Jennifer Hollett is the voice of a generation. Hyperbole? Nope.

TV viewers would remember her from Talk TV’s the Chat Room or her various shows/programs at Much Music. What they may not know is this TV host has been helping shape Canada’s digital landscape since the start.

Digital Innovator

She kicked off her career as one of the first interactive leaders in Canada’s music industry. She hosted thousands of hours of live television at CTV’s Talk TV; all while constantly innovating and interacting with viewers; and pushing tech envelopes. Most recently her work with Plan Canada as the eCommunications Manager she again has been one step ahead of the curve. That, and folks, she performed with the Beastie Boys.

Let me put it this way: Hollett stopped blogging when it was still called a “web log”. She really is that cutting edge.

In all seriousness, she has regularly leveraged technology and online channels for the betterment of society. Her next gig looks like a great fit. A sort of social media correspondent for Mark Kelley’s new program starting on October 26th at 7:00 pm (EST).

A quick aside on Talk TV and MTV

Talk TV was run by CTV in the Masonic Temple studio from downtown Toronto; it had little traction for a number of reasons. And, it was rebranded and converted to host the studio for MTV Canada; but continues to run on the same CRTC license. This is why the MTV hosts in Canada talk so damn much…)

More from Mark Kelley

Here is a bit more from the host of the show featuring Jennifer Hollet on what viewers will be seeing next week; the show is in rehearsal this week and I’m told there is a to-be-announced “news contributor” as well:

I am Mark Kelley and I have been traveling this country for years for the CBC telling the stories of everyday Canadians. Now I have been given a place to tell those stories every night.

This show is all about making a connection with people, and creating a connection between them and the people at home.

You’re not going to see politicians or pundits or so-called experts. We want to talk to regular Canadians. And we want to talk about the stories they’re talking about.

If that’s the balloon boy or convicts fighting to smoke in jail, that great. But it’s also our job to cut through the clutter. You’re not going to see the same kinds of stories or angles that you’ve been reading or hearing about or watching during the day.

We want to push news of the day forward, we want to be smart, we want to make people think. If there’s a missing perspective, you’re going to see it on this show

This show is about removing the barriers between TV viewer and TV host – and “connecting” every night. We want to reach people wherever they are – and get them to join the conversation and become invested in our show. Jennifer Hollett will make that connection. As our cross-platform contributor, Jennifer will cover conversations, memes and trending topics from social media.

And that includes viral news, the stuff that pops up on your BlackBerry, your iPhone, on Twitter, on YouTube, the news everyone is talking about.

Stick around, we’ll connect soon.

Photo from Photojunkie via JenniferHollett.com

(Another aside, if you don’t know Rannie’s amazing work you should visit Photojunkie.ca; a verified Toronto photo superstar. I’m proud he has taken picks of my clients.)