Call for entries: CJF Jackman Award for Excellence in Journalism

TORONTO, Jan. 20, 2016 /CNW/ -News organizations whose journalism has had a positive impact on their communities are encouraged to apply for The Canadian Journalism Foundation's (CJF) Jackman Award for Excellence in Journalism. Two winners are selected, one for large media and one for small.

The deadline for submissions is Feb. 19, 2016.

"It's a hard choice to decide which organizations will receive the Jackman Award for Excellence," says Trina McQueen, a member of the jury and longtime journalist and executive with CBC and CTV, who is now adjunct professor at Schulich School of Business at York University. "On the other hand, it is inspiring to see the entries. Canadian journalism is still producing top-quality work that has a significant impact on communities, and on justice and democracy overall."

This award honours excellence in Canadian journalism. Since 1996, the CJF has celebrated news organizations that embrace ideals of journalistic excellence – accuracy, independence, accountability, courage and originality. Winners, since 2007, have been selected in large media and small media categories. News organizations across the country can review the details and criteria before applying, using the online form.

Last year's winners were The Globe and Mail (large media) and Halifax's The Coast (small media). Past winners in the large media category include the Winnipeg Free Press, The Current – CBC Radio One, Toronto Star, The Canadian Press and the Hamilton Spectator. Previous winners in the small media category include The Tyee, Vancouver Observer, CBC Manitoba, Metroland Durham Region, the St. John's Telegram and the Guelph Mercury. The full list of past winners can be found on the website.

A shortlist will be announced in April, with the winner announced at the CJF Awards at The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto on June 16. Early-bird rates for tickets and tables are available until February 26.

About The Canadian Journalism Foundation
Established in 1990, The Canadian Journalism Foundation promotes excellence in journalism by celebrating outstanding journalistic achievement. Our signature events include an annual awards program featuring a must-attend industry gala where Canada's top newsmakers meet Canada's top news people. Through J-Talks, our popular speakers' series, we facilitate dialogue among journalists, business people, academics and students about the role of the media in Canadian society and the ongoing challenges for media in the digital era. The foundation also supports journalism websites J-Source.ca (English) and ProjetJ.ca (French) and fosters opportunities for journalism education, training and research.

SOURCE Canadian Journalism Foundation

Image with caption: "The Globe and Mail won the 2015 CJF Jackman Award for Excellence in Journalism in the large media category for its "Thalidomide" series. Ingrid Peritz, Montreal-based correspondent, and David Walmsley, editor-in-chief, accepted the honour at the CJF Awards. (CNW Group/Canadian Journalism Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160120_C5315_PHOTO_EN_602318.jpg

For further information: Natalie Turvey, Executive Director, The Canadian Journalism Foundation, 595 Bay Street, Suite 401, Toronto, ON M5G 2C2, Phone: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]