TORONTO, April 24, 2017 /CNW/ - The Canadian Journalism Foundation is pleased to announce Jennifer Bieman, a reporter with the St. Thomas Times-Journal in St. Thomas, Ont., as this year's winner of the Greg Clark Award for early-career journalists. The CJF selected Bieman for her proposal to explore how the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshall and its counterpart in Alberta, the Office of the Fire Commissioner, conduct investigations.
The Greg Clark Award, unique in Canadian journalism, offers working journalists a $5,000 stipend to spend a week gaining insight, gathering strategic information and meeting key decisionmakers on a specific issue or beat.
"Fires are an essential part of community coverage, and Jennifer Bieman provided a solid proposal that would explore an area that traditionally isn't given much attention," says Susan Harada, a jury member and associate director of Carleton University's School of Journalism and Communication. "Bieman is right to note that coverage of fires often ends with the line, 'The Ontario Fire Marshal has been called in to investigate.' The project she proposes would provide insight into that process and a range of fire-safety issues. Her work will benefit any reporter, especially those with a regional beat."
With this opportunity, Bieman plans to explore how these investigative agencies' findings shape legislation and how their recommendations impact fire-prevention strategies. She will also seek to understand the offices' role in emerging issues like fire prevention in First Nations communities or in homes of vulnerable populations such as low-income families, newcomers, seniors and adults with disabilities.
This award was created in memory of Greg Clark, one of Canada's greatest journalists - a war correspondent, an avid outdoorsman, a humorist and a great reporter who excelled at storytelling.
Bieman will be honoured at the CJF Awards (#CJFawards) at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto on June 8. For ticket, table and sponsorship opportunities of the gala event, visit the CJF Awards page.
The CJF would like to thank Shaw Communications and the Toronto Star for their generous support of this award.
About The Canadian Journalism Foundation
Established in 1990, The Canadian Journalism Foundation promotes excellence in journalism by celebrating outstanding journalistic achievement. Our signature events include an annual awards program featuring a must-attend industry gala where Canada's top newsmakers meet Canada's top news people. Through J-Talks, our popular speakers' series, we facilitate 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.
SOURCE Canadian Journalism Foundation
Wendy Kan, The Canadian Journalism Foundation, 416-955-0975, [email protected]
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