in the wake of the terrorist attacks in Paris. He later apologized for the comments.

• John Gormley to stay on as board member at Saskatoon's Remai
• Artists call for John Gormley's removal from Remai Modern Art Gallery board

The Remai Modern appointed an independent investigator to look into the complaint, and whether the tweet broke the gallery's code of conduct. The investigator found that the policy only applied to a person's actions while acting in their role as a director.

In the letter, Gormley said he was a supporter of the new gallery and joined the board enthusiastically.