aboriginals a greater voice on radio
MONTREAL, Feb. 10 /CNW Telbec/ - Today at the Blueprint for the Future job
fair in Thunder Bay, Astral Media Inc. (TSX: ACM.A/ACM.B) and the National
Aboriginal Achievement Foundation announced the launch of Industry in the
Classroom: Radio Broadcasting. This new academic program, financed by
Astral Media Radio, will be rolled out to Aboriginal high schools across
the country to inspire dreams of careers in the radio industry.
The educational material developed for the program includes a reality
TV-inspired show starring six young people drawn from the First Nations,
Inuit and Métis communities who each had to produce a 30-second radio ad
promoting six different radio broadcasting careers. They were aided by
Aboriginal mentors who shared their experience in the industry and
received precious advice from radio professionals at two Astral Media
Toronto stations, NEWSTALK 1010 and Virgin Radio 999.
"Astral Media strongly believes that First Nations, Inuit and Métis young
people have a bright future in Canadian community and commercial radio.
Our partnership with the NAAF is an incredible way to give them the tools
they need to reach their full potential," said Rob Braide, Senior
Consultant, Industry Relations, Astral Media.
"We are very proud to announce this partnership with Astral Media and the
launch of our Taking Pulse Careers in Radio Broadcasting module," said
National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation President & CEO Roberta
Jamieson. "We believe this module will increase awareness among Aboriginal
youth to pursue careers in radio broadcasting which is greatly needed."
Astral Media is investing $700,000 in this program over seven years
(2007-2013).
The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF) is a nationally
registered non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds to deliver
programs that provide the tools necessary for Aboriginal peoples,
especially youth to achieve their potential. Since 1985 the Foundation
through its Education Program has awarded more than $32-million in
scholarships and bursaries to more than 8,400 First Nations, Inuit and
Métis students nationwide. NAAF's key initiatives include: The National
Aboriginal Achievement Awards (NAAA) a national annual broadcast
celebrating 14 achievers in a multitude of career areas including a
special youth award and an award for lifetime achievement; Taking Pulse
joins NAAF with industry to present career options in specific growth
sectors through a series of short documentaries and supporting curriculum
materials with the aim of recruiting First Nations, Inuit & Métis youth;
and Blueprint for the Future (BFF) a series of one-day career fairs that
motivate and inspire First Nations, Inuit and Métis high school students
with valuable resources and information on career opportunities. Over
30,000 students have attended these exciting youth oriented events to date
nationwide.
Astral Media is a leading Canadian media company, active in specialty and
pay television, radio, outdoor advertising and interactive media. Since
its inception, Astral Media has invested over $1.4 billion in the support
and development of Canadian culture. Astral Media has an over 25-year
history as the country's largest private investor in English- and
French-language music and television, financing every stage of film
production and investing to showcase Canadian musical talent. Astral Media
prides itself on being a key promoter of Canadian culture from coast to
coast.
For further information: Jamie Monastyrski, Director of Communications and
Media, NAAF, (416) 903-4331; Hugues Mousseau, Advisor Internal and
Corporate Communications, Astral Media Inc., (514) 945-8358
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