News Releases

August 13, 2002

CBC/Radio-Canada to Mark 50 Years of Canadian Television

Starting September 6, Special TV Programming, CBC/Radio-Canada 50thAnniversary VIA Rail Train Cross-Country Tour, Community Events and More!

Ottawa — This Fall marks 50 years of Canadian television and CBC/Radio-Canada is inviting the whole country to join in the celebrations. Beginning September 6th, five decades after the first broadcasts from Montreal and Toronto in 1952, CBC/Radio-Canada will kick-off a month full of activities. Tune in to 50th Anniversary television programs, go online to Anniversary websites, join in community celebrations, and climb aboard a special CBC/Radio-Canada 50th Anniversary VIA Rail Train as it makes stops in communities across Canada.

"For 50 years, CBC/Radio-Canada has delivered distinctive, innovative television programming that embodies Canadian society and culture," said Carole Taylor, O.C., Chair, CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors. "During our 50th Anniversary, we are inviting all Canadians to celebrate how Canada's own broadcaster has connected and continues to connect Canadians across regions, cultures, languages and generations."

"This milestone provides an opportunity to pay tribute to Canadian voices, perspectives, talent and creativity," added Robert Rabinovitch, President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada. "Our English and French Television networks will present memories of our shared past, showcase what's happening at CBC/Radio-Canada today, and encourage Canadians to reflect on the importance of maintaining their public broadcasting space for the next 50 years."

Tune in for 50th Anniversary Television!

Starting September 6, CBC Television premieres The Joke's On Us: 50 Years of CBC Satire, the first of 26 hours of Anniversary series, documentaries and specials. Pia Maria Marquard, Executive Producer/Project Director, CBC Television's 50th Anniversary Project, has put together a talented team of producers and directors from across the country. The Anniversary programs they have created look at CBC/Radio-Canada's past with Dominion of the Air/La Conquête des ondes, the true story of Canada's national broadcasting system; and Tuning In, hosted by Rick Mercer, a five-part series blending history, reality and humour to show how CBC Television has shaped Canadian life since 1952. Other Anniversary programs examine present-day Canada, including: Landed, a four-part series that captures the experience of becoming Canadian for six new arrivals; and A Day in the Life of Canada/24 heures dans la vie des Canadiens, to be filmed on CBC/Radio-Canada's Anniversary, September 6, presents an hour-long portrait of Canadians from all regions at work and play during a typical day.

Radio-Canada French Television will highlight its 50th anniversary through a multitude of special programs and evocative commemorations. From Friday, September 6, at 7:00 p.m., to Sunday, September 8, at 10:00 p.m., we will be airing a continuous special broadcast of some of the best programs from all programming sectors. On September 3, 4 and 5, La Grande Aventure de la television will offer the viewing public an opportunity to share the memories of those who participated in this great adventure, both in front of and behind the cameras. And, throughout the months of September and October, several of the Beaux Dimanches shows will highlight various aspects of Radio-Canada's productions, including the impact they have had over the last 50 years, and will feature Une journée dans la vie du Canada/A Day in the Life of Canada.

Join-in Community Celebrations Across Canada!

CBC/Radio-Canada is reaching out to Canadians through "open house" and special events in communities across the country. From Victoria and Whitehorse, to Quebec City, Montreal, Halifax and St. John's, Canadians will have a chance to meet CBC/Radio-Canada personalities, watch live broadcasts, enjoy entertainment and participate in activities.

On September 7th, a CBC/Radio Canada 50th Anniversary VIA Rail Train will leave Vancouver on a cross-country trip that will bring it to communities across Canada. In partnership with VIA Rail Canada, this "travelling open house" is equipped with an on board bilingual museum, a mobile production facility, a studio for broadcasts, interactive displays, new media kiosks and exhibits from all programming areas. It is a unique way to give CBC/Radio-Canada viewers a behind-the-scenes glimpse at their nation's public broadcaster.

"VIA Rail Canada is proud to join CBC/Radio-Canada in celebrating 50 years of broadcasting in Canada," said Marc LeFrançois, President and CEO, VIA Rail Canada. "Like CBC/Radio Canada, VIA plays a vital role — connecting Canadians and their communities from coast to coast and we look forward with confidence to continue to build and deliver modern, efficient passenger rail services to Canadians."

As well this Fall, get an insider's look at the first 50 years of CBC-TV with the publication of Stephen Cole's book, Here's Looking At Us: Fifty Years of CBC-TV, from McClelland & Stewart. This commemorative book will be available on the train tour and at bookstores across Canada. In November, Ici Radio-Canada — 50 ans de télévision française, a book of commemorative photographs and accompanying texts by Jean-François Beauchemin, will be released by Les éditions de l'Homme.

Canadians can join the CBC/Radio-Canada's 50th Anniversary celebrations from anywhere by logging on to www.cbc.ca/tv50th and www.radio-canada.ca/television/50/. The CBC-TV website features information, contests, a CBC-TV ShowVote poll to have your favourite CBC-TV shows from the past rebroadcast, and up-to-date information and schedules about programming, community events and the CBC/Radio-Canada 50th Anniversary VIA Rail Train. On Radio-Canada's website, visitors can browse through 250 factsheets on Radio-Canada programs, relive Radio-Canada television moments over the decades by clicking on the photo album pages, test their skills in dozens of games and share their own memories in a number of different forums. As well, a special section has artists speaking of their own special memories, either as production contributors or as viewers.

About CBC/Radio-Canada

CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. CBC/Radio-Canada reaches Canadians through eight national radio and television networks, its full-service Web sites, local/regional stations and affiliates, as well as the digital television channel Country Canada and the continuous music network Galaxie. In addition, CBC/Radio-Canada has forged partnerships with other broadcasters and is a partner in the satellite radio service SIRIUS Canada as well as in the specialty television services ARTV and The Documentary Channel. Through this array of activities, CBC/Radio-Canada brings diverse regional and cultural perspectives into the daily lives of Canadians in English, French and eight aboriginal languages. (2006)

For additional information, please contact:

Katherine Heath-Eves
Media Relations
CBC/Radio-Canada (Ottawa)
Tel: (613) 288-6235
heathevk@cbc.ca
www.cbc.radio-canada.ca