Canadian Ethnic Media Association Unveils Award Winners for 34th Annual Gala, June 23rd

TORONTO, June 22, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Ethnic Media Association (CEMA) will present its 34^th Annual Awards Gala, at 7:00 p.m., this Saturday, June 23^rd at the Velma Rogers Graham Theatre (333 Bloor Street East).  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^th).

Rogers Media talents Lucy Zilio and Rudy Blair will co-host the evening, which as always, will feature an array of diverse entertainment. Russian youth choir, Trinity Nightingales will kick-off the festivities as first performance of the evening and throughout, the Japanese dance group Sakura Mai and African drummers, Beyond Sound Empijah will also be showcased.

OMNI Television is taping the entire show for broadcast as a 90 minute special presentation on:

"We are privileged to honour colleagues who are devoted to serving and reflecting the diverse audiences of this country," says 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, Thai 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 Andraos Director, Andraos Media , for "Guilty until Proven Innocent", a courageous, strong documentary about the under-represented issue of media portrayal of Arab 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.

SOURCE Canadian Ethnic Media Association

For further information:

Media Contact: Madeline Ziniak - (416) 764-3081