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.
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.
