CEO of The Canadian Press, Eric
Morrison, was presented with the President’s Award at the annual
conference of the Association
of Electronic Journalists (RTNDA).

See more conference coverage here.

By Darylann
Hutchings

After a successful afternoon auction wrapped up, many
guests of the RTNDA Conference made their way to the
Saskatchewan/Manitoba Ballroom at the Westin Hotel to enjoy the
Presidents Gala dinner.

The evening was special in many ways,
recognizing people who’ve worked tirelessly.

CEO of The Canadian
Press, Eric Morison, was presented with the President’s Award. “Eric is a
proven leader in the evolution of journalism in Canada and has long
supported the objectives of RTNDA,” said RTNDA President Cal Johnstone.
The RTNDA President’s Gala honours an individual who has made a major
contribution to,broadcast journalism in Canada.

“I am truly
appreciative of this award and see it as a reflection of the outstanding
news professionals I’ve had the honour of working with over the years,”
said Morrison.

A distinguished journalist and news executive,
Morrison has led Canada’s national news agency since 1997 when he became
the first individual from outside the organization and the first
broadcaster to be appointed its CEO.
Under Mr. Morrison’s leadership
the news agency launched its video news service and developed Canada’s
first national mobile news application for smart phones. The last decade
has been a period of constant change in the media landscape but The
Canadian Press has remained the country’s pre-eminent award source of
fast, accurate and unbiased news and information, winning numerous
National Newspaper Awards and eighteen RTNDA awards.

The Bill
Hutton Award of Excellence was presented to the Canadian Broadcast
Standards Council. The award is given to individuals or organizations,
which have shown a true commitment to RTNDA and the betterment of
broadcast journalism in Canada.

The CBSC is responsible for
ensuring broadcasters live up to the high journalistic standards of the
RTNDA Code of Ethics.

The Distinguished Service Award was
presented to Vice President and General Manager at Toronto’s CP24 –
Robert McLaughlin.

“Our organization grew significantly in both
membership and stature under Bob’s leadership,” said RTNDA President Cal
Johnstone. “Through efforts such as enhancing our already prestigious
award ceremony and the establishment of a dedicated ethics committee,
McLaughlin helped take RTNDA Canada to a higher level.”

The award
is presented in recognition and appreciation of outstanding
contribution and exemplary distinguished service rendered for the
benefit and advancement of broadcast journalism and RTNDA Canada.

CTV
Southwestern Ontario News Director Michael Melling won the Hugh
Haugland National Award for his story about what happens to police cars
when they retire. Melling’s story also won the Regional Videography
Award in May.

The award is named after Hugh Haugland, the CTV
Montreal cameraman who died in a helicopter crash last year while
videotaping the aftermath of a tornado in the Laurentians.

It
recognizes the creative use of video in a news story, something Hugh
Haugland always brought to his work.

Haugland was the son of CTV
Montreal anchor Bill Haugland, who retired in 2006.

Haugland was
thrilled to hear RTNDA Canada was honouring his son.
“Hugh was known
to his friends as ‘Huge’ – and that is the way I regard this honour in
his name.”