CJF names John Wright as inaugural Distinguished Research Fellow
TORONTO, Aug. 27, 2026 /CNW/ - The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Canada Pulse Insights CEO John Wright as its inaugural Distinguished Research Fellow.
Wright, one of Canada's most respected public opinion researchers, brings decades of experience to the CJF's ongoing research program. A former CJF board member, Wright has collaborated with the Foundation on past polling, analyzing news consumption habits, the impact of artificial intelligence on journalism and the role of news creators in the Canadian news ecosystem. In this new position, he will continue to guide the CJF's research efforts, helping the Foundation and its partners understand how Canadians engage with news and what that means for the future of journalism in Canada.
"I'm deeply honoured by this appointment," says Wright. "Having worked with journalists throughout my career, I hold each of them in the highest regard for their vigilance and integrity in bringing unvarnished, fact-based insights to the public. Their role today has never been more important."
Wright's prolific career began in 1989 at the Angus Reid Group, where he secured the first monthly media polling Agency of Record (AOR) role with Southam News. This led to media polling partnerships with CFRB (NewsTalk 1010) and CBC Newsworld, and following Angus Reid's acquisition by Ipsos, Wright led long-term AOR polling partnerships with CTV, The Globe and Mail, the National Post, Global News, and Report on Business Magazine. In addition to his client practice as Senior Vice President of Ipsos Public Affairs, he also established groundbreaking AOR relationships with CNN International, The Associated Press, McClatchy News, and Reuters International with the first ever regular monthly global polling AOR program.
He also hosted a decade-long weekly radio talk show with journalists and stakeholders, Your Opinion Counts (NewsTalk 1010), and co-hosted BNN's Squeeze Play with Amanda Lang. Wright wrote Canada's first sector-defining polling Standards of Disclosure Requirements and was the first in Canada to popularize private-sector and PR/media-agency polling for public release. He also published the first textbook on the public affairs profession in Canada and, with Dr. Darrell Bricker, co-authored three best-selling books on Canadian opinions and trends.
"John has long been instrumentally involved in shaping the CJF's growth," says Natalie Turvey, president and executive director of the CJF. "As a former CJF board member and lead researcher on our recent reports about media literacy in the age of AI, his expertise in distilling data into insightful, actionable reports is unparalleled.
"We are thrilled to have him join us in this new role that will allow him to continue to produce robust research and reporting on the state of Canadian journalism today."
With more than 2,500 polling releases to his name, Wright is the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, the King Charles III Coronation Medal and the Canadian Forces Decoration (CD) with six Command Commendations.
About The Canadian Journalism Foundation
Established in 1990, The Canadian Journalism Foundation promotes, celebrates and facilitates excellence in journalism. The foundation runs an annual awards and fellowship program featuring a gala at which news leaders, journalists and representatives of corporate Canada gather to celebrate outstanding journalistic achievement and the value of professional journalism. Through its monthly J-Talks, a public speakers series, the CJF facilitates dialogue among journalists, business leaders, academics and students about the role of the media in Canadian society and the ongoing challenges facing media in the digital era. The foundation also fosters opportunities for journalism education, training and research.
SOURCE The Canadian Journalism Foundation
For further information: Media Contact Information: Natalie Turvey, President and Executive Director, The Canadian Journalism Foundation, [email protected].
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