In This Report: As the new head of CanWest Global, Peter Viner looks to expand the network’s media holdings. p. 23

Cover montage index p. 24

Mintz on Asper p. 27

Brinton on Asper p. 28

CanWest history: an overview p. 30

Asper in Alberta: a fitting adieu p. 31

‘After being away from active management since 1993 and being able to take a long-term view of my association with Mr. Asper, the thing that stands out is his vision and the persistence in going after the vision through all manner of labyrinths and intricacies of the business world.

‘From the time we were first associated, I understood what he was after, which was a national presence in Canada, and that vision after many years is now, for all practical purposes, achieved.

‘The persistence was just an everyday thing. Every major and minor move was done with two things in mind, the short-range dividends and protecting shareholders’ interest, and the long-range view of building a television entity both in Canada and in other parts of the world.

‘The legacy: if you proceed with intelligence, steadfastness and the will to work and the ability to seize opportunities and have good people around you and a little luck, you’ll make it in business.’

David Mintz is the former president of Global Television, the man who led Global from the ratings basement to the top station in the Ontario market in terms of audience and profit. He officially retired in 1993. He is currently in India doing some consultation work.