TORONTO, April 29, 2019 /CNW/ - Agence Science-Presse, an independent, Montreal-based non-profit media organization, is the recipient of the CJF-Facebook Journalism Project News Literacy Award, presented by The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) and the Facebook Journalism Project.
Agence Science-Presse's eight-week winning effort took place in a Montreal high school, where a journalist-in-residence helped students verify the news found on social media. More specifically, they explored disinformation in science with a critical eye. Once they debunked a rumour of their choice, it then became the subject of a written, audio or video document that was published on the Agency's website in the "Détecteur de rumeur" (Rumour Detector) section under "Les Assistants du Détecteur de rumeurs" (The Rumour Detector Assistants).
"The CJF-Facebook award is designed to encourage producers and consumers of news and information to take their responsibilities seriously when it comes to quality and accuracy," says Susan Harada, jury chair and associate director of Carleton University's School of Journalism and Communication. "Not only did the Agence Science-Presse initiative tick all the boxes in innovative ways, it also zeroed in on science — an area where we have seen the impact of disinformation when it comes to issues related to health, food and climate change."
The award, which carries a $10,000 prize, celebrates journalistic efforts that encourage Canadians to better understand and assess the quality of news they consume and to promote news literacy, generally. It also recognizes best practices that underpin factual reporting as key contributions to Canadian democracy.
The winner will be presented with the award at the annual CJF Awards on June 13 at the Fairmont Royal York. Tickets and tables and sponsorship opportunities are available.
Jury
Chair - Susan Harada, associate director of the School of Journalism and Communication, head of the Journalism Program, and associate professor, Carleton University
Gino Apponi, former chief of staff, CBC News
Sophie Cousineau, vice-president, Emerging Risks, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec
Stephen Kimber, professor of journalism, University of King's College
John Paton, chairman and co-founder, IVA Ventures
Catherine Wallace, assistant manager editor, News, Toronto Star
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 aims to establish stronger ties between Facebook and the news industry. It collaborates with news organizations to develop products, learning from journalists about ways Facebook can be a better partner, and working with publishers and educators on how Facebook can equip people with the knowledge they need to be informed readers in the digital age. Through the development of collaborative news products and training and tools for journalists, Facebook aims to bring journalism into the digital age.
SOURCE Canadian Journalism Foundation
For inquiries: Natalie Turvey, President and Executive Director; The Canadian Journalism Foundation; [email protected]; 416-955-0394
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