Minister of Citizens' Services and Open Government Ben Stewart presented the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal today to Rudy Buttignol, president and CEO of Knowledge Network Corporation, in recognition of his outstanding achievements and distinguished service to his fellow citizens.

Buttignol joined Knowledge Network in 2007 and is being acknowledged for his leadership role in transforming British Columbia's public broadcaster. Under Buttignol's guidance, and working with the board of directors, Knowledge Network has adopted new multi-platform digital services, increased audience shares and revenues, and introduced new programming and content. Knowledge Network is continuing to seek new ways to modernize and expand its public offerings through the conversion to High Definition (HD) format and the further diversification of platforms in the future.

In addition to serving as CEO for Knowledge Network, Buttignol is also president of BBC Kids, a national children's subscription channel operated through a joint venture between Knowledge Network Corporation and BBC Worldwide.

Knowledge Network offers trusted content from B.C. and around the globe that informs, inspires and engages. Their responsibility as a public broadcaster is to bring diverse points of view to British Columbians, to challenge assumptions, broaden awareness, and spur the acquisition of new knowledge.

This responsibility extends to their youngest viewers through Knowledge: Kids, a safe, trusted environment offering "good fun" that teaches kids about the world around them and things like co-operation, empathy, friendship and problem solving.

Knowledge Network became a Crown Corporation in June 2008. It receives an annual grant from the Province to help provide quality programming to its 1.5-million viewers in B.C.

Medal recipients have made a significant contribution to a province, territory, region or community within Canada, or an achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada. Like Her Majesty, those recognized have dedicated themselves to service their fellow citizens, communities and country.

Quotes:

Ben Stewart, Minister of Citizen Services and Open Government -

"I am very proud to recognize Mr. Buttignol for his outstanding work. This Jubilee medal acknowledges the outstanding contribution he has made, and continues to make, in his work to lead Knowledge Network into the new digital-era, while maintaining the exceptional quality of content British Columbians have come to enjoy and expect from our public broadcaster."

Rudy Buttignol, Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal recipient -

"I am honoured to receive the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal. It has been a privilege to lead British Columbia's Knowledge Network through a period of transformation and growth in order to better inform and inspire our viewers. As a trusted public broadcaster, none of this would have been possible without the financial contributions of our loyal Knowledge Partners, as well as the support of a dedicated board and staff, the independent production community, and the people of British Columbia."

Quick Facts:

• Buttignol was born in Pordenone, Italy, and is the recipient of several international honours including the inaugural Doc Mogul Award from the Hot Docs International Festival, and nine Gemini (Canadian Academy) Awards just to name a few.

• Buttignol is a graduate of the faculty of fine arts at Toronto's York University, and has completed executive education programs at the Banff Centre, the Stanford graduate school of business and the Harvard business school.

• The Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty's accession to the throne.

• This commemorative medal is a tangible way to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country.

• During the year of celebrations, 60,000 deserving Canadians from across the country will be recognized.

• The government of B.C. is presenting approximately 760 medals.

• All MLAs and ministers have been involved in awarding the medals, ensuring the medals reach as many deserving people in the province as possible.

Learn More:

To learn more about the Queen's Diamond Jubilee visit: http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=14019&lan=eng

To learn more about Knowledge Network visit: http://knowledge.ca/

Contact:

Lara Perzoff
Communications Manager
Ministry of Citizen's Services and Open Government
250-387-0172