TORONTO — Rogers Sports and Media is asking Canadians to #SpeakUp against systemic racism and discrimination, announcing today the return of Citytv’s iconic Speakers Corner as a digital platform for Canadians to share their thoughts and opinions via video.
“With racial inequality, hatred, and discrimination still so prevalent, we as a society must do better. We have a unique responsibility to engage Canadians in conversation through our media assets and help be a catalyst for positive change by amplifying voices that have not always been heard with equal measure,” said Jordan Banks, president of Rogers Sports and Media, in the news release. “Canada has systemic inequalities, and we must firmly embrace inclusion and equality as it will lead to a stronger and more united society for future generations.”
However, instead of squeezing into a little video booth on a street corner (first launched in 1990, Speakers Corner’s former Toronto home on Queen Street West was in a building now owned by Bell Media), Canadians are encouraged to visit the Speakers Corner website or use the hashtag #SpeakUp on social media to voice their opinion.
Videos will be featured on the Speakers Corner website, with a selection of submissions shared across Rogers’s suite of assets, including Citytv, CityNews, OMNI Television, Sportsnet, Rogers TV and various Rogers Radio stations across the country.
In addition, Rogers Sports and Media will continue the conversation with a virtual CityNews and OMNI Television Town Hall next week, where prominent Canadians will share their views and opinions on the need for change in the fight against racism and inequality, says the news release. Rogers says it will share further details over the coming days.
