Dini Petty Returns to Network Television at Age 80 With ‘Trailblazing Talks’

Legendary Canadian broadcaster Dini Petty is making a celebrated return to network television at age 80. She will host a one-hour special titled Trailblazing Talks on The News Forum this summer, filmed in Toronto.

In this special, Petty will engage in in-depth conversations with Canadian Senator and three-time Olympic gold medalist Marnie McBean, as well as acclaimed actor and producer Tonya Williams, founder of the Reelworld Screen Institute. The show will also revisit iconic interview moments from The Dini Petty Show, the beloved daytime talk program that aired from 1989 to 1999.

Dini Petty is widely regarded as one of Canada’s most recognizable television and radio personalities. Known for her pink jumpsuits and fearless journalism, she broke barriers early in her career by becoming the first female traffic reporter to pilot her own helicopter at CKEY Radio, accumulating 5,000 flight hours.

She later co-anchored CityTV’s CityPulse News at 6 and rose to national prominence as the host of CityLine and The Dini Petty Show on CFTO (CTV). Over her illustrious career, Petty has earned six CanPro Awards for Television Excellence, the NATPE International Iris Award, four Gemini nominations, and the Canadian of Distinction Award.

In recent years, she starred in a one-woman play titled A Broad View, based on her life story, and appeared in the short film Boundless, created by Kate Campbell—who also serves as showrunner of Trailblazing Talks.

Kate Campbell, known for roles in Gone Girl, In the Dark, The Murdoch Mysteries, and Badsville, created this special to honor women who have shaped Canadian media. She is currently developing two women-led films: Satisfaction and Green Mountain State, a Sundance Writer’s Lab finalist.

Campbell executive produces the show alongside Ken MacDonald, former VP and General Manager of Discovery Channel Canada, and Marina Cordoni of Marina Cordoni Entertainment. Broadcasting veteran Martha Wilson joins the team as consulting producer.

Petty commented on her return:

“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. Now, 68 years later, at age 80, I’m back.”

Ken MacDonald added:

“Dini Petty is truly a force of nature. It’s such a joy to see her back in front of the cameras where she rightfully belongs.”

Trailblazing Talks will air on The News Forum, a privately-owned Canadian network that promotes balanced journalism, inclusion of voices, and democratic values—especially relevant amid growing geopolitical concerns in 2025.