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
