"Look at the face and sound of broadcast media in BC and Canada. Women are doing well for themselves in the industry today. They’ve established themselves and are getting the jobs they want. I hope this keeps up." Belle Puri, Journalist and Reporter, CBC News Vancouver .
Noted as Canada’s first broadcast journalist of South Asian descent, Belle Puri’s career in journalism began with a dream that defied the norms of her time. As a teenager, she was asked to choose three potential careers for a high school placement program. Inspired by the legendary 1972 Canada-Soviet Hockey Summit Series and her newfound love for ice hockey, she made an audacious choice to be a sports broadcaster. Her school managed to find her a mentor for a day—John McKeachie, a renowned sports broadcaster at CKNW—and shadowing him through his day, observing how he put together his sportscast changed everything. Belle returns home, convinced that journalism is what she wants to do.
At a time when female sports broadcasters were practically unheard of, let alone South Asian ones, this decision came as a surprise to her parents. They remained supportive while she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree while also undergoing training at a private recording school. She completed her assignments from a tiny recording setup in her bedroom, enjoying the process while honing her broadcasting skills.
Come August 1977, when Belle received a call from CKNW and was asked to rewrite a stack of wire copy for broadcast on a typewriter. Impressed by her assignment, she was soon hired to write 5-minute newscasts for the station, working a 12-hour shift every Sunday. This began her career in broadcasting as she perfected her skills at the station, waiting to prove herself in an industry dominated by men.
Belle’s defining moment came when television came calling. Although content at CKNW—then regarded as one of Canada’s most prestigious news outlets—she interviewed with and was hired by BCTV in 1987, marking the beginning of her illustrious 38-year career as a television journalist. She joined CBC in 1992 and went on to become a business reporter for the national Newsworld Business News program and was the Legislative Bureau Chief for CBC British Columbia. Her several assignments included provincial politics, the Commonwealth Conference, the Clinton/Yeltsin summit, Royal tours, Expo ’86, and APEC, to name a few. Recipient of multiple awards, her most recent one is the 2024 Bruce Hutchison Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the Jack Webster Foundation.
Throughout her journey, Belle faced challenges that came with being a woman in media. She learned early on that success required sacrifice—missed family moments, relentless dedication, and an unwavering work ethic. Yet, she never allowed these obstacles to define her. Instead, she remained focused on delivering excellence in her work, a principle instilled in her by her hardworking parents.
Today, as a seasoned journalist and mentor, Belle is committed to nurturing the next generation of reporters. She regularly guides young journalists—new graduates and newcomers to Canada—helping them navigate the country’s media landscape. For her, learning is a two-way street. She believes that while she imparts wisdom, she also learns from the fresh perspectives of those she mentors.
From being a teenage girl with an improbable dream to becoming a trailblazing journalist, Belle Puri’s story is one of resilience, hard work, and the courage to carve her own path, accelerating action each step of the way.
Q & A
1. Given that this year's International Women's Day theme is 'Accelerate Action' - What does that phrase mean to you personally?
I’m entering a new phase in life again as I retire from journalism. For me, this phrase means to explore new ways to maximize my impact on those around me – my family, friends, and community.
2. What is the one habit or mindset that has contributed most to your success?
Take the high road and think positively. Assess yourself each day to know if you did right by every person you met. It’s not easy but always be able to say sorry and accept your mistake.
3. If you could change one thing for women today, what would it be?
As women, we have come so far, there is nothing we cannot achieve. But at the same time, women don’t have to feel like they have to do it all, all the time, because you don’t have to.
4. What’s one piece of advice you would give your younger self?
Don’t give up one thing for another. You can find ways to build relationships and have a glowing career at the same time. I'm actually surprised by my younger self, I think she did good!
Photo: A Master Media
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