TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2017 /CNW/ - The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) will honour New York Times reporters Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey with its Special Citation for their investigative reporting on sexual harassment and assault allegations against Harvey Weinstein, one of Hollywood's most powerful producers. The honour will be presented at the annual CJF Awards in Toronto on June 14.
"How could the existence—and scale—of this story have stayed secret for so long," asks CJF chair David Walmsley, who also serves as editor of The Globe and Mail. "There are still big questions that need to be answered about who knew what and when, but one thing is for sure: the Weinstein story, and all the other stories that have followed, still wouldn't be known had it not been for the work of these two dedicated journalists."
The Special Citation is awarded at the discretion of the CJF. The reporting by Kantor and Twohey has had widespread impact. Weinstein was fired from the film company he co-founded and police in three cities are investigating rape allegations against him. The story led other women victimized by the movie mogul to speak out publicly, started a social media movement among victims of sexual assault and harassment and compelled a number of women and men to come forth with allegations about the sexual misconduct of other powerful figures in entertainment and across different industries, including comedian Louis C.K., a story Kantor also reported on as a part of a NY Times team.
Kantor specializes in long-form pieces. Her reporting on Starbucks and Amazon prompted policy changes at both companies, while a piece she wrote about Harvard Business School's attempt to change its climate for women provoked a national conversation about women in business schools. In 2016, Kantor, with Catrin Einhorn, reported "Refugees Welcome," a year-long series about everyday Canadians adopting Syrian refugees.
Megan Twohey joined the Times from Reuters in 2016 as part of the U.S. presidential politics team and helped uncover Donald J. Trump's questionable treatment of women and his business ties to Russia. At Reuters, she was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for a series on an underground network where people discarded adopted children they no longer wanted. Earlier, at the Chicago Tribune, she wrote about predatory doctors and untested rape kits.
The first CJF Special Citation was presented in 2016 to the Boston Globe Spotlight Team, the year their explosive investigative series, from 2003, exposing widespread child abuse by numerous priests and the systemic cover-up by the Catholic Church in Boston, was depicted in the movie Spotlight.
The CJF Awards celebrates excellence in journalism by honouring those who have made significant contributions to journalism and by recognizing emerging talent. The annual event will take place next year at The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.
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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 and fosters opportunities for journalism education, training and research.
SOURCE Canadian Journalism Foundation
For further information: Natalie Turvey, Executive Director, The Canadian Journalism Foundation, nturvey@cjf-fjc.ca, 416-955-0396; For tickets, tables or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Josh Gurfinkel, The Canadian Journalism Foundation, jgurfinkel@cjf-fjc.ca, 416-955-0394
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