Press release For immediate release

Fred Penner and Rita Claire Mike-Murphy honored by Youth Media Alliance

Montreal, April 2, 2019 – Youth Media Alliance (YMA) is proud to give its Outstanding Achievement Award to Fred Penner and its Emerging Talent Award to Rita Claire Mike-Murphy. These distinguished professionals will be honored at a gala to be held on May 29th at the CBC Glenn Gould Studio, in Toronto.

Outstanding Achievement Award Presented by CBC Kids Given for a distinguished career in youth production in Canada, this prestigious prize salutes the individual’s contributions to the industry, leadership skills, ability to innovate and inspire and career-long commitment to young Canadians.

Fred Penner is a gentle man with an undeniable ability to make you feel good about yourself. This musical master brings more than 40 years of commitment, consistency and depth to a career that blends the many genres of performing and communication. Fred continues to grow and create music for his generations of “Fred Heads”.

From hosting the United Way National conference in Saskatoon to emceeing the renowned Polaris Music Awards and being part of the C3 Legacy Expedition supporting the truth and reconciliation process in remote parts of Canada, apparently retirement is not in the cards for Fred. The phone is still ringing! And his concert touring continues.

His latest , Canadian Folk Music Award, Western Canadian Music Award winning CD project, Hear The Music is dedicated to all who have travelled with him on his musical journey. He is thankful to the generations for allowing him

Photo credits : Kendra Hope Photography into their lives, listening and singing along.

In his career Fred has delivered a prolific 13 CD’s to families across North America and countless energetic live shows for eager audiences.

In his television life Fred composed the music for Tipi Tales (YTV, APTN, Treehouse TV) and is especially known for over 900 episodes in 13 seasons of acclaimed Fred Penner’s Place TV series - CBC (Canada) and Nick Jr. (USA).

Fred’s visibility has allowed him the privilege and joy of using his voice to support organizations like UNESCO, World Vision, UNICEF and the Canadian Down Syndrome Society. In 2005, Fred journeyed to Zambia, Africa with World Vision to host a program for Child Sponsorship in the Western World.

Expanding his connection to dedicated teachers, as keynote presenter at numerous early childhood conferences, he has, without a doubt, established himself as a fundamental part of the North American family educational/entertainment scene. Fred has received two honorary doctorates and received the Order of Canada for his life’s work.

Whether it’s through cd’s, concerts, videos, books or television, his cornerstone philosophy remains the same:”Never underestimate your ability to make a difference in the life of a child”.

Emerging Talent Award Presented by Shaw-Rocket Fund

This award is given to a promising professional whose achievements have made her a rising star in children’s programming. This award encourages young creators and broadcast professionals to outdo themselves and, more importantly, to pursue a career in youth production.

Rita Claire Mike-Murphy - In her leading television role, Rita Claire Mike-Murphy is delighting children as host of Anaana’s Tent, an educational and bilingual preschool series on APTN that teaches , the language spoken by the majority of in , to the next generation of Canadian children. Rita Claire was raised in Pangnirtung, a beautiful community on Baffin Island, Nunavut. In addition to her acting ability, she is talented musician who performs under the name Riit, showcasing her unique and beautiful voice. As part of the youth music movement in Nunavut, Rita Claire has shared the stage with top Nunavut artists, including Twin Flames, Elisapee Isaac, and The Jerry Cans, and performed at the 2018 Juno Awards.

Tickets can be purchased on the YMA’s website: This celebration of youth TV and digital content includes a cocktail, gala and reception.

The 2019 Awards of Excellence are made possible through the participation of our valued sponsors: Principal – CBC Kids; Prestige – Shaw Rocket Fund, Canada Media Fund/Made, DHX Media; Excellence – Apartment 11 Productions, Fresh TV, Guru Studio and Sinking Ship Entertainment.

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Contact: Claudia Marcoux Youth Media Alliance [email protected] 514-597-6809