Media

MuchMusic and MuchMoreMusic Encourage Diversity in Broadcasting with Annual Scholarships

Toronto, ON (February 14, 2008) Saskatchewan’s Cheyenne Redman Gervais and British Columbia’s Adam William Bishop are the respective winners of the 2007 MuchMusic Aboriginal Youth Scholarship and the 2007 MuchMoreMusic AccessAbility Scholarship. Both awards go to applicants training for a future in the media industry who best demonstrate skill, talent, excellence and enthusiasm. Since 2004, MuchMusic and MuchMoreMusic have awarded $31,000 to aid broadcast students from traditionally under-represented groups.

“MuchMusic and MuchMoreMusic are proud to offer these scholarships, which promote diversity in broadcasting,” says David Kines, Senior Vice-President, Music and Youth Services, CTV Inc. “Cheyenne and Adam have bright futures ahead of them and we are thrilled to help prepare them for promising careers.”

Cheyenne Redman Gervais studies Media Arts Production at Saskatchewan’s Institute of Applied Science and Technology. Established in 2004, the MuchMusic Aboriginal Youth Scholarship is presented in partnership with the Aboriginal Youth Network, and awards $5,000 to the winning Aboriginal student.

“I hope that my involvement in broadcasting gives me the opportunity to broaden the public’s perception of First Nations individuals,” said Gervais. “By showcasing unique citizens, broadcasters can challenge traditional stereotypes, whatever they may be.”

Gervais’ goal is to work as an Audio Producer and Video Director and represent his First Nations as community minded, urban-thinking individuals. His short film My Status Card has screened at several Aboriginal film festivals, including ImagineNATIVE.

Adam William Bishop is a broadcast journalism student at British Columbia Institute of Technology. Now in its third year, the MuchMoreMusic AccessAbility Scholarship, presented in partnership with The National Educational Association of Disabled Students awards $5,000 to a broadcast student with a permanent disability.

"The broadcast industry recognizes that 'the person should be seen first, the disability second.' Although someone has a disability they can still work at the highest level,” said Bishop in his application. “It is my hope that once I have graduated from this program I can continue to be an example and advocate for people with disabilities through the media."

Bishop keeps busy by staying active in his community. He has also led an anti-violence group in his high school.

Applications for the 2008 MuchMusic Aboriginal Youth Scholarship are available now on muchmusic.com/mays, and will be accepted until November 30, 2008.

Applications for the 2008 MuchMoreMusic AccessAbility Scholarship are available now on muchmoremusic.com/scholarship, and will be accepted until November 1, 2008.

About Much’s Social Issues Initiatives:

MuchMusic is an integral part of today's pop culture landscape, engaging and interacting like no other since August 31, 1984.

In 2007 alone, MuchMusic donated over $2.8 million in airtime for PSAs, and over $1.7 million in cash donations and in-kind support to youth-relevant charitable initiatives through scholarships, sponsorships, and other forms of assistance. Additionally, MuchMusic’s on-air personalities make appearances in support of not-for-profit organizations. MuchMusic also produces media education programming that explores media messages and addresses social issues from a youth perspective. Recent examples include MuchTalks: Climate Change, MuchTalks: Body Image, and MuchTalks: Teen Sex.

MuchMusic is a division of CTV Limited.

-30-

Media contact:
Jennifer Corelli
Communications Coordinator, Music & Youth Services
(416) 591-7400 x3259
jen.corelli@muchmusic.com

For AYN, contact:
Tasha Redcrow
Communications Officer
(780) 459-1884 x437
tasha-redcrow@nechi.com

For NEADS, contact:
Frank Smith
National Coordinator, NEADS
(613) 526-8008
info@neads.ca