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Private broadcasters programming wrapped in Gold Ribbon

Montréal, November 2, 1999 - Sixteen private radio and TV stations and specialty services today received their industry's highest awards for excellence in news, entertainment, information and community service.

Judged the best of 167 entries from across Canada, the 1999 Gold Ribbon winners were announced at the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) convention, Broadcasting `99, in Montréal.

BCTV, Vancouver, this year's only triple winner, won Gold in the (News: Special Series) category for B.C. in the Red, a five-part series about the economic doldrums in B.C. with “excellent visuals and sound in an educational and informative story”. BCTV also took home two television Promotion Gold Ribbons for If it matters '98 (News Image), a “creative and different” news promo, and for Canucks Combo (Canadian Program/Series), a “non-typical sports fan” promo which resulted in increased viewers, a “clever idea that was extremely effective” said the judges.

Honours for best television Community Service project went to CFTM-TV, Montreal Opération Solidarité. “Going beyond the call of duty, CFTM provided vital, up-to-the-minute information, and helped bring the community together during the Ice Storm of '98.

CFTM-TV also won Gold in the Multi-Market Programming category for Le Gala Métrostar, described by the judges as “highly creative and dynamic -- a first-rate win at the international level.”

Double winner Citytv, Toronto won a Promotion gold in the Multi-Market category for FashionTelevision, described by the judges as “great idea, great copy, and great execution.” Citytv also won best Entertainment show for its “innovative” Festival Schmooze.

Tour de Rock won CFAX, Victoria a Gold Ribbon for Community Service. News director, Alan Perry joined a police team in bicycling 1000kms and filed live reports every half hour along the way. The project raised over $300,000 for the fight against childhood cancer(s). “Truly inspiring ... you felt as though you were riding along,” were the comments from the judges.

CHUM-FM, Toronto's successful Community Service entry was CHUM/City Christmas Wish campaign. One of Toronto's largest Christmas charity initiatives, Christmas Wish has been around for 32 years. “It hasn't lost any of its momentum,” said the judges, “it just keeps getting bigger and better.”

CKXR, Salmon Arm's “dedicated and extraordinary” coverage ofWildfire'98, the devastating inferno that resulted in the largest evacuation in B.C. resulted in gold for Community Service.

What Radio Does Best Gold Ribbon award went to CKAC, Montreal for La Crise du Verglas, its marathon, round-the-clock coverage during the 1998 devastating Ice Storm, despite being technically hindered and at considerable cost to the station. Said the judges, “this entry highlights the importance of radio in the event of a local disaster”.

CFTK-TV, Terrace won Gold in the Documentaries & Public Affairs category for Carving the Future, a one-hour news special that focused on the Nisga'a Treaty. A sensitive topic to handle, CFTK-TV's effort to understand and make this momentous event in B.C. history understandable to the average viewer was exceptional.

Gold for best radio information program went to CKNW, Vancouver for Sexual Assault in Hockey, a “riveting” in-depth investigative report on the gang rape of a young girl by members of a hockey team.

CHKG-FM, Vancouver's “richly diverse” World Music Spectacular concert and resulting commemorative compilation CD, which it produced, distributed and promoted, exemplified radio's commitment to increase the visibility of local artists, earning it the Gold Ribbon for Canadian Talent Development.

Top honours for best radio Promotion went to 1050 CHUM, Toronto (Image) and CFOX-FM, Vancouver (Audience Building).

1050 CHUM won for its “excellent combination of humour and emotion” in the Yes, Virginia There is a Brian Henderson commercials to promote the return of popular morning host Brian Henderson who had been off the air due to ill health.

CFOX-FM's “incredibly creative and totally different” four week Larry and Willy's Even Tougher Contest promo resulted in astounding ratings, garnering the contest coverage in newspapers, local news and national TV.

CKEM-TV, Edmonton's News@Six won the Breaking News Gold Ribbon for its exclusive coverage of a suicidal gunman terrorizing a schoolyard, and the dramatic conclusion as police gun down the man.

“Strong reporting without being panicky” said the judges.

CKGL, Kitchener's sensitive and compassionate ongoing coverage of a police officer's rescue attempt to save a young boy from drowning, the recovery of both their bodies, and culminating in the broadcast of their funerals earned Parkhill Dam Tragedy the gold ribbon for News.

In specialty services' second year in the annual competition, CHUM Television once again emerged as a triple winner. MuchMusic snagged the Programming and Promotion (Canadian Program/Series) Gold for its “highly creative” 1998 MuchMusic Video Awards. Judges said it “redefines live music shows.” Space: The Imagination Station won the Promotion (Brand Image) Gold for its diverse Space Imagination Campaign.

In addition to recognizing great Canadian programming and promotions, four individuals were also honoured with Gold Ribbon Awards.

Normand Beauchamp and Paul-Émile Beaulne, recognized leaders in the broadcast industry who have made a significant impact on the whole French language market, have jointly won the Gold Ribbon for Broadcast Excellence. Normand Beauchamp is President and CEO of Radiomutuel Inc.; partner and colleague Paul-Émile Beaulne, is Executive Vice-president and Chairman, Radiomutuel Inc.; and Director General of “Canal Vie”. The Gold Ribbon for Broadcast Excellence, CAB's highest award, recognizes “innovative achievements, imagination, dedication and hard work ... and genuine concern for the highest broadcasting standards.”

Robert D.F. Lawson, P.Eng, was honoured posthumously with the Gold Ribbon Award for Engineering Achievement. Lawson made a considerable contribution to the broadcasting industry during his 33-year career. Many stations are now operating with transmission facilities that would not have been possible without the innovative approaches, enthusiasm and experience he brought to these projects. He served for several years in the 1980's as the Chair of the CAB's Technical Committee, and participated as a CAB representative at technical meetings with the CRTC and the Department of Communications (now Industry Canada). The Gold Ribbon recognizes “consistently outstanding skill or leadership in the conduct of engineering affairs in the broadcast industry”

Cam Gardiner, Morning Show Co-host, CKLW, Windsor (CHUM Group Limited), won gold for Outstanding Community Service by an Individual Broadcaster. His service to Windsor and Essex County community groups, charities and businesses spans over three decades. Gardiner devotes countless hours to organizations such as United Way, The Lung Association, Easter Seals, Junior Achievement, Jaycees, and Big Brothers to name just a few. His cheerful manner, infectious enthusiasm and unfailing encouragement have made a difference to numerous individuals over many years. He offers his services to virtually every good cause that approaches him; he's a concerned, caring citizen whose civic and charitable involvements are exemplary.

During the awards ceremonies, Canadian mega star Céline Dion was inducted in to the Hall of Fame, joining Anne Murray and Bryan Adams in the Canadian Music Star category.

Earlier in the day, five talented Canadian communications students were awarded $12,000 in scholarships.

The $5,000 Radiomutuel Scholarship was jointly awarded to two individuals studying communications the University of Québec in Montréal. Sebastien Tétrault and Luiza-Elena Grecu. Radiomutuel established this scholarship in memory of Raymond Crépault in 1975. Raymond Crépault, a former CAB President, opened Canada's first French language private FM station and launched the Radiomutuel Network.

Winner of the $2,500 Jim Allard Scholarship is Bonnie Allen, of Regina, who is studying communications at the University of Regina. CAB set up the Scholarship in 1983 to honor students who “best combine academic achievement with natural talent.” Allard was CAB Executive Vice-President from 1953 to 1973.

Three winners of $1,500 Ruth Hancock Scholarships will receive their cheques from the local CTV station closest to their homes.

They are: Rohit Gandhi, of Vancouver, a student at Carleton University's School of Journalism and Communications, in Ottawa; Scott Carnegie, of Brandon, who is studying media production at Assiniboine Community College; and Bonnie Allen, of Regina, winner of the Jim Allard Scholarship,

who is attending University of Regina's School of Journalism and Communications.

Sponsored by the CTV Television Network, the Broadcast Executives Society, and the CAB, the Hancock Scholarships honor candidates who `best exemplify the admirable qualities' of the late Ruth Hancock, a long-serving CAB executive.

The scholarship program is an important part of private broadcasting's human resource development policy.

Marie Griffiths, president, MGI International Inc., Montreal, is the recipient of the I.H. Asper Broadcast Entrepreneur of the Future Award. This annual award is sponsored by CanWest Global Communications Corp., and administered by the CAB.

The Canadian Association of Broadcasters represents the vast majority of Canada's private radio, television and specialty services.

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For more information, please contact:

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