CIN: Reaching Jamaicans with the voice of Jamaica

Editor's note: The story below was originally published in the North American Gleaner.

At 75 years old, Caribbean International Network (CIN) founder Stephen Hill is as vivacious and passionate about his work as any young man just leaving university and looking to make his mark.

An enthusiastic sportsman and traveller, he shows no signs of slowing down.

"I am an avid golfer. In my spare time, I play squash three times a week. I am in the gym two days with a trainer, and I spend two days on the golf course. If you keep yourself busy, more than likely, you won't die," Hill joked as he sought to explain the reason for his longevity.

"I think if you don't do things in excess, you lead a good life. In fact, that is the tenet of Buddhists. I said next time I come back around, I want to be a Buddhist because they talk about moderation, which is the key," he added, pointing out "I like a steak, I like chicken, and I like fish, but you balance your life so that you don't go to extremes."

The man who says he likes to live a balanced life and learn from others is among those persons from the Caribbean who can declare that they have made it in New York, thanks to the over 550,000 viewers who tune in to the CIN channel when it's on air.

Hill tells The Gleaner that CIN is number one with the Caribbean diaspora in New York and that his journey in life and business thus far has been good.

"It (life) has been very satisfying. It has had a variety of different interests.

"I have always said people have to do what they like because if you do, you are going to have a wonderful life experience," said the effervescent CIN boss.

ROAD TO BROADCASTING

A chartered accountant by training, it was Hill's passion for catering to large audiences (plus inspiration from his father who was a celebrity events promoter) that led him from a successful career at Pricewaterhouse

Coopers Canada, where he went to work after leaving university, to promoting sporting events in Jamaica and eventually starting his own television channel, which broadcasts Caribbean-centric programmes in the tri-state area.

"I went to university in Montreal, became a chartered accountant, enjoyed it, but moved from being a chartered accountant, went into promotion, and now I am in television, which I really enjoy because it is really satisfying to be able to know you are able to attract hundreds of thousands of people who are enjoying what they are seeing," he shared.