The Canadian Ethnic Media Association (CEMA) presented its 34th Annual Awards Gala, on June 23 at the Velma Rogers Graham Theatre (333 Bloor Street East) in Toronto. Each year, through this gala event, CEMA is proud to recognize and celebrate excellence in media while also acknowledging Canadian Multiculturalism Day (held annually on June 27).
Rogers Media talents Lucy Zilio and Rudy Blair co-hosted the evening, which featured an array of diverse entertainment. Russian youth choir, Trinity Nightingales kicked off the festivities as first performance of the evening andthe Japanese dance group Sakura Mai and African drummers, Beyond Sound Empijah were showcased.
OMNI Television taped the entire show for broadcast as a 90-minute special presentation on:
| Day | Date | Time | Station |
| Saturday | July 14th | 10:00 p.m. (ET) | OMNI.1 |
| 11:30 p.m. (ET) | OMNI.2 | ||
| Sunday | July 15th | 5:00 p.m. (ET) | OMNI.1 |
| 5:00 p.m. (MT) | OMNI Alberta | ||
| 10:00 PM (PT) | OMNI BC | ||
| Wednesday | July 18th | 12noon (MT) | OMNI Alberta |
| Friday | July 20th | 8:30 a.m. (ET) | OMNI.1 |
“We are privileged to honour colleagues who are devoted to serving and reflecting the diverse audiences of this country,” said Madeline Ziniak, Chair of CEMA and National Vice President of OMNI Television. “This year’s submissions reinforce the critical importance of Canadian ethnocultural media in presenting community perspective on contemporary issues.” CEMA Award Winners for 2012 are:
RADIO – Nghi Do, Journalist, Thoi Bao Radio for “A Donor for Jennifer,” an enlightening radio feature that crusaded and mobilized audiences using public education through journalism;
PRINT – Gloria Suhasini, Associate Editor, Canadian Immigrant , for the informative, well-written and accessible article, “The Sponsorship Question” exploring the chances of parents and grandparents landing permanently in Canada;
TV – Gaby AndraosDirector, Andraos Media , for “Guilty Until Proven Innocent”, a courageous, strong documentary about the under-represented issue of media portrayal of Arabs and Muslims in Canada;
INTERNET – Prithi Yelaja, Senior Writer,CBC, for a complex analysis and presentation in the article “Multicultural Canada — A Haven from Norway-Style Violence?”;
Sierhey Khmara Ziniak Award – Dr. Lillian Petroff, Canadian Historian, for unswerving dedication to multiculturalism and its affirmative expression through media and historical documentation.
The Sierhey Khmara Ziniak, named for CEMA’s founder, is presented annually to one outstanding individual who, through their work, has spoken for Canadian multiculturalism.
About CEMA: The Canadian Ethnic Media Association (formerly known as the Canadian Ethnic Journalists and Writers Club) was founded in 1978 as an inclusive organization for print, radio television and internet. CEMA publishes a website at www.canadianethnicmedia.com.
Media Contact: Madeline Ziniak – (416) 764-3081
FOR PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EVENT CLICK HERE...
