CJF Tribute

2024 CJF Awards CJF Tribute Kara Swisher

TORONTO, Jan. 17, 2024 /CNW/ – The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) is delighted to announce it will honour media icon Kara Swisher with its annual CJF Tribute, in recognition of her trailblazing journalism career, fearlessly speaking truth to power within the technology industry.

The annual CJF Tribute recognizes media luminaries who have made an exceptional journalistic impact on the international stage. Past recipients include Nobelist Maria Ressa, André Picard, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Anna Maria Tremonti, Jodi Kantor with Megan Twohey, Jake Tapper, Tina Brown with Sir Harold Evans, Malcolm Gladwell, David Suzuki and Lisa LaFlamme.

 

The Tribute will be presented at the CJF annual Awards evening on June 12 at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.

“Reporting on an industry in which relentless speed and disruption are the standard, Kara Swisher’s dedication to uncovering the stories that shape our digital world have set a benchmark for journalistic excellence,” says CJF chair Kathy English. “With her keen intellect, stellar reporting and unyielding commitment to holding the powerful to account, Swisher outpaced even the tech giants, telling us their stories in a relentless string of scoops. She has helped the public to navigate the complex intersection of media and innovation, and the powers and personalities that have shaped the digital age.”

Swisher’s latest book, Burn Book: A Tech Love Story, a memoir, history and “necessary recounting” of the powerful figures in the technology industry, will be published on Feb. 24, 2024. The CJF will provide a copy to all attendees at the CJF Awards evening.

A courageous and outspoken journalist, author and podcaster, Swisher, has informed audiences about the Internet business since 1994. Prior to her move to Silicon Valley, she worked at The Washington Post.

It was in Silicon Valley that Swisher’s career took a pivotal turn. Amid the Internet boom and dotcom era, she became a frontline reporter, recounting the tech industry’s transformation in the pages of The New York Times, among others. Renowned for her incisive reporting, Swisher earned a reputation as a pointed commentator on the evolving relationship between technology and society.

In 2003, Swisher, along with colleague Walter Mossberg, launched the All Things Digital conference and subsequent blog (AllthingsD.com), interviewing tech giants such as Steve Jobs and Bill Gates.

Swisher and Mossberg subsequently co-founded Recode, an influential platform for tech news and events. Building on the legacy of AllThingsD, Recode became a go-to source for breaking stories, in-depth analyses and exclusive interviews. Swisher’s editorial leadership at Recode solidified her standing as a no-nonsense interrogator, unafraid to challenge industry leaders and demand transparency.

Her influence extends beyond the written word. As the host of numerous award-winning podcasts, including “Recode Decode,” “On with Kara Swisher” and “Pivot” with Scott Galloway, she continues to bring her confrontational interviewing style and unvarnished insights into the biggest stories in tech and culture to a broader audience.

Throughout her illustrious career, Swisher has conducted in-depth interviews with a pantheon of tech titans, including Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Bob Iger, Larry Page, Sergey Brin, Meg Whitman, Peter Thiel and Mark Zuckerberg.

Natalie Turvey, President and Executive Director of the Canadian Journalism Foundation, summarizes Kara Swisher’s fearless journalism: “Her relentless pursuit of truth, tech insights and accountability align seamlessly with the CJF’s mission to champion journalistic excellence. As an influential voice at the intersection of media and technology, Swisher embodies the commitment to fostering a robust and informed public discourse. Her work is particularly vital in today’s landscape, where the influence of tech giants shapes our daily lives. Through her incisive analysis and bold questioning, Swisher not only informs the public but also holds these powerful entities to account, ensuring a more transparent and equitable digital world.”

Omar Sachedina, Chief News Anchor and Senior Editor, CTV NATIONAL NEWS, will host this year’s CJF Awards Ceremony.

Visit the CJF Awards site for details on the June 12 ceremony.

Other awards to be presented at the ceremony include:

  • CJF Jackman Awards for Excellence in Journalism;
  • CJF Edward Burtynsky Award for Climate Photojournalism;
  • CJF Lifetime Achievement Award;
  • The Landsberg Award;
  • CJF Award for Climate Solutions Reporting; and
  • The William Southam Journalism Fellowships.

Fellowships to be recognized include:

  • The CJF-Narcity News Creator Fellowships;
  • CJF-CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellowships;
  • CJF Black Journalism Fellowships; and
  • Tom Hanson Photojournalism Award.

For sponsorship opportunities, see contacts below or visit the CJF Awards page.

Cision is the exclusive distribution partner of the CJF.

See past winners:

2023:

The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) was delighted to honour Canadian media icon Lisa LaFlamme with its annual CJF Tribute, in recognition of her extraordinary career in global reporting and national news—and her significant contributions to journalism and its next generation.

The Tribute was presented at the CJF annual Awards evening on June 13 at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.

“In her professional excellence and integrity,” says CJF chair, Kathy English, “Lisa has long been a role model, mentor and friend to so many women in journalism. There is no one more deserving of the CJF’s 2023 Tribute.”

An award-winning journalist and broadcaster, LaFlamme began her broadcasting career in 1989 at CKCO in Kitchener, where she became the co-host of the station’s evening and nightly newscasts. In 1997, she was hired to work on Newsnet, CTV’s new 24-hour news channel. Just a year later, she became Newsnet’s primary news anchor and then, following a stint on the CTV’s flagship morning show, Canada AM, LaFlamme was named national affairs correspondent for the prime-time CTV National News, where she eventually became chief anchor and senior editor.

Throughout her career, LaFlamme has brought the world into Canadians’ homes, covering events of global significance, including the 9/11 attacks, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, and wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. A trusted presence across Canada, LaFlamme has covered national elections, Royal weddings, papal visits and every Olympic Games from 2006 to the present. In 2019, she became an Officer of the Order of Canada. Following her departure from CTV last year, LaFlamme has continued to personify excellence in Canadian journalism, covering the death and funeral of Queen Elizabeth II as a special correspondent for CityNews and travelling to Kenya, Tunisia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo with Journalists for Human Rights to promote the work of reporters telling stories of gender-based violence.

LaFlamme’s former boss, Wendy Freeman, past head, CTV News, and current CJF Board Member says: “Lisa is a true champion for women in journalism and a passionate advocate in promoting women’s rights worldwide. She has inspired and continues to inspire an entire generation of women journalists.”

2022:

 

In recognition of his exceptional career in science broadcasting and commitment to informing Canadians about the climate change crisis, The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) recognized David Suzuki with its annual CJF Tribute at the CJF Awards ceremony on June 7 at the Art Gallery of Ontario.

The annual CJF Tribute recognizes media luminaries who have made an exceptional journalistic impact on the international stage. Past recipients include André Picard, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Anna Maria Tremonti, Nobelist Maria Ressa, Jodi Kantor with Megan Twohey, Jake Tapper, Tina Brown with Sir Harold Evans, and Malcolm Gladwell.

Internationally renowned Canadian photographer Ed Burtynsky presented the award to Suzuki.

“There are few Canadians as prolific as David Suzuki when it comes to bringing climate news and ecological knowledge to the forefront of public consciousness,” says Ed Burtynsky. “Both a champion and a steward of the landscapes I myself hold dear, it is an immense honour to be able to present him with the CJF Tribute at this year’s Canadian Journalism Foundation Awards.”

An award-winning geneticist and broadcaster, Suzuki helped launch and host the long-running CBC Radio program Quirks and Quarks in 1975. In 1979, he became the host of CBC television’s The Nature of Things, a science documentary series that continues to air new episodes. From 1969 to 2001, Suzuki was a faculty member at the University of British Columbia, receiving numerous awards for his work, including a UNESCO prize for science and a UN Environment Program medal. He was also named Companion of the Order of Canada in 2006.

“Dr. Suzuki is known internationally as a fearless warrior for the environment,” says Bob Ezrin, legendary music producer and CJF board member. “His unrivalled skill as a communicator and his brilliant use of media to get this most important message out to the world make him the perfect honouree. No issue is more crucial now than the health of our habitat, and no one has been more effective at focusing our attention on that than David Suzuki.”

2021: 

In recognition of the exceptional impact of health journalists in providing accurate and vital information amid the uncertainty of the fast-moving global COVID-19 pandemic, The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) honoured André Picard, health reporter and columnist for The Globe and Mail, and Dr. Sanjay Gupta, chief medical correspondent for CNN, with the 2021 CJF Tribute for their national and international contributions. Both received the honour at the CJF Awards virtual ceremony on June 9, 2021, at 7 p.m. ET.

“The CJF is delighted this year to honour the Globe and Mail’s André Picard, Canada’s preeminent health journalist, and Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s world-renowned medical correspondent,” says CJF board chair, Kathy English. “In a time of so much dangerous disinformation, their trustworthy reporting, insights and advice have provided essential information that Canadians and people around the world have depended on for their health and wellbeing throughout the global pandemic disaster.”

Picard has been a staff writer with the Globe since 1987 and is the author of five bestselling books. His forthcoming book is Neglected No More: The Urgent Need to Improve the Lives of Canada’s Elders in the Wake of a Pandemic. Picard is a past winner of the Michener Award for Meritorious Public Service Journalism and the recipient of numerous honours, including being named Canada’s first “Public Health Hero” by the Canadian Public Health Association and a “Champion of Mental Health” by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health. He also received the coveted Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his dedication to improving healthcare.

In addition to his work as a multiple Emmy-award winning chief medical correspondent for CNN, Dr. Gupta is a practising neurosurgeon, plays an integral role in CNN’s reporting on health and medical news and regularly contributes to CNN.com. Meanwhile, he is an associate professor of neurosurgery at Emory University Hospital and associate chief of neurosurgery at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, and the author of four books, including Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age, released in January.

“Our 2021 virtual gala celebrates journalists as essential champions of truth,” says CJF president Natalie Turvey. “At a time when accuracy and trust are so critical to overcoming monumental challenges throughout Canada and beyond, fact-based reporting and quality information deserve wide support and broad recognition that journalism matters.”

– View the video tribute to André Picard and his acceptance speech.
– View the video tribute to Dr. Sanjay Gupta and his acceptance speech.

2020: 

Anna Maria Tremonti, the host of the CBC podcast More and best known for her exceptional CBC broadcast career covering conflict zones and current events, will receive the Canadian Journalism Foundation’s Tribute honour, which recognizes a journalist who has made an exceptional impact. Tremonti accepted the honour at the CJF Awards virtual ceremony on June 11, 2020 at 1 p.m. EDT.
“From Sarajevo to the Middle East, Anna Maria Tremonti was on the frontlines of history in the making,” says David Walmsley, chair of the CJF and editor-in-chief of The Globe and Mail. “Her resilience, tenacity and empathy carried into the studio where she led The Current’s national conversation for 17 years. Focused always on the people who are the subject of her reportage, Anna Maria is credited with being one of the most memorable and brave journalists Canada has ever produced.”
As the CJF celebrates its 30th year of honouring journalistic excellence, Tremonti’s career itself is a testament to the best in Canadian journalism over the decades, shaping the way Canadians understand major events at home and abroad. This award highlights Tremonti’s exemplary journalistic work as host of the CBC Radio’s The Current, the flagship current affairs program she helped create; as a co-host of CBC Television’s investigative program the fifth estate; as a political reporter in Ottawa, and as a foreign correspondent covering war, disaster, politics and society for CBC’s The National, with postings in Berlin, London, Jerusalem and Washington, DC.
Tremonti has earned numerous awards over her decades-long career. In 2012, The Current won the prestigious CJF Excellence in Journalism Award in the large media category. She also has received two Gemini awards and a Life Achievement Award from Women in Film and Television Toronto.

– View the video tribute to Anna Maria Tremonti and her acceptance speech

2019: 

Maria Ressa, the executive editor, CEO and co-founder of the Philippine news site Rappler.com and an outspoken critic of President Rodrigo Duterte, will receive the Canadian Journalism Foundation’s Tribute honour, which recognizes a journalist who has made an impact on the international stage. The honour will be presented to Ressa at the CJF Awards on June 13 at The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.

“Maria Ressa is a vital voice in a world where truth is too often at risk,” says Kathy English, a CJF executive board member and public editor of the Toronto Star. “She has reported courageously on the increasingly authoritarian government of the Philippines, which has weaponized the law against her and the news company she co-founded.

“Her powerful defence of truth in the face of daunting obstacles, including threats to her life, is truly inspiring. This award recognizes Maria’s courage and conviction in holding the powerful to account and upholding the press freedom democracy depends on.”

Ressa has been targeted—jailed and then released on bail—for what many see as payback for her coverage and criticism of the Philippine government’s extrajudicial killings as part of its war on drugs and its attempts to silence the free press. She is also known for her fight against disinformation. For her work, she was named Time magazine’s “Person of the Year”—among four other persecuted journalists—and has won numerous awards around the world recognizing her courage.

A journalist in Asia for more than 30 years, Ressa has served as CNN’s bureau chief in Manila and Jakarta and was CNN’s lead investigative reporter focusing on terrorism in Southeast Asia. She has written two books – Seeds of Terror: An Eyewitness Account of al-Qaeda’s Newest Center of Operations in Southeast Asia and From Bin Laden to Facebook. She also headed the news division of ABS-CBN, a Philippine media company.

> View the video tribute
> View the presentation and acceptance speech

2018: 

Megan Twohey (left) and Jodi Kantor, investigative reporters with The New York Times, accepted the 2018 CJF Tribute at the annual CJF Awards.

The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) honoured New York Times reporters Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey with its CJF Tribute for their investigative reporting on sexual harassment and assault allegations against Harvey Weinstein, one of Hollywood’s most powerful producers. The honour was presented at the 2018 CJF Awards in Toronto on June 14.

“How could the existence—and scale—of this story have stayed secret for so long,” asks CJF chair David Walmsley, who also serves as editor of The Globe and Mail. “There are still big questions that need to be answered about who knew what and when, but one thing is for sure: the Weinstein story, and all the other stories that have followed, still wouldn’t be known had it not been for the work of these two dedicated journalists.”

The reporting by Kantor and Twohey has had widespread impact. Weinstein was fired from the film company he co-founded and police in three cities are investigating rape allegations against him. The story led other women victimized by the movie mogul to speak out publicly, started a social media movement among victims of sexual assault and harassment and compelled a number of women and men to come forth with allegations about the sexual misconduct of other powerful figures in entertainment and across different industries, including comedian Louis C.K., a story Kantor also reported on as a part of a Times team.

> View the video tribute
> View the acceptance speech

2017: 

Jake Tapper, chief Washington correspondent and daily anchor of The Lead with Jake Tapper, was presented with the 2017 CJF Tribute at the annual CJF Awards.
> View the introduction to Jake Tapper by Peter Mansbridge at the CJF Awards
> View the video tribute
> View Jake Tapper’s acceptance speech
> View Jake Tapper’s speech on CPAC
Jake Tapper, CNN’s chief Washington correspondent and daily anchor of The Lead with Jake Tapper, is the recipient of the 2017 CJF Tribute, which recognizes media luminaries who uphold the highest standards of excellence and inspire working journalists around the world. The Canadian Journalism Foundation presented the honour at its annual CJF Awards on June 8 at The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.
In addition to The Lead, which covers news in the U.S. and around the world, Tapper hosts CNN’s Sunday morning show, State of the Union, where he interviews newsmakers on politics and policy. Known for his relentless questioning to combat spin and fake news, his interviews have gone viral and inspired sketches on Saturday Night Live.
Tapper, 48, has reported in the U.S. capital for more than 15 years. Tapper lent his political expertise to CNN’s 2016 election coverage and moderated two Republican presidential primary debates. On election night, Tapper played a pivotal role in the network’s coverage and provided analysis on projections throughout the evening. For his efforts, his 2016 election coverage has been recognized with a number of awards. In addition to his journalism, Tapper has authored three books: his most recent is The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor (2012) about U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
Prior to joining CNN in 2013, Tapper was with ABC News for nine years, where he was also senior White House correspondent. Tapper has also been Washington correspondent and national correspondent for Salon.com. He has drawn caricatures and illustrations for the Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times, and his comic strip, “Capitol Hell,” appeared in Roll Call from 1994 to 2003.

2016: 

CJF Tribute recipients Tina Brown and Harold Evans accepted the honour at the CJF Awards on June 16. (CJF Photo: John Packman/CNW)
Watch the tribute video to Tina Brown and her acceptance speech.
Watch the tribute video to Harold Evans and his acceptance speech.
“Never think something small or uncompromising can not become big, as big as the dreams and the energy and the rigour you’re prepared to pour into it.”- Tina Brown”We’re all part of this universal connection of values. We all know what we’re trying to do with journalism: speak up for the powerless, comfort the afflicted and do something to leave the world a better place than we found it.”- Sir Harold Evans
Tina Brown, the former New Yorker and Vanity Fair editor, and Harold Evans, the former editor of The Sunday Times, are the 2016 honourees for the CJF Tribute, which recognizes media luminaries who have made an impact on the international stage. The Canadian Journalism Foundation presented the honour at its annual CJF Awards on June 16 at The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.
“The journalistic stratosphere was jolted when Harry met Tina,” says David Walmsley, a CJF board member and editor-in-chief of The Globe and Mail. “Together, they are among the industry’s most accomplished—always taking risks, being brave. This gala event will be a night to celebrate two journalistic warriors.”

An award-winning journalist, editor and author, Brown also served as editor-in-chief of Tatler at age 25. In 2008, she launched and edited the digital news site The Daily Beast, which merged with Newsweek two years later. Brown also is the author of the best-selling biography of the Princess of Wales, The Diana Chronicles. In recognition of her service to journalism, she was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2000. She is currently CEO of Tina Brown Live Media, a company dedicated to summits, flash forums and debates. The company emerged from her annual Women in the World Summit, a three-day event that convened inspirational activists and political change-makers from around the world to share stories and offer solutions to build a better life for women and girls.
An author of several books, including the widely acclaimed The American Century, Evans is now editor-at-large for Reuters and a contributing editor of U.S. News & World Report. As a long-time newspaper editor (Northern Echo and The Sunday Times), his journalism helped end capital punishment in Britain and ensured Thalidomide victims received a just settlement and an apology. In New York, as the president and publisher of Random House Trade Group, he was behind such iconic books as Primary Colours by Anonymous (Joe Klein) and the political campaign sensation What it Takes by the late Richard Ben Cramer. Evans was knighted in 2004 for services to journalism.

2015: 

The 2015 CJF Tribute honoured Malcolm Gladwell, staff writer for The New Yorker, for his pioneering work as journalist and author. He was recognized at the CJF Awards on June 3, 2015. View the video tribute and acceptance speech.

Gladwell is the author of five New York Times bestsellers — The Tipping Point, Blink, Outliers, What the Dog Saw, and now, his latest, David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits and the Art of Battling Giants. He has been named one of the 100 most influential people by TIME magazine and one of the Foreign Policy’s Top Global Thinkers. He has explored how ideas spread in the Tipping Point, decision making in Blink, and the roots of success in Outliers. With his latest book, David and Goliath, he examines our understanding of the advantages of disadvantages, arguing that we have underestimated the value of adversity and over-estimated the value of privilege. He has been a staff writer for The New Yorker since 1996. He has won a national magazine award and been honored by the American Psychological Society and the American Sociological Society. He was previously a reporter for The Washington Post.

The 2014 CJF Tribute to Investigative Journalism

CJF Tribute honourees at the 17th Annual CJF Awards included Kevin Donovan of the Toronto Star, Karen Kleiss of the Edmonton Journal, Grant Robertson of The Globe and Mail, Adrienne Arseneault of CBC News: The National, Anne Panasuk and Luc Tremblay of Radio-Canada’s Enquête, and Robert Fife of CTV News. Missing from the photo are Robyn Doolittle for her work at the Toronto Star, Darcy Henton of the Calgary Herald, and Jacquie McNish of The Globe and Mail.

In recognition of the exceptional enterprise reporting taking place across the country, The Canadian Journalism Foundation dedicated its annual CJF Tribute to investigative journalism.

In the past, the CJF Tribute has recognized media luminaries or organizations for their impact on the international stage. This year, in celebration of the remarkable journalism taking place across the country by reporters, editors and producers, the Tribute is recognizing journalism that has made a difference in Canada.”Despite all the doom and gloom about the media business, it has been a truly remarkable season for investigative and enterprise journalism—stories that exposed corruption and malfeasance, stories that ‘afflicted the comfortable and comforted the afflicted’ in the grand tradition of journalism,’ says Robert Lewis, chair of the CJF.CJF Tribute recipients:

“Fatal Care”
In this joint investigation, the Edmonton Journal and the Calgary Herald revealed 145 children died in provincial care over 14 years, triple the amount reported to the public.
Darcy Henton, Calgary Herald and Karen Kleiss, Edmonton Journal
“SNC-Lavalin: Service secret“
Anne Panasuk and Luc TremblayEnquête, Radio-Canada
“Mike Duffy Made Secret Deal with Harper’s Chief Of Staff During Audit“ and “Wright Worked with Two Conservative Senators to Reach Duffy Deal, Emails Show“
Robert FifeCTV News“Canadians in Algerian Gas Plant Attack Identified“
Adrienne ArsenaultThe National, CBC News
“Lac-Mégantic: An Investigation into the Disaster and its Causes“
Jacquie McNish and Grant RobertsonThe Globe and Mail
“Rob Ford in ‘crack cocaine’ video scandal“
Kevin Donovan and Robyn DoolittleToronto Star
The CJF Tribute recipients will be honoured at the 17th Annual CJF Awards on June 4 at The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.

The CJF Honorary Tribute recognizes a media luminary or organization that has made an impact on the international stage.

Ken Taylor, former ambassador to Iran, presented the 2013 Honorary Tribute to The New York Times and its editorial team for the leading role they play in inspiring better journalism the world over.

David Carr, business columnist and culture reporter, accepted the tribute on behalf of The New York Times at the 16th Annual CJF Awards on June 13 at The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.

The 2012 Honorary Tribute was presented posthumously to Peter Jennings, Canadian-born anchor and senior editor of ABC’s World News Tonight.

Ted Koppel, former ABC Nightline anchor, presented the CJF Honorary Tribute posthumously to Peter Jennings. Sarah Jennings, journalist, author and Peter’s sister, accepted on behalf of the family.

The 2011 Honorary Tribute was presented to Robert MacNeil, news anchor, author, journalist and co-creator of the MacNeil/Lehrer Report, for a journalism career that has spanned half a century.

Mike Lazaridis, co-CEO of Research In Motion, accepts the Canadian Journalism Foundation 2010 Honorary Tribute for his and fellow co-CEO Jim Balsillie’s contribution to revolutionizing the technology of modern journalism.

Morley Safer, correspondent with CBS News, was presented with the 2009 Honorary Tribute.

Graydon Carter, editor of Vanity Fair, was the recipient of the 2008 Honorary Tribute.