For the First Time Ever, CTV.ca Takes Viewers Backstage During the 2012 JUNO AWARDS Broadcast, Sunday, April 1

- Bell Media Digital rolls out digital extension of CTV's JUNO Awards Broadcast online, on Facebook, and on the CTV iPad App -

To link this release: http://bit.ly/HsiePT

TORONTO, March 29, 2012 /CNW/ - Bell Media Digital offers music fans the best and most in-depth digital experience to get ready and stay engaged during THE 2012 JUNO AWARDS on CTV (#JUNOAwards, #CTV) this Sunday, April 1. For the first time ever, a backstage production camera offers visitors to JUNOS.CTV.ca and the CTV iPad App an exclusive behind-the-scenes view of the television broadcast from rehearsals to the live show, with select JUNO AWARD artists before and after they perform, along with never-before-seen set change-overs. Additionally, the broadcast's digital extension includes photo gallery updates from the JUNO Awards red carpet, as well as a live chat with music experts from across the country. It all gets started at 6 p.m. ET on JUNOS.CTV.ca.

Before that, fans can show their JUNO Awards love and earn bragging rights by making early predictions on the JUNO Fantasy Poll at Facebook.com/CTV. The poll allows viewers to vote for their favourite 2012 JUNO Award nominees and share predictions.

In the time leading up to Sunday's broadcast, JUNOS.CTV.ca features interviews and behind-the-scenes video from Friday's JUNO Train (#JUNOtrain), and this weekend's JUNOfest (#JUNOfest) events around Ottawa. Other content on JUNOS.CTV.ca includes a Music Lounge where visitors can preview nominated songs, more information on performers and presenters, and original editorial features about Lights, JRDN, Alyssa Reid, Craig Cardiff, and The Good Lovelies.

Then, on Sunday, April 1, 2012 starting at 6 p.m. ET, JUNOS.CTV.ca comes alive with live photo gallery updates from THE 2012 JUNO AWARDS red carpet. Artists expected to walk the carpet include William Shatner, Nickelback, Johnny Reid, Sarah McLachlan, Feist and many others.

Afterwards, during the live broadcast on CTV, JUNOS.CTV.ca takes viewers behind the scenes to an area not seen by live attendees on television. For the first time ever, cameras will be situated backstage that will provide online visitors with exclusive visuals of JUNO Awards artists just before and just following their television performances.

Fans can also take the JUNO Awards experience to the next level by interacting with music experts from across Canada on THE JUNO AWARDS live chat. Here, fans can ask questions, make comments and interact with panelists throughout the evening. Those participating from across Canada include:

• Elizabeth Bromstein - Senior Music Writer, Sympatico's inMusic.ca
• Katherine Dines - MAJIC 100 Ottawa midday host
• Richie Favalaro - CHUM 104.5 Toronto weekend jock
• Greg Gnyp - 93.9 The River Windsor morning man
• Ceara K - KOOL 107.3 Victoria afternoon drive host
• Kelly Parker - BOB 99.9 Winnipeg afternoon drive host
• Angela Rose & Bill Porter - Energy 99.7 Peterborough morning co-hosts
• Lauren Toyota - MuchMusic Host
• Dale Wolfe - QMFM 103.5 Vancouver afternoons

In addition, Twitter feeds of CTV insiders and hosts will be featured within the live chat to add on-the-scene colour and insight. For a full list of CTV JUNO Twitter accounts, visit @JUNOSonCTV, and visit JUNOS.CTV.ca for a list of all CTV JUNO-related social networks.

**Media Note** - Download photos for THE 2012 JUNO AWARDS at www.ctvmedia.ca/ctv and www.junoawards.ca  

**Please check JUNOS.CTV.ca for television broadcast times and channels**

Broadcast sponsors of THE 2012 JUNO AWARDS are Chevrolet, Garnier, Rogers and TD Bank Group. Sponsors of the 2012 JUNO Awards include FACTOR, Canada's Private Radio Broadcasters and The Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage's "Canada Music Fund," Radio Starmaker Fund, National Capital Commission (NCC), Province of Ontario, City of Ottawa and TD Bank Group.

About CARAS:

The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences/L'académie canadienne des arts et des sciences de l'enregistrement (CARAS) is a not-for-profit organization created to preserve and enhance the Canadian music industry and to contribute toward higher artistic and industry standards. The main focus of CARAS is the exploration and development of ongoing opportunities to showcase and promote Canadian artists and music through vehicles such as The JUNO Awards and other year-round initiatives. For more information on the 41st Annual JUNO Awards or The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences' (CARAS) website please visit www.junoawards.ca or www.carasonline.ca.

About CTV:

CTV, Canada's Olympic Network, is also Canada's largest private broadcaster. Featuring a wide range of quality news, sports, information, and entertainment programming, CTV is Canada's most-watched television network and lead broadcaster of the London 2012 Olympic Games. CTV is a division of Bell Media, Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio and digital. Bell Media is owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada's largest communications company. More information about CTV can be found on the network's website at ctv.ca.

For more information about JUNOS.CTV.ca or JUNO live chat:

Carolyn Fell, CTV Digital, 416.384.2817 or [email protected]
Emily Alonzo, CTV Digital, 416.384.2664 or [email protected]

For more information on THE 2012 JUNO AWARDS on CTV, contact:
Mary Costa, CTV, 416.384.7702 or [email protected]

For more information on CARAS and the 2012 JUNO Awards, contact:
Adrienne Kakoullis, Holmes Creative Communications, 416.628.5610 or [email protected]