TORONTO – Broadcast and music industry pioneer Denise Donlon will be awarded the 2018 Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS).
Named after famed Canadian publisher and trailblazer Walt Grealis, the award recognizes industry leaders who have vastly contributed to the growth and development of the Canadian music industry.
Donlon began her career in the Canadian music scene in 1985 as a host and producer of Much Music’s The NewMusic. In a few short years she rose to the executive level, appointed MuchMusic/CityTV director of music programming in 1992 and vice president and general manager in 1997, where she integrated social justice issues into programming from Much Comes Out to the Gemini Award winning election coverage. In 1998 she played a key role in the launch of MuchMoreMusic. In 2000, Donlon accepted the role of president of Sony Music Canada, overseeing promotion, marketing, production, manufacturing and distribution.
Highly regarded as an industry leader, Donlon eventually left Sony Music Canada and took on the role of executive director of CBC Radio’s English-language services, a position she held from 2008 to 2011. In 2013 she returned to on-camera, co-producing The Zoomer with co-host Conrad Black. Her impressive and storied career led her to document her journey in her memoir, ‘Fearless as Possible (Under the Circumstances)’.
Donlon’s continued commitment to Canadian broadcasting has earned her countless accolades over the years including two Gemini Awards, Canadian Women in Communications’ Woman of the Year Award and an induction into the Canadian Broadcast Hall of Fame. Additionally, she is a Fellow of the Royal Conservatory of Music, a Fellow of the Canadian Geographical Society, and a Member of the Order of Canada.
“When Allan called to tell me of this wonderful recognition, I almost drove off the road”, said Donlon, in Thursday’s announcement. “I consider myself extremely lucky to have been involved in the evolution of this creative industry. Thank you to CARAS and all of the incredibly talented artists and executives with whom I’ve been honoured to work. Canada is truly an Arts Nation. Long may we thrive.”
Donlon will be honoured at the 47th Annual Juno Gala Dinner & Awards on March 24, 2018 at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver as part of the Juno Week festivities.
The 47th annual Juno Awards and Juno Week 2018 will be hosted in Vancouver from March 19 – March 25, culminating in The Juno Awards Broadcast on CBC on March 25.
Photo by Don Dixon
