The 2001 Banff Rockie Awards have been expanded to include more than $100,000 in prizes and a place for webcasts in the 14 competition categories.

New in 2001 is the Global Television grand prize of $50,000 to be awarded to the program judged best of the competition. It is the richest prize in Canadian television awards history.

The new NHK President’s Prize offers $25,000 cash for the best entry in the competition shot or post-produced on hdtv.

Telefilm Canada continues its cash prizes of $20,000 each to the best English- and French-language independent Canadian production.

Finalists will also compete for the coveted Banff Rockie Awards, presented in 14 categories including continuing series, comedies, children’s programs, mows and sports. The entry deadline is Feb. 19.

The 22nd annual Banff Television Festival, Banff2001, takes place June 10-15 in Banff, Alta.

Banff2000 attracted more than 1,800 delegates and 1,000 program entries from 40 countries. *

-www.banfftvfest.com