New Landsberg Award celebrates journalists shining a spotlight on women's equality issues

TORONTO, Feb. 26, 2014 /CNW/ - Journalists who give greater profile to women's equality issues can soon apply for the inaugural Landsberg Award, presented by The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) in association with the Canadian Women's Foundation. Applications will be received beginning on March 5, 2014.

The Landsberg Award will recognize a working journalist (employed or freelance) doing exceptional research, analysis and writing through a gender lens about women's equality issues in Canada. Journalists working in print, broadcast and online news reporting are eligible to apply. "With this addition to our awards program, we highlight excellence in an area of journalism that deserves greater recognition, and we hope it prompts even more substantive coverage of women's issues," says Bob Lewis, chair of the CJF.

The award is named after Michele Landsberg—award-winning Canadian journalist, author, social activist and feminist—to acknowledge the tremendous impact she had as an advocate and role model for all women in Canada. The former Toronto Star columnist gave a strong public voice to many of those who would otherwise not be heard.

The award recipient will receive a $5,000 prize from the Canadian Women's Foundation.

"By celebrating journalists who walk in Michele Landsberg's fearless footsteps, we hope to inspire an increase in the coverage and voice of Canadian women's issues in the media," says Mina Mawani, president and CEO of the Canadian Women's Foundation.

The award is among several new honours that will be presented at the 17^th Annual CJF Awards on June 4 in Toronto at The Fairmont Royal York. The recipient will be selected by a jury of men and women currently working in media, and will also include Landsberg.

How to Apply
Submit three examples (in English or French) of original work that demonstrates exceptional research, analysis and writing through a gender lens and shines a spotlight on women's equality issues in Canada. Applicants are also asked to submit a 250-word personal statement that address the following questions:

1. How did a gender analysis and feminist framework inform your work?
2. What impact did your stories have?
3. What long-term impact do you hope to have with your writing on raising awareness of issues facing women and girls in Canada?

Further award and application details are available at www.cjf-fjc.ca/awards_landsberg. The online application form will be available on the CJF site when the award opens on March 5. Applications must be received by April 4, 2014, 5:00 p.m. EDT. The award will be presented at the 17th Annual CJF Awards in Toronto at The Fairmont Royal York on June 4, 2014.

Jury
Sally Armstrong, journalist, human rights activist, author
Wendy Freeman, president, CTV News
Matt Galloway, host, Metro Morning, CBC Radio One
Tyler Hamilton, editor-in-chief, Corporate Knights magazine
Michele Landsberg, journalist, author, feminist, social justice advocate
Mina Mawani, president and CEO, Canadian Women's Foundation
Anne-Marie Mediwake, co-host, CBC News Toronto
Kirstine Stewart, managing editor, Twitter Canada

Twitter: #landsbergaward

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About The Canadian Journalism Foundation
Founded in 1990, The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) is a not-for-profit organization that promotes excellence in journalism by celebrating outstanding journalistic achievement through an annual awards program; by organizing events that facilitate dialogue among journalists, business people, academics and students about the role of the media in Canadian society; by supporting journalism websites, J-Source.ca English and ProjetJ.ca (French), in cooperation with the country's leading journalism schools; and by fostering opportunities for journalism education, training and research.

About the Canadian Women's Foundation
The Canadian Women's Foundation is Canada's public foundation for women and girls. We empower women and girls in Canada to move out of violence, out of poverty and into confidence. Since 1991, we've raised money and invested in over 1,300 community programs across Canada, and are now one of the ten largest women's foundations in the world. We take a positive approach to address root causes of the most critical issues facing women and girls. We study and share the best ways to create long-term change and bring community organizations together for training and to learn from each other. We carefully select and fund the programs with the strongest outcomes and regularly evaluate their work. We have a special focus on building a community of women helping other women. Helping women creates safer families and communities, and a more prosperous society for all of us. We invest in the strength of women and the dreams of girls. For more information please visit www.canadianwomen.org.

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SOURCE: Canadian Journalism Foundation

For further information:

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