WINNIPEG – The Aboriginal Peoples Television Network and regional radio station operator Harvard Broadcasting Inc. announced a new partnership on Friday to actively provide training and mentorship for aspiring Aboriginal individuals who wish to enter the broadcasting field.
The partnership will see six-station Harvard train 21 Aboriginal interns as broadcasters at three of their radio stations in Western Canada. Through the seven-year partnership, Harvard is investing $525,000 to train and mentor new, young, Aboriginal broadcasting talent.
“Harvard Broadcasting Inc. has always given priority to developing opportunities for Aboriginal youth and our recent licence acquisitions in Fort McMurray, Calgary and Saskatoon have expanded the markets in which we are able to contribute. We are looking forward to working with APTN on this unique initiative and believe that our efforts will benefit our respective companies, the Canadian Broadcasting System as a whole and Aboriginal communities in general,” said Bruce Cowie, vice-president, Harvard Broadcasting, in a press release.
The 21 interns will have one-year placements at one of Harvard¹s stations in Calgary, Fort McMurray and Saskatoon. APTN will further have access to the news stories generated by the candidates during their internships and will jointly select the Aboriginal individuals who will take part in the program.
“APTN is proud to be part of this initiative, which will provide Aboriginal individuals with the opportunity to develop broadcasting skills. As Canada’s national Aboriginal broadcast network, we are always pleased to have the chance to help develop new Aboriginal talent,” said Jean LaRose, APTN’s CEO.
“This work with Harvard Broadcasting Inc. will help APTN provide even better coverage of Aboriginal news and current affairs, with talent from the Aboriginal community.”
