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From a media release:

Canada’s most fearless interviewer is back. At age 80, Dini Petty steps back in front of the cameras once again for Trailblazing Talks with Dini Petty, with a one-hour television event airing Monday, October 13 at 9:00 PM ET on The News Forum network and on thenewsforum.ca. With warmth, humour, and fearless curiosity, Petty invites audiences into conversations that span generations and challenges expectations. Ahead of its premiere, Trailblazing Talks has been greenlit to go to series. Broadcast details to follow.

“At this point in my life, I am drawn to deeper conversations about resilience, courage, and the true cost of leadership,” said Dini Petty. “Trailblazing Talks is about honouring those who dared to lead and reminding us that it is never too late to step forward with purpose”

This premiere brings together two remarkable guests for a deeply personal and inspiring hour of television. Tonya Williams shares her journey breaking barriers as a Black actress, from early roles in Toronto to becoming a household name for two decades on The Young and the Restless. She also reflects on founding the Reelworld Film Festival & Screen Institute, which have grown under her leadership to create meaningful change in Canada’s screen industry.

Three-time Olympic gold medalist Senator Marnie McBean opens up about her legendary partnership with the late Kathleen Heddle, her service in the Senate of Canada, and why advocacy for the 2SLGBTQ+ community remains central to her legacy. She even gives Dini a lesson in proper rowing technique. Both guests revisit moments from their interviews on The Dini Petty Show in the 1990s, bringing their stories full circle in a celebration of resilience, legacy, and trailblazing impact.

“Dini has been a huge source of inspiration to me over the years—not only as a pioneering broadcaster and a pilot, but as a woman unafraid to speak the truth,” said Kate Campbell, Creator, Showrunner and Executive Producer. “To collaborate with her on Trailblazing Talks is a full-circle moment, and I feel honoured to help carry forward her legacy and bring her voice and presence back to audiences in a new way.”

Petty is bringing the same sharp mind, wit, and courage that shaped her career, but this time, the focus is on sparking a bigger conversation about the future of leadership, aging, and the courage it takes to stay in the arena.

Created by Kate Campbell, who also serves as Showrunner and Executive Producer, Trailblazing Talks is helmed alongside award-winning Executive Producer Ken MacDonald, former Vice-President and General Manager of Discovery Channel Canada. Marina Cordoni of Marina Cordoni Entertainment (MCE) and Dini Petty also Executive Produce. Former broadcaster and commissioner at CRTC Martha Wilson joins as Consulting Producer.

Trailblazing Talks is not just a television special; it’s a bold invitation to rethink what’s possible.

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About The News Forum
The News Forum is a Canadian national television network that values integrity, balance, and the inclusion of multiple voices. Privately owned by Canadian shareholders, the network delivers programming that aims to empower viewers with diverse perspectives and support a robust Canadian democracy. Learn more at www.thenewsforum.ca.

From a media release:

Legendary and award-winning Canadian broadcaster Dini Petty is making a surprising return to network television with Trailblazing Talks. The one-hour special will launch nationally on The News Forum in the Summer of 2025. Trailblazing Talks, created by filmmaker Kate Campbell, has officially completed production and is poised to inspire audiences with its powerful and timely conversations.

In the one-hour special Trailblazing Talks, Dini Petty is back for another candid conversation with Canadian Senator, former rower and three-time Olympian gold-medalist, Marnie McBean, alongside actor, award-winning producer and Reelworld Screen Institute, Founder & Executive Director, Tonya Williams. Petty will also share highlights of memorable moments from her original interviews with both guests, who first appeared on The Dini Petty Show.

“My first television appearance was at age 12. It was not a good beginning, and I swore I’d never go into the business, but fate had other plans,” says Dini Petty. “Now, 68 years later, at age 80, I’m back!”

“The time is now for a new kind of conversation, one that honours the women who’ve shaped our world,” said Executive Producer Kate Campbell. “I created this one-hour special to celebrate broadcast icon Dini Petty’s powerful return to television at 80, alongside two remarkable trailblazers from her past.”

“Dini Petty is truly a force of nature,” said Executive Producer Ken MacDonald. “It’s such a joy to see her back in front of the cameras where she rightfully belongs. We are honoured that she has chosen to step back into the spotlight to host this exciting new program.”

Petty is back doing what she does best: leading powerful, engaging conversations with trailblazing women from across industries, spotlighting stories of reinvention, leadership, resilience and aging with purpose. With her signature wit, warmth and unmatched interviewing style, Petty brings a fresh yet familiar energy to the Trailblazing Talks special. A pioneer in Canadian television, Petty’s journalism career has earned her six CanPro Awards, four Gemini nominations, and the prestigious NATPE International Iris Award.

Created by Kate Campbell, who also serves as Showrunner and Executive Producer, Trailblazing Talks is helmed alongside award-winning Executive Producer Ken MacDonald, former Vice-President and General Manager of Discovery Channel Canada. Marina Cordoni of Marina Cordoni Entertainment (MCE) and Dini Petty also Executive Produce. Former broadcaster and commissioner at CRTC Martha Wilson joins as Consulting Producer.

Tag Archives: The News Forum

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