The Rosalie Award Winners

Carmela began her decades-long career in the broadcasting industry at CHIN Radio, where she worked part-time and in the summer while pursuing her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at the University of Toronto. After graduating from U of T, Carmela returned to CHIN as a Sales Assistant before being promoted to Sales Manager. She was later promoted to Vice-President of Sales, Marketing and Promotions at CHIN, becoming the first woman to hold a Vice-President position with a Canadian ethnic broadcaster (and among the first, if not the first, women to do so at any radio broadcasting organization in Canada) and one of the youngest Vice-Presidents in the Canadian radio industry at the time.

In 1993, she made the move to “mainstream” radio, joining Bill Evanov at ERG as Vice-President & Radio Group Manager where she has been instrumental in helping to grow ERG, constantly looking for and fostering opportunities for the company to acquire and launch new stations. When she first joined, ERG only had one ethnic station (CIAO-AM Brampton) and an equity interest in CING-FM Burlington. ERG now has 19 stations across four provinces, serving major, medium and small markets in a wide variety of formats (including Specialty, Ethnic, Christian, Top 40, and Adult Contemporary, Country and even Gay Friendly).

She has worked to foster talent in the Canadian music and broadcasting industry. She has helped to administer ERG’s over $10 million in direct contributions to Canadian artists and talent, and has worked to provide them with indirect contributions such as airplay, on-air mentions, and performance opportunities. Carmela is also dedicated to mentoring the next generation of professionals in the broadcasting industry – she introduced an internship program at ERG, and has helped to set up four separate ERG broadcasting endowments across the country at major universities and broadcasting schools.

Outside of ERG, Carmela is currently serving as Secretary of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Board of Directors, and has been involved in a wide range of broadcasting policy and regulatory work over the years. She is also involved in the broader community, serving as a board member for a number of not-for-profit organizations, supporting community programs and partnership initiatives between business and organizations. Carmela is a past recipient of the 2011 Trailblazer Canadian Women in Communications Leadership Excellence Awards. 

“Susan’s many contributions to CBC, and in particular to English Radio, cannot be overstated”: Heather Conway, Executive Vice President of CBC English Services, announcing Susan Marjetti as head of the network in 2015.

Susan’s 35-year career in both private and public radio has brought her recognition as an award-winning journalist, programmer and leader, in markets both large and small.

She is an acknowledged creative and innovative thinker. She leads her team skillfully toward their goals while giving back and mentoring the future leaders around her.

Taking the reins of CBC Toronto in 2001, Susan and her team ushered in changes aimed at better connecting and reflecting the diversity of Canada’s largest city. As a result of those changes, Metro Morning went to number one for the first time in its history in 2003. It remains number one today.

In 2010, Susan became the Senior Managing Director of Ontario Region charged with integrating radio, local TV and digital services in Toronto and across Ontario. She also led teams tasked with launching new stations in Kitchener-Wa-terloo and the first digital-only station in Hamilton.

Susan is the first to tell you that she has a great team. “I’ve been privileged to work with some of the most amazing people. They live our radio mission every day… to connect, reflect and engage Canadians with smart, relevant, inclusive content.”

With engaging Talk programming and award-winning Journalism, CBC Radio content reaches more Canadians than ever in its 80-year history. It’s accomplishing this on all platforms. CBC Audio dominates in popular podcasting across Canada and events such as this summer’s Tragically Hip concert have helped CBC Music set a new record in the streaming of a Canadian cultural event.

Susan’s work is studied internationally, making her a sought-after speaker presenting the Business Case for Diversity and Improved Relevance in cities like Berlin, Paris, the Hague, Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Manchester, Denver, Dallas, Atlanta and Pittsburgh, as well as ABC Australia, BBC, NPR, PRI and Chicago Public Media. This spring, Susan will travel to Milan where she will address public broadcasters in Italy.

In addition to her many awards for journalism, Susan’s leadership in diversity has been recognized by Innoversity as well as the Black Business Professionals Association/Harry Jerome Awards.

Susan is a graduate of Ryerson’s Radio and Television Arts program (1983). In 2014 she was inducted into Ryerson’s ‘Wall of Fame’ for her “significant contributions to media”

Watch Susan Marjeetti’s receiving The Rosalie Award:

Recognized as a media pioneer and respected broadcaster, Shushma is President and CEO of i.t. Media Broadcasting, Western Canada’s largest South Asian media organization, with properties that include two radio stations and three television programs.

Shushma is heralded for launching the world’s first 24-hour radio station for South Asians outside of India. In 1987, she launched Radio Rim Jhim, an SCMO service available by private radio, cable and satellite. This station continues today and is broadcast in the five provinces with the highest density of South Asians.

In 2005, Shushma became the first Canadian woman to be granted a license by the CRTC. She subsequently launched RJ 1200, a station dedicated to news and entertainment for South Asians living in Canada.

Shushma’s 1972 arrival into Vancouver is recorded as a historical moment in Chuck Davis’ chronicle, “The History of Metropolitan Vancouver” as she had already established a reputation as a prominent broadcaster with the BBC in London.

Over the years, Shushma has been involved in many types of media that that incorporate a South Asian component. These include CJVB and CHQM Radio, Vancouver and Cable10 Community programming, the Multicultural TV channels, World View Multicultural Pay TV, Channel M and OMNI TV.

Shushma has used her prominent position to draw attention to many social issues within the community. She is an avid fundraiser as well as a supporter of local artists.Her many of years of community leadership and advocacy have yielded dozens of prestigious awards and recognitions, including the Order of British Columbia (1992) for outstanding service to the province, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Commemorative Medal (1993) also for outstanding service, the Humanitarian Award from the Vancouver Multicultural Society (1995), and the YWCA’s “Woman of Distinction” Award (1997). Shushma was distinguished in 2007 by Business in Vancouver as an “Influential Woman in Business”. In 2008, she was named among 100 of the most influential Indo-Canadians by the Vancouver Sun. This was also the year she was honoured by the Royal BC Museum as one of 150 of the most influential people in BC. This honour included a life-sized cardboard cut-out, which she insists was “prettier” than her.

As an avid volunteer, Shushma divvies up her spare time among various organizations. She has previously chaired ICBC’s Stakeholder’s Advisory Panel, and sat on the Board of Directors for both Vancouver General Hospital and Mount St. Joseph’s Hospital. She is currently a board member for the MS Society of Canada.

Born and raised in Nairobi in 1946, Shushma graduated from the University of New Delhi and moved to London where she received her broadcast training with the BBC. She produced and hosted her own programs, which gave her access to many headline-makers of the day. Among a range of politicians, dignitaries, activists and icons, her favourite interviews include The Beatles and Mick Jagger.For the past 37 years, Shushma was and continues to be a powerful proponent of multiculturalism. She has worked to make sure all community members have a voice through quality shows that touch on politics, religion and a spectrum of issues that impact both the South Asian community, and the greater community.Outside of ERG, Carmela is currently serving as Secretary of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Board of Directors, and has been involved in a wide range of broadcasting policy and regulatory work over the years. She is also involved in the broader community, serving as a board member for a number of not-for-profit organizations, supporting community programs and partnership initiatives between business and organizations. Carmela is a past recipient of the 2011 Trailblazer Canadian Women in Communications Leadership Excellence Awards. 

Erin Davis will present the award to this year’s recipient – Canada’s first woman Vice-President of Programming Julie Adam. The award, handed out to top women in Canadian broadcasting, has been presented in the past to trailblazers Denise Donlon, Erin Davis, Ky Joseph, Jane Hawtin and Marilyn Denis and Rosalie Trombley, who was the inspiration for the award.

Julie Adam, Recipient of The Rosalie Award:

Newly appointed Vice President of Programming for Rogers, Julie Adam has been a Program Director in Canada’s largest market (Toronto) for the past 12 years. In 1999, Julie’s first Program Director position was at KiSS 92.5; in the station’s first year on the air, she propelled it to #1 with more listeners per week than any other Toronto station. Later, as Program Director for Canada’s #1 Adult Contemporary station 98.1 CHFI, Julie built the profile of the station, perfected its sound and developed major personalities like Erin Davis and Mike Cooper. Her ability to spot talent—and develop that talent—is directly responsible for giving many successful Canadian on-air morning personalities their first crack at this important on-air shift.

Adam’s career has grown in this industry from an assistant Music Director to Program Director, to Vice President of Programming for Rogers in 2010. Currently, she oversees the programming of 54 radio stations while maintaining her position as Program Director of 98.1 CHFI.

Adam’s stations always rate well but her amazing streak of leading CHFI to the # 1 position (Audience Share All Persons 12+) in Canada’s biggest market in every single PPM survey (since PPMs introduction 18 months ago) is a ratings record and achievement not equaled by any other station or Program Director in the market.

Julie has been the driving force in securing the music industry’s biggest stars to visit the studios of 98.1 CHFI. Some of these huge names include: Michael Bublé, Rick Springfield, Phil Collins, Sarah McLachlan, Barenaked Ladies, Leona Lewis, Train and Lady Antebellum. Most of these “Up Close & Personal” artist events were held in the CHFI Theatre, where loyal listeners were invited to win their way. Some of these events were also webcast live on chfi.com, allowing listeners who didn’t win to still be a part of the winning experience. The “Up Close and Personal” events were done in conjunction with Canadian record labels and their representatives with whom Julie has developed a rock-solid relationship over the past decade.

One of the promotional events that Julie has nurtured is Shelter from the Storm. This cause is especially near and dear to her heart because she was one of the people who took this from a seedling of an idea to an incredibly successful campaign, helping to raise millions of dollars for the Canadian Women’s Foundation. Julie helped grow the Radiothon from a local event to a national event involving radio stations in Ottawa, Calgary, Winnipeg, Kitchener, Sudbury and Lethbridge. She also enlisted the help of CityTV in 2010 for a special makeover program, where survivors of domestic violence were showcased and given a fresh start at their new life.

To quote Steve Herman of Live Nation, “In the world of program directors, Julie Adam is a star.”

Until the spring of 2003, Erin co-hosted the morning show on 98.1 CHFI for nearly 15 years – first with Don Daynard and, later, with Bob Magee. The show reached number one shortly after her arrival in 1988 and CHFI enjoyed enormous ratings until June of 2003 when a station decision forced Erin to leave her radio home.

However, her departure from CHFI marked the beginning of a magical time.

In the summer of 2003, Erin saw a lifelong dream come true when the W Network called and offered her the opportunity to host her own TV show. W Live with Erin Davis, a daily live hour-long national talk show, which featured guests and viewers discussing women’s lifestyle, health and wellness issues, hit the air that fall and lasted one year.

Also in the summer of ’03, Erin was contacted by theatrical producer Ross Petty, who invited her to audition for a part in his annual Christmas family pantomime. She accepted his invitation and made her live theatre debut as the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella at Toronto’s historic Elgin Theatre in December for a month long run, concurrent with her daily television show.

In the fall of 2004, the magic continued. Erin had the opportunity to meet and work with Mike Cooper, one of Canada’s best-known radio personalities, while she was temporarily filling in on 97.3 EZ Rock. Erin and Mike hit it off immediately and enjoyed great success together so, when CHFI asked Erin to come back in the fall of ’05, her new friend Mike was not far behind. Ratings rebounded and the station has returned to its number one position. Erin and Mike look forward to many happy years together.

2005 ended with just one more bit of magic, with Erin being asked to be the Grand Marshal of the Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Parade the following March, an honour of which she is most appreciative.

Erin was honoured to be named 2006 Woman of the Year for the Greater Toronto Area after a public survey by the Consumers Choice Award. Previous winners include Indigo Chief Heather Reisman, Hazel McCallion, Belinda Stronach and Barbara Hall.

Prior to coming to CHFI in 1988, Erin co-hosted mornings on CKO Toronto, the flagship station of Canada’s all-news radio network. She had come from CKLW Windsor (aka The Big Eight) where she had been the first female co-host in the powerful Detroit market.

Erin was born in Edmonton, Alberta and as a result of her father’s Air Force career, was raised everywhere, including Ottawa, Trenton and England. The Davis household was always filled with music and Erin’s introduction to show business came at an early age when she sang regularly with her grandfather’s orchestra.

Her love of performing led her to study Radio Broadcasting at Loyalist College in Belleville. By her second year, a typical day for Erin included attending classes in the morning, hosting a radio show on CIGL-FM in the afternoon and playing piano at a local restaurant in the evening. This routine helped prepare her for a lifetime of sleep deprivation.

Erin had considerable television experience prior to her W Network show. Following a number of guest host positions at CFTO (now CTV Toronto) and Global, Erin wrote and performed a nightly commentary on CFTO News in 1998 and 1999 called Just So You Know. Then, for two seasons, she hosted a nightly talk show (more than 200 episodes) on Rogers Television called The Erin Davis Show. The lifestyle and wellness program, which could be seen in over two million homes in Southern Ontario, received an award in its second season as Canada’s best cable talk show.

Erin appears regularly at various public events as both M.C. and Keynote Speaker. She is also an accomplished vocalist and fronted an oldies band for over 10 years. She was featured on three CDs for the Toronto Blue Jays and Variety Club during the team’s pennant and World Series runs of the early 1990’s. In addition, Erin has sung national anthems at many Blue Jays, Maple Leafs and Argonauts games and boasts a winning record for the home team!

Erin’s charitable works are numerous. She is a regular co-host on the Easter Seals Telethon on CBC television and is a supporter of North York General Hospital as well as Markham Stouffville Hospital. Erin is very active with the Canadian Women’s Foundation, the Childhood Cancer Foundation, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and the Children’s Wish Foundation, for which she raised an astounding $160,000 in the summer of 1998, simply by shaving her head (thanks to the generosity of CHFI listeners). She supports PLAN Canada and has three foster daughters in third world countries. Erin has been saluted by the Empire Club, Variety Club and Toastmasters International for her public service work and is a recipient of the Paul Harris fellowship, a Rotary honour recognizing the highest public service.

In 2008, the first Erin Davis – Women in Media bursary will be awarded to a student at Erin’s alma mater, Loyalist College. This award was established by Erin and her family in part to recognize and assist promising media students, but also out of a deep sense of gratitude to Loyalist for having bestowed upon her an Honourary Degree in 2007.

Erin’s leisure time pursuits include reading, writing, answering e-mails (!), making bead jewelry by hand, traveling, cooking, doing yoga and canoeing at her cottage on the Trent. She and Rob, her husband of 20 years, have a beautiful and funny 17-year-old daughter, Lauren, and live in Toronto with their two nutty little dogs, Pepper Jay and Molly Malone.

Erin writes a daily internet journal, available at www.erindavis.com. About twelve hundred people enjoy it every day and, as in every aspect of her life,

Erin is very, very grateful.

In her capacity as Vice President and co-owner of Electric Entertainment, Jane was not only executive producer and host of the long running television program Jane Hawtin Live, she also acted as supervising and/or executive producer on many others including Linehan, Doctor on Call, Prime Business with Deirdre McMurdy, Teen Tribute TV, Liquid Soapz, Road Scholars, and the award winning one hour documentary special Forgotten Faces.

Jane began her career in radio and racked up a number of firsts including first female news director (Q107) and first female talk show host on The Jane Hawtin Show on CFRB 1010 that became the number one noon hour program in Canada. Her professionalism, integrity and journalistic skills have been acknowledged by her peers resulting in two ACTRA nominations for best radio host and a Gemini nomination for best host/interviewer. Most recently, Jane executive produced and hosted the innovative radio program, Stranded, for CBC radio, where Jane is the back-up host on a number of CBC radio shows including Metro Morning (Toronto), Here and Now (Toronto), The Current (National) and As It Happens (National).

Recently, Jane, as owner of Road Scholars Productions Inc, wrapped production of Season 4 of the popular teen documentary series, Road Scholars, a program she created and developed, and which now airs on APTN Aboriginal Peoples Television Network and as of February 2007 will begin airing in Prime Time on TVB Television in Hong Kong.

Visit amberlight.ca/jane.html for Jane’s “Rosalie Award” video.

A straight-talking, no nonsense woman with an unfailing ear for picking hit songs, Rosalie was the Music Director of the legendary CKLW-AM in Windsor. Better known as “The Big 8”, CKLW bombarded cross-border Detroit with the hottest music of the day.

With its monster signal, The Big 8’s influence stretched far beyond the city of Detroit. Kids throughout the Eastern Seaboard and well into the heartland of America, and across Ontario tuned into The Big 8, especially at night. And it was huge! The Big 8 proudly proclaimed a staggering potential audience of more than 60 million people! Rosalie was the guiding force behind the music played on this superstation. It was well known that if Rosalie liked your song, it was almost guaranteed to become a hit.

Rosalie programmed the sound of Motown to her predominantly white audience. In fact, in the early days CKLW was often described as “the blackest white radio station on Earth”. Over 17 years, as The Big 8 evolved to embrace the Detroit rock scene, Rosalie successfully picked and programmed the hits. Artists who can thank Rosalie for a large part of the success they have achieved include Diana Ross & The Supremes, Martha & The Vandellas, Anne Murray, Alice Cooper, Tony Orlando & Dawn, Bob Seger, Andy Kim, Elton John, KISS, Blood, Sweat & Tears, The Guess Who and Gordon Lightfoot.

The legacy of Rosalie Trombley continues to serve as an inspiration to the generations of women broadcasters who follow in her footsteps.