TORONTO, May 2, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) is pleased to welcome John Cruickshank, publisher of the Toronto Star and president of the Star Media Group, as the new chair of its board of directors, effective May 21, replacing outgoing chair Robert Lewis.
"CJF has done wonderful work in journalism education and training, in putting serious ethical and professional discussions and debates in front of the Canadian public with its vibrant programming and in seeking to build a constituency for responsible journalism across the country," says Cruickshank, who will continue in his positions with the Star. "I'd also like to recognize the profound contributions that Robert Lewis and (previous chair) John Macfarlane made to CJF in giving it the stability and deep sense of purpose it has today."
Prior to joining the Star, Cruickshank was publisher of CBC News, where he was responsible for all English language television, radio and online news. He has also served as publisher of the Chicago Sun-Times, chief operating officer of the Sun-Times Media Group and as vice-president of editorial at the Sun-Times. Cruickshank is a former managing editor of The Globe and Mail and former editor-in-chief of the Vancouver Sun. He has also worked for the Montreal Gazette and started his journalism career with the Kingston Whig-Standard.
"John has held senior journalism leadership posts across the country and in the United States," says Lewis, who is wrapping up a three-year term. "He has worked in print, television and the digital world. He is a man of vision and humanity, with a great understanding of how this country works. He is widely admired by fellow journalists and others whose paths he has crossed. CJF is truly fortunate to have him at the helm."
Under Lewis's leadership, the CJF has enhanced its suite of awards with The Landsberg Award and the CJF Aboriginal Journalism Fellowship. And he has spearheaded the effort for this year's CJF Tribute to recognize investigative journalism across the country. The J-Talks discussion series has also expanded its reach outside of Toronto, with talks held in Ottawa and Calgary. The CJF is also positioned on a strong financial course.
In addition to this transition on May 21, the CJF board will also welcome a new vice-chair. Scott White, the vice-president of content strategy and business development at Postmedia Network, who was the longtime editor-in-chief at The Canadian Press, will serve in that position alongside vice-chair Maureen Shaughnessy-Kitts.
About The Canadian Journalism Foundation
Founded in 1990, The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) is a not-for-profit organization that promotes excellence in journalism by celebrating outstanding journalistic achievement through an annual awards program; by organizing events that facilitate dialogue among journalists, business people, academics and students about the role of the media in Canadian society; by supporting journalism websites, J-Source.ca English and ProjetJ.ca (French); and by fostering opportunities for journalism education, training and research.
Image with caption: "John Cruickshank, the new chair of The Canadian Journalism Foundation, effective May 21. (CNW Group/Canadian Journalism Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140502_C6409_PHOTO_EN_39901.jpg
Image with caption: "Robert Lewis, outgoing chair of The Canadian Journalism Foundation. (CNW Group/Canadian Journalism Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140502_C6409_PHOTO_EN_39900.jpg
SOURCE: Canadian Journalism Foundation
Natalie Turvey
Executive Director
The Canadian Journalism Foundation
59 Adelaide Street E., Suite 500
Toronto, ON M5C 1K6
416-955-0394 x501
[email protected]
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