CBC Saskatchewan wins television news award

The supper hour newscast of CBC television in Saskatchewan has won a Gemini award for presenting the best local news program in Canada for smaller markets.

The honour was presented to production leaders at a ceremony in Toronto.

"It's kind of like the Emmy awards of Canada," co-anchor Costa Maragos said in describing the prestige associated with the award. "I've been at this [event] four times.  And my fourth time I've been nominated for a Gemini. But to be part of this great television team at CBC in Saskatchewan is just such an honour."

"This award belongs to everyone at CBC News Saskatchewan," Paul Dederick, the executive producer of CBC News in Saskatchewan, said in accepting the award. "Including our news team, our hosting team, our communications team, our support team. Everybody owns a little bitty piece of this award. Thanks."

CBC Saskatchewan submitted a sampling of programs for the award.

'Our news team, our hosting team, our communications team, our support team ... everybody owns a little bitty piece of this award.'—Paul Dederick, CBC News Saskatchewan

"The newscasts we've submitted feature live reports on the troubles of a former politician, a  taxi dispute in Saskatoon and a story about students and plagiarism," a synopsis on the Gemini Awards website noted. "Throw in the best local weather and sports and there's still room for fun."

The presentations Tuesday are part of three Gemini Awards galas. The annual celebration will be capped by a televised bash Sept. 7, hosted by comic Russell Peters.