RNAO celebrates journalists for tackling issues that are important to Ontarians

Journalists who investigated efforts to combat opioids and support health-care needs in remote and Indigenous communities are among those honoured by the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario's (RNAO) annual Media Awards.

Of nine winning entries, seven examined challenges in health care and efforts to overcome them, including a program to support vulnerable residents in long-term care homes and an initiative by nurses to prescribe medical marijuana. Two others featured the contributions of nurses whose efforts to care for patients with cancer and in emergency rooms are measured not in years but decades.

"Journalists play a critical role exposing shortcomings and highlighting successes in our health-care system so we can continue to improve," says RNAO president Dr. Angela Cooper Brathwaite. "Their work is a testament to the importance of a vigorous media in Ontario."

RNAO is handing out nine awards for print, radio, television and online stories. Winning journalists wrote for or produced stories for the Toronto Star, London Free Press, CTV National News, CBC Television, CBC’s The Current and The World at Six, CBC Kitchener-Waterloo, the Burlington Post and Queen’s Park Briefing.

"Our association values and understands the tremendous role that media plays in advancing healthy public policy, and is honoured to celebrate journalists who have made outstanding contributions this past year," says RNAO CEO Doris Grinspun. "Their work this year places a unique focus on prevention and what is needed to help Ontarians keep well or regain their health, including social determinants of health. Congratulations to this year's Media Awards winners and thank you for your incredible work."

Nominations were judged by panels of nurses and journalists. Awards will be given at the president's banquet following RNAO's 94th Annual General Meeting on Friday, April 12 in Toronto.

Here are the RNAO Media Award winners and links to their submissions:

Nick Purdon, Leonardo Palleja, Brenda Witmer

CBC Television

Television - Best in-depth feature or series

Avis Favaro, Elizabeth St. Philip and Daniel Otis

CTV National News

Television - Best news coverage

Samira Mohyeddin, Susan Mckenzie, Piya Chattopadhyay

CBC Radio One - The Current

Radio - Best in-depth feature or series

Kas Roussy, Peter Leo

CBC News- The World at Six

Radio - Best news coverage

Moira Welsh

Toronto Star

Daily Newspaper - Best in-depth feature or series

Jennifer Bieman

The London Free Press

Daily newspaper - Best news coverage

Tim Whitnell

Burlington Post

Community Newspaper - Best in-depth feature or series

Jessica Smith Cross

Queen's Park (QP) Briefing

Community Newspaper - Best news coverage

Kate Bueckert

CBC Kitchener-Waterloo

Online - Best story

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