MEDIA RELEASE

The Broadcasters Association of Manitoba Announces 2013 Award Winners, New Board

Broadcast Excellence Award, BAM Hall of Fame Award, BAM Broadcaster of Tomorrow Award, BAM Hall of Fame Builder Award

Winnipeg, MB (September 20, 2013) – At the Broadcasters Association Conference on September 19 th , four outstanding individuals in broadcasting were awarded this industries’ most prestigious awards.

Outgoing BAM President Wendy Friesen said, “These awards allow us to recognize those who are leading in our industry and young talent who will shape the face of Manitoba’s broadcasting in the future. The four men receiving awards this year have not only made a lasting impact on the broadcast industry – they are pillars in the wider community as well.”

HALL OF FAME BROADCASTER AWARD

Howard Mandshein was honored with the BAM Hall of Fame Broadcaster Award. This award recognizes lifetime achievement for those individuals who have created a legacy in our industry.

Howard Mandshein is a beloved and respected radio icon in Winnipeg; a walking encyclopedia of Rock. After 35 years behind the mic, his passion continues to be to share

and educate listeners… painting the canvas with pictures… with telling the stories of music.

One of the original hosts on 92 CITI FM from 1978, he has kept rock fans “seriously” entertained, in particular with his

signature show, The Sunday Morning Resurrection.

Howard has previously been recognized with the Heritage Award for his involvement in the music community on a local level. A champion for the local music scene, he spends countless hours in clubs and live venues – anywhere that can squeeze in a guitar and amp. Howard believes supporting the local music scene is more than just opening the doors and allowing the acts to showcase their talents – it’s about laying the foundation and roots of the experience, opening people’s ears, minds and hearts to new ideas in music.

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BROADCAST EXCELLENCE AWARD

Bob Irving has been a Manitoba media icon for many years, and the voice for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers since 1974.

He started his career at CJSL in Estevan, SK in 1969. He moved to Brandon in 1970, and then to CJOB in Winnipeg in 1973, and celebrated 40 years at CJOB on September 1, 2013.

He is a valued member of the community, and exemplifies many of the qualities that we look for in our broadcasters - honesty, integrity, humility and a true love for Manitoba, our community, and our industry.

He was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1997, and recently was presented the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for his outstanding contribution to the province - his third time being honoured by the Queen. He was also honoured to have the Media Centre at Investors Group Field named after him this Spring.

BROADCASTER OF TOMORROW AWARD

Brent Bernas was presented with the BAM Broadcaster of Tomorrow Award which recognizes future stars with less than 5 years in broadcasting.

Brent joined Rogers Radio Winnipeg in 2010 working weekends operating the board during remotes. In 3 short years, his tireless work ethic, willingness to help, strong desire to learn and personal charm has seen him become a valuable member of the team. For the past year he has been a key part of one of Winnipeg’s favorite morning radio shows as Bubba, on 102.3 CLEAR FM’s “The Joe Show with Kerri and Bubba.”

Brent grew up in Winnipeg’s North End, but now calls Selkirk, Manitoba home.

A graduate of the Academy of Broadcasting, music is his passion and the reason he found radio. Away from work, he enjoys other pursuits including playing golf, fantasy hockey and football pools, and attending as many “Pearl Jam” concerts as possible.

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HALL OF FAME BUILDER AWARD

In a broadcast career that spanned 41 years, David Wiebe has invested significant time and energy into growing the broadcast industry, Golden West, his community and, most importantly, people.

David has served on the board and with various committees at the Canadian Association of Broadcasters. He has served as President of the Western Association of Broadcasters, President of the Broadcasters Association of Manitoba and has also sat on the Creative Communications Advisory Board at Red River College, shaping the educations of future broadcasters.

By the time he retired from his position as Vice- President at Golden West, David had hired and mentored hundreds of radio employees, many of whom are still enjoying successful careers in the industry. His openness, helpfulness, and positive attitude both reflected and created a workplace many other organizations would envy.

The association also took time to recognize new and continuing board members who will strive to serve the needs of broadcasters in the heart of the continent. The 2013-14 Broadcasters Association of Manitoba Board is:

• President, Darren Jopka, Rogers Media • Past President, Wendy Friesen, Golden West • Anne Skyrynsky, CTV Bell Media • Darrell Friesen, Golden West • Heidi Rasmussen, Global Shaw Media • Cam Clark, Wesman Communications • Ben Lucas, City Winnipeg, Rogers Media

The Broadcasters Association of Manitoba (BAM) is composed of private radio and television broadcasters in the province of Manitoba. The Associations’ role is to foster and promote the development of the art of broadcasting amongst its members, encourage the interchange of information amongst them, and foster positive communication and serve the community they live in. More information about BAM can be found at bambroadcsters.ca

For More Information: Wendy Friesen – 204.324.2326 [email protected]

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