Province recognizes 50^th anniversary of CBC television

Premier Roger Grimes and Julie Bettney, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, recognized today the contribution CBC television has made to the lives of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and Canadians over the last 50 years. CBC TV first aired in Montreal on September 6, 1952 and Toronto on September 8, 1952. It then quickly began airing across Canada.

"CBC has played a tremendous role in the lives of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians," said Premier Grimes. "First through radio and then television, CBC continues to offer quality programming and documentaries. As an institution, it strengthens our identity by telling our stories and bringing our people and province to the rest of Canada and the world."

CBC has contributed to the development of the careers of many Newfoundland and Labrador actors, comedians and artists. Shows such as CODCO and This Hour Has 22 Minutes introduced well-known personalities Tommy Sexton, Greg Malone, Mary Walsh, Cathy Jones, Greg Twomey and Rick Mercer to the rest of Canada.

"Over the last 50 years, CBC has brought our culture, way of life, stories and accomplishments into the homes of Canadians and others worldwide," said Minister Bettney. "Specific programs such as Land and Sea have recorded our close ties to the sea which make up so much of who we are as peoples of the North Atlantic."

Special events taking place in Newfoundland and Labrador commemorating this milestone include a special 50^th Anniversary book launch on September 22 at the Provincial Museum of Newfoundland and Labrador in St. John�s. The book launch will also feature the opening of a retrospective photo exhibit of CBC television in this province. A community event at the CBC Television Building in St. John�s on October 5, is also planned with appearances from sports commentator Bob Cole and local CBC personalities.

"Government is looking forward to continued partnerships with the CBC," said Minister Bettney. "CBC has allowed us to grow our cultural industries with productions such as the mini-series Random Passage and it remains committed to preserving and presenting our stories. Most recently, the CBC is supporting the preservation of our historic film collection and it is also recording our important traditions such as the making of an Innu canoe. Both of these items will be presented at our new cultural facility The Rooms."

Media contact:

Carl Cooper, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960
Carmel Turpin, Tourism, Culture and Recreation, (709) 729-0928

2002 09 20                                          9:20