For Immediate Release
Toronto (March 13, 2001)… Finalists in seven categories have been announced today for the 26th Annual Media Human Rights Awards, sponsored by the League for Human Rights of B’nai Brith Canada. The categories are: Newspaper, Magazine, Radio, Television, Advertising/PSAs, World Wide Web and Film. The winners will be revealed, and the Awards presented, at the Media Human Rights Award Gala evening to be held at 7:30 pm on MONDAY, MARCH 19TH, 2001, at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts in Toronto. This event is held in conjunction with the commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
In addition to the Awards in the above categories, the League for Human Rights will be honouring Lynn Johnston, creator of the internationally syndicated comic strip, "For Better or For Worse" for her sensitive portrayal of human rights and diversity issues. The gala evening will feature the acclaimed Canadian screen and stage actor, RH Thompson, as Master of Ceremonies.
In the category of Newspapers, the finalists are the Hamilton Spectator for "State of Mind", a nine-part series exploring mental health issues; the Toronto Star for "Lost People", an examination of the Northern Ontario natives in Mishkeegogamang and the deep-rooted problems they are facing, and the Toronto Star for "City Limits", a look at the barriers that people with disabilities face trying to navigate the city.
In the category of Magazines, the finalists are En Route for "Growing Up", an analysis of the Canadian-based business Mountain Equipment Co-op and how it is influencing human rights standards in countries where it manufactures its goods; and Homemakers for "Chief Injustice", an in-depth investigation of the situation facing aboriginal women in Canada.
In the category of Radio, the finalists are CBC National Radio News for "Caring on the Inside", a documentary about how ‘tough’ prisoners can show caring and compassion while learning how to take care of other inmates who are ageing or disabled; and CBC National Radio News for "Brutally Frank", an examination of the moral questions arising from criminals making profits from publishing stories of their crimes; and Maritime Magazine - CBC Radio for "Two in One", the story of a couple, both with disabilities, who work together to understand what disability can teach our society.
In the category of Television, the finalists are CBC Newfoundland for "The Lost People", an investigation into the story of the Innu and the tragedy of the story of Sheshatshiu in Labrador; CBC Winnipeg for "Prairie Dreams", a study of early Black communities in the prairies of Saskatchewan and Manitoba; and The Aboriginal Peoples Television Network for "Contact - Residential Schools Episode", an exploration of the inter-generational psychological, physical and spiritual impact of residential schools.
In the category of Advertising/PSAs, the finalist is Glennie Stamnes Strategy for "Ethical Funds", a campaign which acts as a reminder of the surprising and disturbing places invested money may end up.
In the category of the World Wide Web, the finalists are Human Rights Internet for "Linking the Digital Divide", a website which provides one-stop access for a variety of human rights information; and Muskoka Times Ltd. for "The Saltsman Letters", the story of one woman's journey to uncover the life of a Jewish soldier in World War II.
In the category of Film, the finalists are Black Spring Pictures Inc. for "Shadows of War", an investigation into how a Canadian Forensic team worked to re-establish respect for human rights in Kosovo; and Guerrilla Films Inc. for "Life Under Mike", an examination of poverty, homelessness, and government policy in Ontario.
“The role and impact of the media in both reflecting and shaping public attitudes, agendas and opinions, is incalculable”, said Toni Silberman, this year’s Awards Chair, who is also Chair of the Ontario Region of the League for Human Rights. “Nowhere is this responsibility more compelling than in the coverage of human rights issues. It is for this reason that the League chooses to honour the media in this vital and sensitive arena.”
The Media Human Rights Awards were established to give encouragement to, and positive recognition for outstanding, responsible and effective work in the area of human rights by members of the Canadian media.
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For further information, please contact:
Dr. Karen Mock, National Director, League for Human Rights
(416) 633-6224, ext. 111
(416) 802-1105 (cell)
Toni Silberman, Chair, Media Human Rights Awards
(416) 781-7290
(416) 505-1584 (cell)
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