In its nearly 30 years of existence, the Toronto-based non-profit Alliance for Children and Television has provided industry training, rewarded top achievements and prodded the Canadian TV industry into providing programming that stimulates children’s intelligence and creativity and avoids intellectual laziness.

Beyond research, professional development and lobbying on behalf of kids’ TV, ACT also recognizes the best in children’s programming with its annual Awards of Excellence. This year’s gala to honor the best in English-language shows will take place on June 2 at the CBC’s Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto. TV host Joe Motiki will emcee the event, which attracted 54% more entries this year than last.

Among the 11 awards to be handed out is the Independent Production Fund Outstanding Achievement Award to Peter Moss. According to board member Suzanne French, executive producer, children’s programming, at Shaftesbury Films, the decision to honor Moss is meant to ‘recognize his extensive contribution to the world of children’s media.’

‘Peter is one of those rare people who has experience on all sides of the desk – from hands-on production to the macro view of schedule and broadcast strategy. Peter marries experience of the creative process with really strong business skills. And, happily, for most of his career he’s focused his talents on the children’s industry. Peter cares about the quality of whatever he’s working on, and it shows in the results that he’s had in his many positions.’