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CBC'S CANADA'S SMARTEST PERSON ENGAGES CANADIANS WITH CUTTING EDGE SOCIAL TELEVISION EXPERIENCE

Mar 20, 2012

Broadcast attracted thousands of viewers to play along in real time

With more than 30,000 participants and 250,000 page views, audiences from across the country took the challenge and went head-to-head with some of Canada's top minds during last night's broadcast of CANADA'S SMARTEST PERSON on CBC Television. Viewers both played online in real time at CBC.ca/smartestperson and by using the free CANADA'S SMARTEST PERSON App on their iPad, iPhone or iPod touch.

CANADA'S SMARTEST PERSON was a trending topic on Twitter and produced more than 1,800 tweets from nearly 1,000 users, resulting in more than 1 million impressions**.

The show drew an average of 656,000 viewers, reaching almost 2.9 million Canadians, peaking at 875,000 as the winner was announced.

Hosted by award-winning comedian and star of CBC Television's MR. D.,Gerry Dee, CANADA'S SMARTEST PERSON is a groundbreaking two-hour television special that revealed that there is more to intelligence than having a high IQ score or being a whiz at math or trivia.

Drawing on the Theory of Multiple Intelligences, the unique play-along experience allowed viewers to test their own wits during the broadcast. Viewers were able to see how they compare to the four participants in studio competing for the title of CANADA'S SMARTEST PERSON, as well as family members and friends.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats offensive lineman, Peter Dyakowski, took the title of CANADA'S SMARTEST PERSON by defeating high school science teacher, Dr. Marshall Carroll; 23-year-old student and gamer, Laura Suen; and spoken word poet, Greg Frankson, in a series of fun and spectacular challenges aimed at testing six areas of the Theory of Multiple Intelligences.

Fans can still test their intelligence strengths by taking the "How Are You Smart?" Facebook test designed to identify primary and secondary strengths. Users can then share their "intelligence identity" on social media platforms and invite others to take the test as well. 'Like' the show at Facebook.com/canadassmartestperson or follow us on Twitter for more information.

CANADA'S SMARTEST PERSON is an original Media Headquarters production produced in association with CBC Television and with the participation of the Bell Broadcast and New Media Fund. Created by Robert Cohen, executive producers are Robert Cohen and Shari Cohen with Louise Wood as producer.

ABOUT MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES THEORY
Dr. Howard Gardner, a psychologist and professor of Cognition and Education at Harvard University, pioneered the theory of multiple intelligences in 1983. The theory proposes all humans have several kinds of intelligence that reflect different ways of interacting with the world and solving problems. Each person has a unique combination or profile of intelligences. Today, the application of multiple intelligence theory is widely embraced around the world and has had a significant impact in the realms of education, work and personal achievement.

ABOUT MEDIA HEADQUARTERS
Media Headquarters is an internationally award-winning independent production company founded in 1999 by brother-sister team Robert Cohen and Shari Cohen. Recognized for producing high-quality and innovative programming for worldwide markets, the company's diverse slate includes factual, dramatic, documentary and children's programming. For more information visit mediahqs.net.

ABOUT CBC/RADIO-CANADA
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages, plus seven languages for international audiences. In 2011, CBC/Radio-Canada celebrated 75 years of serving Canadians and being at the centre of the democratic, social and cultural life of Canada.

*Source: Omniture
**Source: Tweet Reach

For further information please contact:
Renee Weekes
Veritas Communications                                                 
weekes@veritascanada.com
(416) 640-4155 (office)
(416) 894-7209 (cell)