QUISPAMSIS, NB – The Canadian Cable Systems Alliance today announced the winners of its Tuned-in Canada: The CCSA Awards – a nationwide, annual competition that highlights the great work done by local, independent providers of broadband, television and other communications services in Canada.
After receiving a competitive field of nominations in March, submissions were sent to a judging panel for evaluation. The judges (one of whom was Cartt.ca editor and publisher Greg O’Brien) ranked the nominations using specific criteria and provided each nomination a final mark out of 100. From there, the shortlist was determined. Then, it was placed in the hands of Canadians to determine the winners by electronic and paper voting.
“Seeing our members being recognized and supported by the communities they serve – that’s what this campaign is all about,” said Jay Thomson, CEO of CCSA, in the press release. “We’re so pleased with the number of people who brought out the vote this year. More than 15,000 votes were received! This is a direct reflection of the incredible amount of enthusiasm displayed by each of our shortlisted members during the voting stage of the campaign.”
Winners in each category were determined in two ways: 1) by the most votes received, and 2) by the most votes received per capita subscribers. Since CCSA is made up of various sized members, this system levels the playing field for all. In the event that an entry won the category using both methods of calculation, one winner is listed and two prizes awarded.
The winners for 2017 are:
Best customer service story
– VCTV (BC) – Covering small events
– Seaside Communications (NS) – Above & beyond service
Best community building story
– Coopérative de Câblodistribution de Ste-Hedwidge (QC) – Connecting our community
– Wightman Communications (ON) – Local Radiothon
Best community channel programming
– Hay Communications & HuronTel (ON) – Inspiring women
– Seaside Communications (NS) – Easy Eats
Best on-camera community channel personality
Hay Communications & HuronTel (ON) – Shaunessy Sinnett
The winner(s) in each category will receive $1,000 to donate to a local charity of their choice and will be celebrated at ‘Connect 2017’, CCSA’s annual conference being held September 25-27 in Mont Tremblant, Quebec.
CCSA represents more than 115 independent and highly resourceful companies that provide broadband, television and telephone services to over 350,000 customers across Canada. Its membership includes many small, family-owned companies, companies operated by Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and more than 20 not-for-profit community cooperatives.
