For all that can be said about journalists, when they are recognized by their peers for exemplary work, there is nothing but praise that is deserved.
Here's a quick synopsis of the recent Atlantic Journalism Awards, but feel free to go check out the full release here.
Print:
- A gold award for enterprise reporting to The Independent for its six-part "balance sheet" on Confederation.
- A gold award for feature writing to Stephanie Porter of The Independent for a piece titled "Things you can't forget". Hint: She's another reason to read the Indy, besides the outstanding photography.
Radio:
- A gold award to Denis Molloy of VOCM for spot news.
- A gold award in continuing coverage to David Zelcer, Jon Soper, Kevin Harvey and Leigh Anne Power of CBC Radio for their work reporting the Ryan's Commander loss.
- A gold award for feature writing to Chris Brookes for "Not fit for it", his series on the Amulree Commission and the collapse of Responsible Government in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Unfortunately, no one from television in the province earned a gold award, although Deanne Fleet at CBC was a finalist in the enterprise reporting category for a piece called "The Gambler".
Some other reporters in the province also received nominations. Go check them out at the link above. Next time you run into them on the street, make sure you give them their well-earned congratulations.
The big disappointment for me though was that Jeff Ducharme's touching photojournalism essay on his mother's treatment for cancer never got an award. I clipped that piece and his column; they are examples of sensitive and touching work that will leave you deeply moved.
Sometimes the deserving work goes without proper recognition.
Not this time.
At least from me.
Well done, Jeff.