The Talented Personality Jessi Cruickshank to Host the 2015 CCMA Awards Show on CBC-TV and CMT (Canada)

August 13, 2015 (Toronto, ON) – The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) and broadcast partners CBC and CMT are thrilled to announce Canadian television personality Jessi Cruickshank as the host of this year’s CCMA Awards Show. The 2015 CCMA Awards Show will air on Sunday, September 13 on CBC-TV at 8 p.m. (8:30 p.m. NT) with an encore airing on CMT at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

“I am so excited to be hosting the CCMA Awards! I have long admired country music artists and secretly wish I was one,” says Cruickshank. “I guarantee a wild night filled with laughs, surprises and men in tight jeans.”

Host of CBC-TV’s Canada’s Smartest Person and etalk correspondent, Cruickshank is one of Canada’s most beloved TV personalities. She became a household name as the face of MTV Canada, hosting the daily comedy show MTV Live and smash hit The Hills After Show. Cruickshank went on to host Live from E!, Jerseylicious, Oh Sit!, Jessi Cruickshank’s Real Hollywood Survival Guide and Olympic Morning. She has also travelled the world as the Canadian ambassador for Free the Children.

In total, 41 CCMA Awards will be given out over four awards ceremonies during Country Music Week in Halifax, Nova Scotia from September 10–13. Eight awards will be given out on the 2015 CCMA Awards Show. Ticket and event information regarding Country Music Week can be found at ccma.org.

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About the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA)
Established in 1976, the CCMA is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization committed to the promotion and recognition of Canadian country music. Built upon the foundation to educate, elevate and celebrate Canadian talent, the CCMA progressively heralds the spirit, community and creativity that country music fosters through year-round initiatives, culminating every fall with Country Music Week and the Canadian Country Music Association Awards. Sponsors of Country Music Week and the 2015 CCMA Awards include FACTOR, Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters and The Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage’s “Canada Music Fund” and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Radio Starmaker Fund, the Province of Nova Scotia, the City of Halifax and Destination Halifax.

About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, internet, and satellite based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages. 

A space for us all is CBC/Radio-Canada’s strategy to transform the public broadcaster, and ensure that it continues to fulfill its mandate for Canadians, now and for future generations. Through to 2020, it will increase its investment in prime-time television programming and continue to create radio programs of the highest quality, while promoting the development of digital and mobile platforms and content.

About CMT (Canada)
CMT (Canada) is Canada’s source for country music and likeminded programming that showcases compelling stories and characters. The network offers a mix of original programming, sitcoms, movies, music videos and specials. CMT is owned by Corus Entertainment Inc., a Canadian-based media and entertainment company. For more information, please visit CMT.ca and corusent.com.

About Bristow Global Media Inc. (BGM)
Bristow Global Media Inc. (BGM) is a Toronto based content creation company, specializing in creating multi-platform content across all genres including scripted, lifestyle, reality, documentary and sports. The company was launched in 2013 by leading broadcast executive and producer Julie Bristow, whose 20 year career at the CBC included the creation of award-winning entertainment divisions, the launch of national digital media platforms and the stewardship of iconic sports brands. BGM is partnered with Jamie Oliver’s Fresh One Productions in the UK for content development.

For further information, or to request an interview with Jessi Cruickshank, contact:
Dayna Shiskos, publicist, CBC
(o): 416-205-7973
(c): 647-226-5796
(e): dayna.shiskos@cbc.ca