Canadian Journalism Foundation introduces new Innovation Award

TORONTO, Jan. 15, 2015 /CNW/ - At a time when news organizations face unprecedented challenges and demands for change, The Canadian Journalism Foundation is proud to announce a new Innovation Award recognizing innovations with a demonstrated impact in advancing the quality of journalism.

Applications for the CJF Innovation Award will be accepted beginning January 19. The deadline for nominations is February 17, 2015.

"We are living through a period of almost unprecedented upheaval and disruption in the media industry, and so we need innovators more than ever," says Mathew Ingram, a senior writer at Gigaom.com and chair of the CJF Innovation Award jury. "It's nice to see the CJF recognizing that reality with this award and encouraging those who have ideas that can help the industry move forward instead of spinning its wheels."

Innovation can come in a wide range of fields, including (but not restricted to):

• new formats for audiences;
• different operating procedures within a newsroom;
• new storytelling techniques;
• a new product produced by the newsroom;
• the design and/or introduction of new technology;
• distinctive reporting strategies and techniques;
• new ways of engagement with audiences;
• involvement of the community in the news process; and
• partnerships or team approaches to reporting and producing stories.

Details for the award can be found at the CJF Innovation Award page.

Jury
Mathew Ingram, Senior Writer, Gigaom.com – Chair
Alfred Hermida, Associate Professor, UBC Graduate School of Journalism
Melanie Coulson, Director of Communications and Content, United Way Ottawa
David Skok, Digital Adviser to the Editor, The Boston Globe
Kelly Toughill, Associate Professor and Director, School of Journalism, University of King's College

The winner will be recognized at the annual CJF Awards at The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto on June 3, 2015. This year's event will celebrate the CJF's 25^th anniversary. Early-bird rates for tickets and tables are available until February 27.

About The Canadian Journalism Foundation
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 annual 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 its ongoing challenges 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 Canadian Journalism Foundation's new Innovation Award will recognize innovations with a demonstrated impact in advancing the quality of journalism done by an individual news organization. (CNW Group/Canadian Journalism Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150115_C8741_PHOTO_EN_10276.jpg

For further information: Natalie Turvey, Executive Director, The Canadian Journalism Foundation, 59 Adelaide St. E, 5th floor, Toronto, ON M5C 1K6, Phone: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]

Related Links

http://www.cjf-fjc.ca