RNAO honours journalists with annual Media Awards

TORONTO, April 5, 2016 /CNW/ - Global News 16x9 tops a list of news outlets being honoured for outstanding health-care reporting as part of the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario's (RNAO) Media Awards competition.

The newsmagazine picked up two awards – including one for a co-production with the Toronto Star – in the association's annual competition recognizing excellence in journalism that highlights nursing, health and health-care issues. Also receiving honours were journalists from the Globe and Mail, Toronto Sun, a pair of community newspapers, a magazine, and an online news outlet.

This year's winning entries covered a variety of important topics affecting the health of Ontarians, including violence against nurses, transgender rights, the province's home care system, and hospitals experimenting with medical tourism.

"By tackling these tough issues and sharing them in compelling and informative ways, these journalists have helped bring them to the forefront of public attention," says Vanessa Burkoski, RNAO president. "We're thrilled to recognize their efforts, and look forward to their continued excellence."

Award winners were selected from dozens of entries by a panel of 12 judges comprised of nurses and journalists. Winners will receive their awards during the president's banquet at RNAO's annual general meeting held Friday, May 6 in Toronto.

Winners who will receive an RNAO Media Award:

Jessica Cunha
Community newspaper, best in-depth feature
Carp family leads the way in transgender rights
West Carleton Review

Kathy Yanchus
Community newspaper, best news story
Agonizing Wait
Burlington Post

Jenny Yuen
Daily newspaper, best in-depth feature
'It's like the wild west'
Toronto Sun

Elizabeth Church and Kelly Grant
Daily newspaper, best series
Home care series
Globe and Mail

Paul Dalby
Magazine, best story
Mind Over Matter
Watershed Magazine

Wendy Glauser
Online, best story
Many hospitals don't do enough to support health workers after an adverse event
HealthyDebate.ca

Krysia Collyer and Robert Cribb
Television, best in-depth feature
Code White
Global News, 16x9 and Toronto Star

Crystal Goomansingh, Francesca Fionda and Marleen Trotter
Television, best news story
Profitable patients
Global News, 16x9

"As the voice of registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and nursing students in Ontario, RNAO recognizes the key role media outlets play in our democracy," says Doris Grinspun, chief executive officer for RNAO. "Each and every one of these journalists should be proud, and know they are making a difference in their communities, for the province, and for our country."

RNAO is the professional association representing registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and nursing students in Ontario. Since 1925, RNAO has advocated for healthy public policy, promoted excellence in nursing practice, increased nurses' contribution to shaping the health-care system, and influenced decisions that affect nurses and the public they serve. For more information about RNAO, visit our website at RNAO.ca or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario

Daniel Punch, Communications Officer/Writer, RNAO, Tel: [phone], ext. 250, [e-mail]