RNAO celebrates this year's Media Award winners

TORONTO, June 1, 2026 /CNW/ - The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) is pleased to announce the winners of its annual Media Awards competition, recognizing outstanding journalism on nursing and health issues.

"This year's winners exemplify the very best in reporting on topics that matter deeply to the public and the nursing profession," says RNAO President Sue LeBeau. "Their work sheds light on critical issues such as a nurse's fight to obtain permanent residency in Canada, health system challenges including heavy workloads and staff burnout, and the need for better supports for the autism community. We are proud to honour their contributions."

This year, RNAO will present seven awards to journalists from across the province whose entries were published or broadcast in various news outlets.

"RNAO is committed to advancing healthy public policy, and the media play a vital role in informing and engaging the public on issues that affect us all. At a time when media voices are increasingly under threat, RNAO and nurses recognize more than ever the importance of strong, knowledgeable and credible journalism," says RNAO CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun. "We applaud this year's winners – and all journalists – for helping inform the public and amplify the perspectives of nurses and other health professionals. We look forward to celebrating their exceptional work."

Entries were judged by an independent panel of nurses and journalists. Award recipients will be recognized during a virtual ceremony on Thursday, June 4 at 12 p.m. ET. Please register online to join.  

Here is the full list of winners:

Nick Fearns
The Haldimand Press
Community newspaper – Best news story

Natasha Baldin
Ottawa Citizen
Daily newspaper – Best news story

Wendy Glauser
The Globe and Mail
Daily newspaper – Best in-depth feature or series

Olivia Bowden
The Guardian
Online – Best news story

Démar Grant and Blair Bigham
Investigative Journalism Bureau
Online – Best in-depth feature or series

Julian Abraham
Canadaland
Podcast – Best episode

Heather Butts
CTV National News
Television – Best news report

The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) is the professional association representing registered nurses, nurse practitioners and nursing students in Ontario. Since 1925, RNAO has advocated for healthy public policy, promoted excellence in nursing practice, increased nurses' contribution to shaping the health system, and influenced decisions that affect nurses and the public we serve. For more information about RNAO, visit RNAO.ca or follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario

For more information, please contact: Victoria Alarcon, Communications Officer/Writer, Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO), 1-800-268-7199 ext. 211, 416-408-5610, [email protected]; Marion Zych, Director of Communications, Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO), 1-800-268-7199 ext. 209, 416-408-5605, 647-406-5605 (cell), [email protected]