Ralph Benmergui

While studying journalism at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute, Ralph Benmergui became news director and program producer at the university’s radio station. The CBC offered Benmergui a research job in Winnipeg. From there, he went on to produce current affairs documentaries and was named host of Night Lines, a late-night music show on the CBC Stereo Network.

Back in Toronto, Benmergui hosted Prime Time, a nightly one-hour entertainment program on the CBC Radio Network. He moved on to co-host CBC-TV's Midday with Valerie Pringle, where his skills as an interviewer and host quickly marked him as one of Canada's top television personalities.  The popular interviewer also hosted Friday Night With Ralph Benmergui and Benmergui Live. For the past four years, Ralph has been the very popular host of Benmergui in the Morning on JAZZ.FM91, Canada's only 24 hour jazz radio station.  

He has won a prestigious Japan Prize for Best International Youth Programming, a Yorkton Film Festival prize for Best Youth Programming, and has been the recipient of five Gemini nominations.

Benmergui produced Stuart McLean’s most recent Christmas Special for CBC television and for Vision TV, he produced five episodes of a series called SEEKERS chronicling the experience of five people on journey to find their spirituality.  He has also hosted three wonderfully received specials, entitled Seriously Funny in Canada and Punchlines in the Sand in the US, where three comics comment on and explore through comedy, serious issues of the day. He presented a five-part series for Vision TV entitled My Israel, which examined the past, present and future of Israel. Benmergui’s latest project, God Bless America, is a series of examinations of religion and politics in the U.S.

In addition to Benmergui’s extensive work in television and radio, he has always maintained a passion for politics.  He put his communications expertise to work for the Green Party of Canada, where he served as senior advisor and is currently employed as director of communications for  the Hon. Glen Murray, minister of research and innovation for the Ontario Liberal Party.  

Ralph Benmergui is a thoroughly enjoyable host, emcee, moderator and keynote speaker!  He can be counted on to be at once, deeply informed, up-to the minute, provocative and when the occasion calls for it... Seriously Funny!

• 1. The New Green

  From No No No to Go Go Go
  
  Are you Green enough? In a time when we're being told that we have to shrink our carbon footprint, sort out and cart around our waste, switch to hybrid electric scooters, eat locally and hug a windmill it's easy to believe that we're just not measuring up in the eyes of the Green Gods.
  
  Too often Green is portrayed as NO NO NO . But what if we re-imagine Green. What if this is really about possibility, innovation and using the best of what we have to create the future our children deserve?
  
  Green means go. Building Green communities isn't just about the materials we use to put up houses, it's about livable communities where walking cycling and innovative energy solutions come together. Green communities value parent's time and find ways to accommodate moms and dads who want to job share, telecommute and invest in neighborhood life.
  
  The Green message is about unleashing the power of each of us to do what is best for ourselves, our families and the planet.
  
  Ralph Benmergui is a veteran Broadcaster and Documentary Producer who has specialized in strategic communications and Green messaging. His inspiring presentations have brought audiences to their feet and motivated to make a Green and prosperous leap forward.

• 4. My Israel

  Based on his five-part series for VisionTV that examines the past, present and future of Israel as the country marks its 60th anniversary, award-winning Canadian broadcaster Ralph Benmergui talks about his deeply personal journey through this fascinating and troubled land. His presentations are based upon a heartfelt exploration of belief and values, conflict and reconciliation, poverty and class, ethnicity and identity – all seen through the eyes of a Moroccan-Canadian Jew as he strives toward an understanding of modern Israel.

• 2. Seriously Funny

  ·2-3 top notch comedians
  ·1 Ralph Benmergui
  ·1 large ripe topic
  
  and 1 very engaged audience! Promise!

  Host Ralph Benmergui stirs it up with comedian panelists, inviting them in turn to offer compelling insights and hilarious "bits" on the topic of your choice. In a world of too much information, audiences are hungry for real conversation, designed for them and delivered with a twist.... Ralph Benmergui's "Seriously Funny" is guaranteed to be the highlight of your conference and a long remembered "one of a kind", experience for everyone who attends.

• 3. The Freedom 55 Myth

  In a world where life is just around the corner we rarely stop to realize that there is no such thing as Freedom 55. As Ralph Benmergui approaches his own mythical land of 55 he takes us on a hilarious journey through everything from raising teens to starting a new family and reaching the highs and lows of Canadian show business. Through it all Benmergui has managed to avoid becoming a bitter little man. Trust me he was tempted. Instead he is happier than he's ever been without a prescription. Hear about Canadian fame, sans fortune; Fatherhood without a driving manual and what getting old is really all about!