More than news & views -­ A complete source for South Asians

June 2002

HOME | ABOUT US | CONTACT | FEEDBACK | WEATHER | BACK ISSUES | ADVERTISE

BAHADUR MADHANI

Bahadur Madhani

Chair of toronto|one advisory board

GlobalomNet Media Service

Bahadur Madhani, former United Way of Greater Toronto Chair,  has accepted a position as Chair of toronto|one's advisory board.

The announcement was made on May 28 by toronto|one, a new, independent conventional television station for and about the GTA.

Craig Broadcast Systems Inc. ("Craig"), based in Alberta, was awarded, along with Rogers, the licence to operate a multi-ethnic channel in the GTA.

As part of its toronto|one licence, Craig proposed the creation of a multicultural advisory board that will include high profile members of the diverse communities that the new station will serve.  Mr. Madhani's role in communities across the GTA is significant.  He is the recipient of many honours and distinctions including Member of the Order of Canada, and is currently Chair of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (Canada).

Drew Craig, President and CEO, Craig Broadcast Systems Inc. says, “The advisory board members will help shape toronto|one's presence in the GTA — Bahadur’s assistance will be invaluable."   

"I am delighted to lead the board,” says Mr. Madhani.  “toronto|one will play a vital role in reflecting the “new” Toronto with English-language ethnic programming that is inclusive and promotes cross-cultural understanding.”  The board will give advice about how the new station’s programming can best reflect the cultural diversity of the Toronto area and will advise the management of the New Voices Fund on how to attract and mentor independent producers of English-language multicultural programs.

toronto|one's New Voices Fund will invest $7.4 million to create new ethnic programming in the English-language that will be broadcast in prime time.

While Craig’s licence has been appealed to Cabinet, Mr. Craig said, ”We continue to move forward and are anxious to get on with the business of launching toronto|one.”    

Craig Broadcast Systems Inc. is owned and operated by the third generation Craig family.  With more than 50 years experience in the broadcast industry, holdings of the Craig family include television stations A-Channel Edmonton, A-Channel Calgary, A-Channel Manitoba, CKX TV Brandon, national digital specialty channels MTV Canada, MTV2, and TV Land and SkyCable, a digital wireless distributor providing internet and video service to Manitoba and soon BC.