TORONTO, May 27, 2014 /CNW/ - It is with great sadness that The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) acknowledges the passing of Knowlton Nash, the legendary CBC broadcaster who was also the CJF's founding and longest-serving chair (1990-2000). Nash, the longtime anchor of CBC's The National who passed away Saturday at age 86, received the CJF's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.
"When we started the Foundation, we needed someone who would have credibility among the media and the general public, and we were most fortunate that Knowlton graciously agreed to be our first chair," says Dr. F.L.R. (Eric) Jackman, founder of the CJF who continues to serve on the board. "He travelled the country to raise funds on behalf of the Foundation, and he was a leader to many of us. As we enter the 25th anniversary of our founding, it is so sad that he is not here to celebrate with us. He will be sorely missed."
Nash's familiarity with the public and his exceptional reputation in media circles gave the Foundation tremendous awareness from the start. He initiated the awards programs to support and recognize excellence in Canadian journalism and launched the leadership dinners that were the core programming activities at the time.
Trina McQueen, a former CJF vice-chair (2002-2004), chose Nash to host The National in 1978, when she was executive producer of the nightly newscast.
"Knowlton Nash had a deep respect for both the obligations and the joys of journalism—and he was successful at the highest level at both," says McQueen. "The books he wrote about his profession are unequalled. He was Canada's professor of journalism. As reporter, correspondent, executive, anchor and Canadian, his ambition was always public service. He served with honour."
About The Canadian Journalism Foundation
The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) is a not-for-profit organization that promotes excellence in journalism by celebrating outstanding journalistic achievement through an annual awards program; by organizing events that facilitate dialogue among journalists, business people, government officials, academics and students about the role of the media in Canadian society; by supporting journalism websites, J-Source.ca English and ProjetJ.ca (French); and by fostering opportunities for journalism education, training and research.
Video with caption: "Video: Knowlton Nash: 2006 CJF Lifetime Achievement Award Tribute". Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0a3LEDw-sk&feature=share&list=PLoRrSOelNbQImEPmbvRO4ZpccGeW2n0gS
Image with caption: "CBC broadcaster Knowlton Nash was also the founding and longest-serving chair of The Canadian Journalism Foundation. (Credit: Peter Bregg/Maclean's Magazine) (CNW Group/Canadian Journalism Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140527_C7087_PHOTO_EN_40786.jpg
SOURCE: Canadian Journalism Foundation
Wendy Kan
Program Manager
The Canadian Journalism Foundation
Phone: 416-955-0394 e-mail: [email protected]
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