The LOCAL TV MATTERS event co-sponsored by CTV Ottawa and Ottawa Tonite this past Sunday, October 25th was a great success! There was clearly an ‘emotional’ response to the sheer talent and spirit behind the music at the event from Xpresso Cafe & Bar owner, Gias (Salim) Uddin, and THAT, was the heart of the idea behind this gathering: emotion.

For nearly 50 years CJOH-TV/CTV Ottawa has shown it’s commitment to bringing Ottawa the human side of local news stories. The station has prided itself on being Ottawa’s most trusted source for news and for its’ dedication to local charities and individuals in need. That dedication is due to a true LOVE for Ottawa and what the city is gradually developing into, as the decades have gone by.

Conversely, in a very ’short period of time’ (just over 1 week) I found professional local musicians were willing to step forward and gather together in the spirit of unity to say “thank you” to a local news provider that I happen to be lucky enough to work for…a local ‘tradition’ in this city that has helped to provide exposure and recognition for many artists over the decades – a station that CARES.

It really amazed me after I put out the call for a show of support – that there were so many responses – I quite literally had to turn some people away. So many artists wanted to tell the much-loved station that we all grew up with – one  that has helped strengthen our awareness of issues and interests in this city – that they want local news and local messages to be heard.

The heartbeat of the local music scene was beating loud and clear on behalf of CTV Ottawa that day.