Media Centre > News Releases > Archive > 1996 > June 3, 1996

Private broadcasters win top TV captioning awards

OTTAWA, June 3, 1996 -- The Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) has won Canada Caption Inc.'s first 'Special Recognition' Golden Cup award for its ongoing contribution to the captioning industry.

"We appreciate the CCI's friendly and intelligent persuasion," said CAB President Michael McCabe, accepting the prestigious award on behalf of private stations across Canada. "It's important all segments of our audience have the opportunity to participate fully in programming services."

Coinciding with Captioning Awareness Week (May 27 - June 2), the presentation took place at the 4th Annual Golden Cup Awards reception, May 29, Radisson Hotel, Ottawa. The Golden Cups recognize broadcasters and others "who have demonstrated a clear commitment to captioning in Canada."

CITY-TV, Toronto, winner in the 'Regional Broadcaster' category, was cited for its role "in the development of the VoiceWriter Off-line Captioning System by providing the beta test site for the prototype."

Private broadcasters support captioning as a vital service to the deaf and hard of hearing, as well as a benefit to seniors, young children and adult learners.

"We recognize that captioning can be a valued part of our business arsenals, not just a cost," added McCabe. "Ensuring access to the finest captioning available goes hand-in-hand with the quality objectives of our current Canadian Programming Initiative."

Founded by Beverley Ostafichuk in 1992, Canada Caption Inc. describes itself as "a lean, mean, non-bureaucratic machine" dedicated to increasing the amount and improving the quality of captioning in Canada.

CAB represents the vast majority of advertising-supported, local serving television and radio broadcasters across Canada.

Please contact:

Susan Tolusso
Director, Communications
(613) 233-4035 ext. 331
(stolusso@cab-acr.ca)