CJF and Facebook Journalism Project present new Digital News Innovation Award

TORONTO, Jan. 18, 2021 /CNW/ - News organizations that can demonstrate their impact on advancing the quality of digital journalism are encouraged to apply for the new Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF)-Facebook Journalism Project Digital News Innovation Award. The winner receives a $10,000 prize. The deadline is February 19.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and at a time when the media landscape is sprouting startups and traditional publishers are experimenting with engaging new audiences, this award focuses on one of the most pressing issues confronting the news industry: the need for digital innovations to power journalism's future.

"This new award recognizes that with journalism still facing myriad challenges on multiple fronts, fresh and creative thinking on the digital front remains essential," says Susan Harada, associate professor of journalism at Carleton University's School of Journalism and Communication and jury chair. "We want to reward those who possess the passion and drive to develop innovative ways of engaging with citizens while clearly demonstrating the value of journalism in everyday life."

The award replaces and builds upon a collaboration between the CJF and Facebook Journalism Project's News Literacy Award that highlighted the efforts of Canadian organizations promoting news literacy.

"Facebook has long invested in partnerships and programs to encourage and support the development of new, sustainable business models for news organizations in Canada," says Kevin Chan, head of public policy for Facebook Canada. "We've seen first-hand how innovation leads directly to increased representation of voices heard and the quality of stories told. We're thrilled to be working with the Canadian Journalism Foundation on this new iteration of our award to recognize digital news innovation in Canada from emerging publishers and established newsrooms."

This revamped award opportunity will promote the work of Canadian startups, local and national news outlets, and drive new initiatives and projects focused on this important issue. Innovation can come in a wide range of approaches, including: new formats for audiences; new storytelling techniques; data-driven storytelling; a new digital product produced by the newsroom; involvement of the community in story development; or partnerships or team approaches to reporting and producing stories.

The winner will be recognized at the CJF Awards virtual ceremony on June 9.

Read the award details before submitting an online application.

The jury members are:

• Susan Harada (chair), associate professor of journalism at Carleton University's School of Journalism and Communication
• Jason Chiu, head of UX + design, Export Development Canada
• Derek Flack, manager, content strategy, Ryerson University
• Anita Li, media consultant and journalism instructor
• Marissa Nelson, senior consultant, Magid
• Ryan Tuck, partner, Blue Engine Collaborative

Cision is the exclusive distribution partner of the CJF.

About The Canadian Journalism Foundation
Established in 1990, The Canadian Journalism Foundation promotes, celebrates and facilitates excellence in journalism. The foundation runs a prestigious annual awards and fellowships program featuring an industry gala where news leaders, journalists and corporate Canada gather to celebrate outstanding journalistic achievement and the value of professional journalism. Through monthly J-Talks, a public speakers' series, the CJF facilitates 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 fosters opportunities for journalism education, training and research.

About the Facebook Journalism Project
The Facebook Journalism Project works with publishers around the world to strengthen the connection between journalists and the communities they serve. It also helps address the news industry's core business challenges. Our trainings, programs, and partnerships  work in three ways: build community through news, train newsrooms globally, quality through partnerships.

SOURCE Canadian Journalism Foundation