The National Media Awards Foundation (NMAF) is thrilled to present the 2020 Digital Publishing Awards nominees. The Digital Publishing Awards—now in its fifth year—recognize and promote the excellent work of Canadian digital publications and creators.
After receiving hundreds of submissions from 150 various publications, our panel of 75 dedicated volunteer judges have arrived at the 2020 nominees. These nominations are the result of a collaborative and rigorous judging process, made possible by the hard work of our esteemed jury members.
The emerging excellence award—which honours an individual whose early work in Canadian digital publishing demonstrates the utmost degree of craft and promise—nominees for 2020 are: Jane Gerster (Global News), Jane Lytvynenko (BuzzFeed Canada), and Lakshine Sathiyanathan (CBC Radio).
Each nominee has made an impact on their respective organizations through commitment to outstanding digital journalism. Learn more about their nominations.
GENERAL EXCELLENCE IN DIGITAL PUBLISHING AWARDS
The General Excellence awards recognize the publications that maximize the possibilities of digital publishing; these are the publications that succeed in fulfilling their editorial mandate and represent the highest of journalistic standards. These awards are presented in three divisions: small, medium, and large.
“Undeniable: Canada’s Changing Climate” (The Toronto Star): Best Digital Editorial Package (Staff & Contributors) and Best Digital Design (Cameron Tulk, Nathan Pilla, Mckenna Deighton, Andres Plana and Fadi Yaacoub)
“Uncover: The Village” (CBC Podcasts): Best Podcast (Justin Ling, Jennifer Fowler, Erin Byrnes, Cesil Fernandes, Mitchell Stuart, Sarah Claydon, Christopher Oke) and Best Social Storytelling (Sarah Claydon, Evan Aagard)
“Thunder Bay” (The Globe and Mail): Best Digital Editorial Package (Staff & Contributors) and Best News Coverage (Staff & Contributors)
“Paving a New Road for Rap” (The Globe and Mail): Best Arts & Culture Storytelling (Michelle Siu) and Best Photo Storytelling (Michelle Siu, Jeremy Agius, Melissa Tait and Theresa Suzuki)
“Are you a distracted driver? Probably. Here’s why” (The Globe and Mail): Best Science and Technology Storytelling (Oliver Moore, Laura Blenkinsop and Christopher Manza) and Innovation in Digital Storytelling (Laura Blenkinsop and Christopher Manza)
Publication
Nominations
The Globe and Mail
21
CBC
21
Radio-Canada
13
The Narwhal
8
The Walrus
7
Hakai Magazine
6
The Tyee
5
Le Devoir
5
Vice Canada
4
The Local
4
Maclean’s
4
LEADERSHIP AWARD
Award sponsored by the Reader’s Digest Foundation Prix commandité par la Fondation Reader’s Digest
A pioneer, a godsend, a Google Guy—a clear leader in the field of Canadian digital publishing whose creativity and dedication is inspiring. For this, the National Media Awards Foundation is proud to present Dmitry Beniaminov with the prestigious 2020 Digital Publishing Leadership Award. [Read more]
CREDIT CHANGES
If you would like to make any credit changes, please send details to info@digitalpublishingaward.ca before Monday, May 4, 2020.
CELEBRATION OF WINNERS
While we are looking forward to congratulating the winners of the 2020 Digital Publishing Awards, unfortunately due to COVID-19, there will not be an in-person awards luncheon this year. We invite members of the digital publishing community to take this brief survey to help us find an alternate solution.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The National Media Awards Foundation is incredibly grateful for the support of: Government of Canada,the Ontario Arts Council, Ontario Creates, Reader’s Digest Foundation, and KCK Global. We are also thankful for the support of Cision, Magazines Canada, PUSH Media, Very Good Studios and Vividata.
Our sincerest thanks to this year’s judges, who graciously volunteered their time and expertise, evaluating the hundreds of entries submitted to this year’s competition.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Barbara Gould, Executive Director, at info@digitalpublishingawards.ca.
For 2019, 118 submissions, from 50 various publications, have been nominated. These nominations are the result of a collaborative and rigorous judging process, made possible by our dedicated roster of 80 volunteer judges.
“The Digital Publishing Awards program was launched four years ago, and since, the number of participating publications has more than doubled. An impressive total of 127 publications submitted entries in 2019. It is thrilling to see the enthusiasm for these awards, and exciting to witness the outstanding work of Canadian creators being celebrated by their peers. The NMAF is immensely proud to present the 4th annual DPAs, and look forward to welcoming you all at the Awards Soirée on May 29.” – Julie Cailliau, NMAF President.
On May 29th, the Gold, Silver, and Honourable Mention winners will be revealed at the Soiree, with Gold winners in select categories receiving a $500 cash prize. The Soiree will be held in Toronto at One King West and hosted by award-winning journalist and editor Eternity Martis. Purchase a ticket through digitalpublishingawards.ca to join us for the celebration.
EMERGING EXCELLENCE AWARD
The emerging excellence award—which honours an individual whose early work in Canadian digital publishing demonstrates the utmost degree of craft and promise—nominees for 2019 are: Sofia Misenheimer of Art/iculation, Natalie Vineberg of The Walrus, and Erin Valois of the National Post.
GENERAL EXCELLENCE IN DIGITAL PUBLISHING AWARDS
The General Excellence awards recognize the publications that maximize the possibilities of digital publishing; these are the publications that succeed in fulfilling their editorial mandate and represent the highest of journalistic standards. These awards are presented in three divisions: small, medium, and large.
The Logic, The Sprawl, andunpointcinq.ca are finalists in the small division.
Hakai Magazine, The Kit,andMaclean’s are finalists in the medium division.
In the large division, CBC Newsand Le Devoirare the nominees.
FIRST-TIME NOMINEES
A number of publications are first time DPA nominees, including: Art/iculation, BBC News, Ha-Shilth-Sa, LocalLove.ca, Magazine web 100 degrés, Mic Drop, Moneysense, National Post, Calgary Herald, Pastime, Peterborough Currents, QUB radio, Report on Business, Saskatoon StarPhoenix/Regina Leader-Post, SooToday, The Logic, The Narwhal, Unpointcinq.ca, and Yorkregion.com / Markham Economist Sun.
TOP NOMINEES
For 2019, the top nominated publications are CBC Newswith 18 nominations across various divisions, and The Globe and Mailwith 16 nominations.
Hakai earned an impressive 6 nominations, while Maclean’sandRadio-Canada each earned five nominations. Other top-nominated publications include:
Publication
Nominations
Global News
4
Hazlitt
4
VICE Canada
4
Le Devoir
3
Sportsnet
3
The Narwhal
3
The Walrus
3
VICE Québec
3
INDIVIDUAL NOMINATION HIGHLIGHTS
“Hustle in the oil patch: Inside a looming financial and environmental crisis” by Jeff Lewis, Jeffrey Jones, Chen Wang, Renata D’Aliesio, Christopher Manza, Matthew French, John Sopinski, Murat Yükselir, Melissa Tait, Todd Korol, Brennan Higginbotham, and Theresa Suzuki (published in The Globe and Mail) is a finalist in both Best News Coverage and Best Digital Editorial Package.
Air Canada enRoute’s “Canada’s Best News Restaurants” guide is nominated for the fourth year in a row for Best Digital Editorial Package. The guide is also a nominee in the Best Online Video: Short category.
“Follow the Money”—a product of collaboration between the National Post and Calgary Herald teams and led by Zane Schwartz, Brice Hall, and Julie Traves—is nominated for Innovation in Digital Storytelling and Best News Coverage.
LEADERSHIP AWARD
The NMAF is delighted to present Kathy Vey, TVO’s Executive Producer of Digital, with the prestigious 2019 Digital Publishing Leadership Award. Vey’s 37-year career in Canadian journalism spans pivotal roles at media outlets including the Toronto Star, Ottawa Citizen, Toronto Sun, Queen’s Park Briefing, OpenFile, and TVO.org.
CATEGORIES
Best News Coverage
Toronto Van Attack William Wolfe-Wylie, Dwight Friesen, Richard Grasley, Hannah Wise, Sannah Choi, Kate Cornick, Farrah Merali, Andre Mayer, Paul Borkwood, David Donnelly, Albert Leung, Martin Trainor, Diana Swain, Ioanna Roumeliotis, Melissa Mancini, and the CBC Toronto digital team CBC Toronto/CBC News
Fentanyl: Making a killing Sam Cooper, Andrew Russell, Stewart Bell, Brent Rose, Carolyn Jarvis, Ben Jonah, James Armstrong, Online Video team, Network News Desk, Global News Graphics Department, Global News Copy Desk, Global News Social Desk Global News
Campagne électorale québécoise 2018 La rédaction Le Devoir
Follow the Money Zane Schwartz, Brice Hall, Julie Traves Postmedia
Hustle in the oil patch: Inside a looming financial and environmental crisis Jeff Lewis, Jeffrey Jones, Chen Wang, Renata D’Aliesio, Christopher Manza, Matthew French, John Sopinski, Murat Yükselir, Melissa Tait, Todd Korol, Brennan Higginbotham, Theresa Suzuki The Globe and Mail
Best News Coverage (Small Newsroom)
Who was Maggie Sutlej? Humanitarian aid group reaches out to Ahousaht 150 years after wartime abduction of child Denise Titian Ha-Shilth-Sa
Réimaginer nos aménagements Marianne Boire, François Grenier, Françoise Ruby Magazine web 100 degrés
2018 Sault Ste. Marie Municipal Election Coverage David Helwig SooToday
Bankruptcy protection for Sault’s main employer sparks fight over port David Helwig SooToday
The Yellow Brick Road to Mount Everest Sarah Staples, Richard Vandentillaart Yorkregion.com / Markham Economist Sun
Best Personal Essay
The Waiting Room Christian Allaire Hazlitt
The Agony of Intimacy Chelsea Murray Hazlitt
A Body Like a Home Gwen Benaway Hazlitt
What are land acknowledgements and why do they matter? Selena Mills, Kat Tancock, Stacy Lee Kon, Chief Lady Bird LocalLove.ca
I tried to live according to Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life. Here’s what happened Jessica Leeder, Winnie T. Frick, Bryan Gee, Lisan Jutras National Post
A dad’s discovery: Raising a child is thankless work Tim Kiladze, Lisan Jutras The Globe and Mail
A Dog’s Life Shawna Richer, Deb Baic The Globe and Mail
I wanted an abortion in Nova Scotia, but all around, barriers still remained Jessica Leeder, Winnie T. Frick, Bryan Gee, Lisan Jutras The Globe and Mail
Mon manège à moi Anick Lemay URBANIA
How to Have “the Talk” as a Muslim Father Yasir Khan, Lauren McKeon, Samia Madwar The Walrus
Best Column
Queeries Peter Knegt CBC Arts
Science Valérie Borde L’actualité
Anne Kingston, columns Anne Kingston Maclean’s magazine
Jennifer Ditchburn columns Jennifer Ditchburn Policy Options
Dorothy Woodend, culture columnist Dorothy Woodend The Tyee
Chantal Braganza Chantal Braganza, Sarah Sweet TVO.org
Best Feature Article: Short
The Water Carriers Alannah Campbell, Karen Levine, Pauline Holdsworth, Ruby Buiza, Andre Mayer, Lakshine Sathiyanathan CBC Radio – The Sunday Edition
“My whole life taken away”: Ontario father questions why 24-year-old wife died post-childbirth Arti Patel, Caryn Lieberman, Beatrice Politi, James Armstrong, Sarah Kelsey, Peter Hadzipetros Global News
In rural New Brunswick, a transgender woman charts a new path Lindsay Jones, Matt Brown, Timothy Moore, Scott Munn The Globe and Mail
The lost summer Sharon J. Riley, Emma Gilchrist, Carol Linnitt The Narwhal
Et si on jetait les camions dans le fleuve ? Rémy Bourdillon Unpointcinq
Best Digital Editorial Package
Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2018 Gabrielle Simpson, Stephanie Mercier-Voyer, Yvonne Miou, Stefanie Sosiak, Danielle Groen, Sarah Musgrave, Nancy Matsumoto Air Canada enRoute
Stuck Sophie Gray, Alexander Kim, Emma Loy, Holly McKenzie-Sutter, Alexander Migdal, Sharon Nadeem, Andrew Seal, Aryn Strickland, Peter Klein, Kathryn Gretsinger, Saranaz Barforoush, Dan McKinney, Britney Dennison, Andrew Munroe, Zak Vescera, David Murawsky, Amanda De Souza, Paul Trundle, Andrew Yates, Andree Lau, Louise Roug International Reporting Program and HuffPost Canada
Lines of Fire Leader-Post Team/StarPhoenix Team Saskatoon StarPhoenix/Regina Leader-Post
Hustle in the oil patch Jeff Lewis, Jeffrey Jones, Renata D’Aliesio, Chen Wang, Melissa Tait, Christopher Manza, Matt French, John Sopinski, Todd Korol, Brennan Higginbotham The Globe and Mail
Sex Ed: Beyond the Classroom Lauren McKeon, Natalie Vineberg, Judy Ziyi Gu, Viviane Fairbank, Samia Madwar, Angela Misri, Dmitry Beniaminov, Sharon Nadeem, Jackson Weaver, Tajja Isen, Danielle Kinahan, Sebastian Leck, Amy van den Berg, Daina Goldfinger, Allison Baker, Sydney Hamilton, Seila Rizvic, Daniel Viola, Erin Sylvester, Anna Fitzpatrick, Lauren Vogel, Erica Lenti, Yasir Khan, Lindsay Nixon, Sue Carter, Eliza Robertson, Anubha Momin, Kate Sloan The Walrus
Best Feature Article: Long
Jo Aubin Shannon Proudfoot Maclean’s magazine
Croisière, bikinis et cocaïne Julie Dufresne, Luc Tremblay, Chantal Cauchy, Gaétan Poulio, Éric Larouche, André Guimaraes, Santiago Salcido, Sophie Leclerc Radio-Canada
Homeland (Parts 1 & 2) Matthew Halliday, Chelsea Murray The Deep
Murder on the Prairies Jana Pruden, Laura Blenkinsop, Danielle Webb,Chris Manza, Victor Dwyer The Globe and Mail
The Road Stephanie Nolen, Aaron Vincent Elkaim, Laura Blenkinsop, Christopher Manza, Angela Murphy, Rachel Wine The Globe and Mail
Back to the land Andre Mayer, Dave Pizer, Evan Mitsui CBC News
As a person of colour, it’s a struggle to find therapists who look like you Arti Patel, Sarah Kelsey, Lina Toyoda Global News
Hidden Canada The Globe and Mail, Maryam Siddiqi, Christopher Manza, Rachel Wine, Benjamin MacDonald, Alanna Cavangh The Globe and Mail
Best Science and Technology Storytelling
Apps Installed On Millions Of Android Phones Tracked User Behavior To Execute A Multimillion-Dollar Ad Fraud Scheme Craig Silverman BuzzFeed Canada
The million-dollar drug Kelly Crowe, Dave Pizer, Craig Chivers CBC News
The Cavernous World under the Woods Bruce Grierson, Jude Isabella Hakai Magazine
The Noose Beneath the Waves Sasha Chapman, Shanna Baker Hakai Magazine
The Trees That Sail to Sea Brian Payton, Jude Isabella Hakai Magazine
Rio’s Killer Apps Stephanie Nolen, Rhian John-Hankinson, Jeremy Agius, Laura Blenkinsop, Elisangela Mendonca, Patrick Dell, Angela Murphy, Affan Chowdhry, Rasha Mourtada The Globe and Mail
Follow the Water: Hidden Cost of a B.C. Town’s Water Joanne Pearce, Alfred Hermida, Hans Schreier UBC School of Journalism
Best Online Video: Short
Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2018: Elena Martin Laporte, Nik Mirus, Marine Créquer, Stefanie Sosiak, Danielle Groen,L’Éloi Air Canada enRoute
The truth about SugarBearHair vitamins Roxanna Woloshyn, Anne MacRae, Charlsie Agro, Stephanie Dudley, Dave MacIntosh CBC News
Endometriosis Ben Shannon, Danielle d’Entremont, Jeff Goodes, Bria John, Olsy Sorokina, Dawna Dingwall CBC Radio – White Coat, Black Art
How can I afford a home? Prajakta Dhopade, Micah Bond, Yan Rosa, Elizabeth Palmieri MoneySense
L’histoire de la paille Djavan Habel-Thurton, Francis Lamontagne, Mélanie Julien, Eric Larouche, Martine Roy Radio-Canada
Mums who scrum Melissa Tait The Globe and Mail
Best Arts & Culture Storytelling
The Sexy Sadness Of Sufjan Stevens Scaachi Koul BuzzFeed Canada
The Oracle of Oyster River Brian Payton Hakai Magazine
Alex Janvier’s colourful life Marty Klinkenberg, Amber Bracken The Globe and Mail
The Magnetism of Sadness and Frightened Rabbit’s Scott Hutchison Josh Visser VICE Canada
Comment faire son chemin, quand on est trans et actrice Justine de l’Église VICE (Quebec)
Best Online Video: Feature
A day in the life of Raptors Photographer — Ron Turenne David Zelikovitz, Donnovan Bennett Sportsnet
Hockey is for Everyone: Jessica Platt Donnovan Bennett, David Zelikovitz Sportsnet
We the North Grandma Donnovan Bennett, Graham Runciman, Maggie Naylor, Scott SimpsonSportsnet
In rural New Brunswick, a transgender woman charts a new path Scott Munn, Lindsay Jones, Matt Brown, Michael Belyea, Timothy Moore The Globe and Mail
The caribou guardians Sarah Cox, Jayce Hawkins, Emma Gilchrist, Carol Linnitt The Narwhal
Les sites de rencontre vus par une artiste trans Brigitte Noël, Catherine Marineau-Dufresne, Jean-Pierre Bastien, Matt Joycey, Steve Martella VICE (Québec)
What I didn’t learn in Ontario’s sex-ed curriculum Corey Misquita, Riley Sparks Xtra
Best Online Video: Mini-Doc
Canada’s peacekeeping mission in Mali: Who’s fighting and why Krista Hessey Maclean’s
Coal Valley: The story of B.C.’s quiet water contamination crisis Carol Linnitt, Jayce Hawkins, Emma Gilchrist The Narwhal
Fear and Loading: Meet the NRA’s Most Wanted Customer Sofi Langis, Manisha Krishnan, Spencer Chumbley, Danny Patterson, Taylor Rivers, Heidi Besner VICE Canada
Is this the next Standing Rock? Hilary Beaumont, Alex Craig, Taylor Rivers, Heidi Besner, Rebecca LaFortune, Michelle Latimer, Alex Craig, Jessica Ford, Natalie Alcoba, Tania Natscheff, Josh Marr VICE News Canada
Souldia : à double tranchant Simon Coutu, Jean-Pierre Bastien, Zacharie Fay, David Valiquette, William Gignac, Maude M. Ouellet VICE (Québec)
Where have all the spaces for queer women in Toronto gone?Corey Misquita, Riley Sparks, Lulu Wei, Eric Wright Xtra
Best Podcast
Front Burner Jayme Poisson, Chris Berube, Elaine Chau, Shannon Higgins, Derek Vanderwyk, Nick McCabe-Lokos CBC News
Missing and Murdered: Finding Cleo Connie Walker, Marnie Luke, Jennifer Fowler, Mieke Anderson, Heather Evans CBC News
Love Me Mira Burt-Wintonick, Cristal Duhaime, Sarah Geis CBC Podcasts
CBC Mic Drop Shari Okeke, Carrie Haber, Cristal Duhaime, Jess Shane Mic Drop
Peterborough Currents Ayesha Barmania, Will Pearson Peterborough Currents
En 5 minutes Charles Trahan, Baptiste Zapirain, Benjamin Bourque, Hélène Laurin, Frédéric Guindon QUB radio
Rap carcéral Simon Coutu, Alain Loiselle, Dice B, Laurent K. Blais Radio-Canada Première (produit par VICE)
Best Digital Design
Universités : payer plus pour avoir moins? Naël Shiab, Santiago Salcido CBC/Radio-Canada
On a redessiné le Québec Marc Lajoie, Melanie Julien, Mélanie Meloche-Holubowski, Santiago Salcido, Martine Roy Radio-Canada
Toronto Star’s Featured Projects Portfolio Fadi Yaacoub, Cameron Tulk, David Schnitman, Nathan Pilla, Tania Pereira The Toronto Star
Best Photo Storytelling
Black in Canada: 10 stories Jalani Morgan, Robin Levinson King, Jessica MurphyBBC News – Canada bureau
Us Too Geneviève Caron, Lindsay Siu, Tavia Grant, Dawn Calleja, Clare Vander Meersch, Jeremy Agius Report on Business magazine
Living in limbo Renaud Philippe, Jeremy Agius, Matt French, Theresa Suzuki, Patrick Dell, Michelle Zilio, Carol Toller, Carine Abouseif, Tu Thanh Ha The Globe and Mail
Proms from coast to coast Ming Wong, Jeremy Agius, Theresa Suzuki, Melissa Tait, Jackie Dives, Darren Calabrese, Todd Korol, Caroline Alphonso The Globe and Mail
Best Social Storytelling
As It Happens 50th anniversary animations Ben Shannon, Kate Swoger, Sheena Goodyear CBC Radio – As It Happens
Escaping NXIVM Megan Griffith-Greene, Charles Fogel, Anne MacRae, Micheline Parent, Irene Thomaidis, Evan Aagaard, Josh Bloch CBC News
#FirstTimeIWasCalled Farah Nasser, Erica Vella, Ben Jonah, Eric Mark Do, Dean Hayashi, Mike Lapalme, Chris MacDougall, Trevor Owens, Lacy Atalick, Michael Hutchinson, Samantha Turchan, Nida Omar, Jessica Maxwell, Drew Hasselback, Shauna Rempel, Simon Osler, Brian McKechnie, Mackay Taggart Global News
Pay equity social sells Elizabeth Palmieri, Jason Kirby, and Scott Simpson Maclean’s
Weed did it. Sasha Kalra, Daman Lamba, Jill Krajewski, Laura Lloyd, Kate McKerroll, Tyler Hughes, Victoria Pandeirada VICE Canada
Best Editorial Newsletter
What on Earth? Emily Chung, Andre Mayer, Nicole Mortillaro CBC News
Hakai Magazine Weekly Newsletter Adrienne Mason, Raina Delisle, David Garrison, Mark Garrison, Josh Silberg Hakai Magazine
Le courrier électoral Geneviève Tremblay, Stéphane Baillargeon, Cédric Gagnon, Jean-Philippe Corbeil, Simon Poirier Le Devoir
Pastime, Season One Nathaniel Basen, Adam Anshan, Cody Gault, Paul Thompson, Colin McGowan, Sam Riches, Josh Tucker, Mike Piellucci, Sarah Brown, Glenn Harvey, Kyle Scott, Alex Mathers, Joe Wolfond, Paul Kim Pastime
Innovation in Digital Storytelling
Forever Changed William Wolfe-Wylie, Dwight Friesen, Richard Grasley, Sannah Choi, Kate Cornick, Farrah Merali, Andre Mayer, Paul Borkwood, David Donnelly, Albert Leung, Martin Trainor CBC News
Because News Alexa Game Elizabeth Bowie, Gavin Crawford, Ian Cauthery CBC Radio’s Because News
Toronto Votes Victoria Valido, Chris Glover, Laura Green, David Allmark, T.J. Heideman, Bob Weiers, Julia Whalen, Lauren Pelley, Lisa Xing, Farrah Merali, Talia Ricci, Nick Boisvert, John Rieti, Matt Elliott CBC Toronto
Follow the Money Zane Schwartz, National Post & Calgary Herald teams National Post and Calgary Herald
Olympics interactive graphics Timothy Moore, Christopher Manza, Trish McAlaster The Globe and Mail
CREDIT CHANGES: If you would like to make any credit changes, please send details to info@digitalpublishingawards.ca before May 9, 2019.
DIGITAL PUBLISHING AWARDS SOIRÉE
Join us on May 29th when we present the Gold, Silver, and Honourable Mention awards at the 4th annual Digital Publishing Awards Soiree. The Soiree will be held at One King West, and Eternity Martis will host. Martis’ work has helpedshape the language used in newsrooms across Canada, is discussed in mainstream media, changed policies on racism and is taught on academic syllabuses at Western University, Carleton University and the University of Ottawa.
Our sincerest thanks to this year’s judges, who graciously volunteered their time and expertise, evaluating the hundreds of entries submitted to this year’s competition.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIESFor sponsorship inquiries, please contact Barbara Gould, Executive Director, at info@digitalpublishingawards.ca.
The NMAF is delighted to announce that TVO Executive Producer of Digital Kathy Vey is the 2019 recipient of the Digital Publishing Leadership Award, which honours an individual whose career contributions to Canadian digital publishing deserve recognition and celebration. Vey will receive her award—the highest individual distinction from the Digital Publishing Award program—at the DPA Soirée on May 29th.
Kathy Vey’s 37-year career in Canadian journalism spans pivotal roles at media outlets including the Toronto Star, Ottawa Citizen, Toronto Sun, Queen’s Park Briefing, OpenFile, and TVO.org. Vey grew up in Toronto’s east end and began working at the Toronto Sun while still a teenager. In 1988, she jumped to the Star, where she soon became an assistant national editor.
After taking a 1993 buyout from the Star, Vey worked as a freelance writer for Canadian Gardening magazine and spent a couple of years editing at the Ottawa Citizen before returning to Toronto and the Star in 1998. She then served as a deputy city editor, a news editor, and the team editor of training and development. In the latter role, she headed up the Star’s first multimedia training program, an intensive weeklong effort that introduced many editorial staff members to the rapidly emerging potential of digital journalism.
“Having Kathy on your team meant there was someone there who could take on the toughest and most complex assignments.”
—John Ferri, TVO Vice-president of Current Affairs & Documentaries and Vey’s longtime colleague
In 2010, she left the Toronto
Star again to join the team launching OpenFile,
an innovative online news startup that prioritized local reporting and audience
engagement. As the founding editor-in-chief, Vey guided OpenFile’s development and in less than two years established a
core team of editors and freelance writers while building readership in major
cities across Canada. She hired a cohort of young reporters, whom she sought to
mentor and empower. “Journalists in nearly every city we operated in, from
Ottawa to Calgary to Halifax, have similar stories to tell about her support
and advice in building a career in journalism,” says TVO Digital Editor Chantal
Braganza, who adds she gained invaluable experience working for Vey at OpenFile.
“She offered a guiding hand in shaping stories and facilitating skills development, but left city editors to manage their own teams, experiment endlessly with tools and engage constantly with audiences. That required a skillset uncommon to many newsroom leaders, particularly those in Canada’s nascent digital startup space,” says Maclean’s Digital Editor Nick Taylor-Vaisey, whose journalism career began with Vey at OpenFile.
“Everyone who runs a newsroom should lead by Kathy’s proven example. To use a sports analogy: she drafts prospects and turns them into all-stars, and no matter which team she leads, they’re contenders while she’s at the helm.”
—Nick Taylor-Vaisey, Maclean’s Digital Editor
“She led a small newsroom and
encouraged it to take risks and think of new ways of engaging with an audience.
She was a tremendous editor and mentor for the young journalists we were lucky to hire,” confirms BuzzFeed News Media Editor
Craig Silverman, who worked closely with Vey for two years at OpenFile. Silverman cites the
development of “The Poppy File” as a key example of her leadership style. The
award-winning project resulted from Vey’s encouragement of OpenFile contributing editor Patrick Cain, who had been collecting
the names of Torontonians who died in World War II. Vey devised an interactive
map to show where each of the more than 3,000 people had lived in the city,
working closely with the product team to realize an innovative data
visualization. The resulting interface was not only attractive and functional,
but offered a platform for OpenFile
reporters to share some of the stories revealed through the project. (Though no longer active on OpenFile, a version of the project is viewable
here.)
“The Poppy File” was praised by Toronto mayor David Miller, won a
Canadian Online Publishing Award, and earned National Magazine Award and Online
Journalism Award nominations. The
Guardian’s former data editor Simon Rogers called the project “the pinnacle
of what data journalism is supposed to be about.” The project “came together
because Kathy immediately saw
the potential and brought everyone together,” says Silverman.
“OpenFile.ca was a significant and extraordinary achievement… Kathy helped put into practice many of the theories and ideas that are seen as crucial to the evolution of journalism in the age of digital disruption: community engagement and emphasis on social media, the notion of journalists as curators of information and not just news-gatherers, and data-based interactivity,” says John Ferri, TVO Vice-president of Current Affairs & Documentaries and Vey’s longtime colleague. “It’s no exaggeration to say that she has played an instrumental role in building a bridge to the future of journalism in Canada.”
After OpenFile,
Vey joined Torstar’s Queen’s Park
Briefing as executive editor. According to Ferri, the fledgling online publication—aimed
at a politically inclined professional audience—was “in desperate need of a
steady hand” when she took the reins. She transformed it within six months.
“Kathy believed that there was a role for smart, policy-focused journalism that
was willing to look outside of the daily news cycle—and that people would be
willing to pay for it—and she was right,” says TVO Columnist John Michael
McGrath, who was among the team Vey brought on board.
In 2013, Vey became a part-time instructor at Ryerson University, a natural progression from her newsroom mentoring in earlier years. She was appointed Rogers Journalist in Residence, during which time she developed the Canadian Press Style Coach, a prototype e-learning program designed to help journalists—both emerging and established—master the CP style guide.
“Kathy has consistently demonstrated exactly the kind of values our industry needs, both to meet the challenges of a changing business environment and developing the talent that will tell the stories of the future.”
—John Michael McGrath, TVO Columnist
For the past three and a half years, Vey has worked as the Executive
Producer, Digital, at TVO, where she oversees all content produced for the web,
including daily articles, short video, editorial newsletters, and podcasts, as
well as the journalistic social media accounts. “She has been key to the
evolution of TVO’s digital presence,” affirms Ferri. “In sum, Kathy Vey has
been a catalyst for change. She has a superb analytical mind and is a master of
newsgathering logistics. She has demonstrated a clear and cohesive vision of
the future of journalism in the digital space. She has shifted easily from
working in large traditional media to startups. She is a creative and
innovative individual, an industry leader. She is loved and respected by her
peers and staff. She has a tremendous wit and style. This kind of passion for
our craft deserves to be recognized and fostered.”
For her leadership, innovation, and dedication to Canadian digital publishing, the NMAF is honoured to present Kathy Vey with the 2019 Digital Publishing Leadership Award.
Nominations for the 2019 Digital Publishing Awards will be announced tomorrow at 10am EST. The Digital Publishing Leadership Award will be presented at the 4th Annual DPA Soirée on May 29th in Toronto. Tickets will be available for purchase on May 2nd at digitalpublishingawards.ca.
On Tuesday, May 29, the NMAF will present Winners’ Circle, a special event that will bring together award-winning and nominated writers, editors, artists, art directors to meet, mingle, pitch and learn about the value of diversity.
All Digital Publishing Awards winners, and past and current finalists are invited to join us at One King West Hotel in Toronto, from 12pm to 2:30pm for this exciting learning and networking activity. The event is FREE and includes a lunch for attendees.
The Value of Diversity: A Panel Discussion The two-part event will begin with a panel discussion moderated by the national columnist for StarMetro, Vicky Mochama. A regular columnist for the Toronto Star, Vicky writes about issues at the intersections of race, politics, gender and migration.
Vicky will be joined by panel members Andree Lau, Eternity Martis, Hadiya Roderique and Kyle Edwards for a discussion around the theme of diversity in the media.
Fast Pitch After the panel presentation, it’s time to mingle and network with your peers. We’ll be facilitating introductions between writers, artists, editors and art directors. If you’re planning to attend and would like to have a chance to sit down with an award-winning writer/artist or an award-winning magazine editor or art director, let us know: events@magazine-awards.com.
We’re looking forward to welcoming you on May 29 from 12 to 2:30pm at One King West Hotel in downtown Toronto.
All nominees and winners from the Digital Publishing Awards and the National Magazine Awards are invited to attend. Contact us to RSVP or request more information. Please RSVP by May 23. Space is limited and available on a first come basis.
The Digital Publishing Awards (DPAs) are pleased to announce the 2018 nominees for their 3rd annual awards program, recognizing excellence in the content and creation of Canadian digital publications.
This year, 79 Canadian digital publications entered the DPAs, submitting entries for consideration in 23 awards categories. The top overall prize—General Excellence in Digital Publishing—will presented in three divisions, for small, medium and large publications.
“We are extremely proud to present the third annual Digital Publishing Awards. The work of the creators and publishers nominated this year speaks to the astounding quality of digital journalism produced here in Canada. To celebrate these innovative, hard working individuals on a national stage and beyond is a true privilege,” said NMAF President Nino Di Cara.
Our dedicated roster of 78 judges volunteered their time, expertise, and passion for digital publishing in serving on this year’s jury. They have nominated 106 entries from 37 different digital publications for this year’s awards.
The three standout nominees for the coveted Emerging Excellence Award, which honours an individual whose early work in Canadian digital publishing shows the highest degree of craft and promise, are: Elizabeth Melito of CBC News, Graeme Bruce of the Winnipeg Free Press, and Ishani Nath of the Entertainment pillar (FLARE and Hello! Canada).
Elizabeth Melito, CBC News
Graeme Bruce, Winnipeg Free Press
Ishani Nath, Entertainment pillar (FLARE and Hello! Canada)
LEADERSHIP AWARD
The NMAF is pleased to present the 2018 Digital Publishing Leadership Award to Brodie Fenlon, Senior Director of Daily News and Bureaus for theCBC. A respected mentor and leader, Brodie’s pursuit for digital innovation is matched with a desire to build camaraderie in the newsroom. Described by his peers as a “transformative leader” and an “incredibly positive and galvanizing force”, Brodie is lauded for his remarkable achievements and generous personality. Click here to read Brodie’s full biography.
For the third year in a row,Air Canada enRoute’s “Best New Restaurants” guide is nominated for Best Digital Editorial Package. The magazine’s popular guide is also finalist for Best Online Video: Short.
“Unfounded” by reporters Robyn Doolittle, Laura Blenkinsop, Jeremy Agius,and Michael Pereira, published in The Globe and Mailis nominated twice, in Best Digital Editorial Package and Best News Coverage.
CBC News’ “Dancing Towards the Light” is nominated in two categories: Best Arts & Culture Story and Best Online Video: Mini-Doc.
Nominees – General Excellence in Digital Publishing: Small Publication
Congratulations to the 2018 nominees! Visit live.digitalpublishingawards.ca to view the individuals nominated this year and their outstanding work. If you would like to make any credit changes, please send details to info@digitalpublishingawards.ca before May 3, 2018.
DIGITAL PUBLISHING AWARDS SOIRÉE Gold, Silver, and Honourable Mention awards will be presented at the Digital Publishing Awards soirée on Tuesday, May 29th, 2018 at One King West in Toronto. Gold winners in most categories include a $500 cash prize. Tickets are on sale atdigitalpublishingawards.ca. Follow the Digital Publishing Awards on Twitter @DPAwards and #DPA18.
The Digital Publishing Awards Soirée will be hosted by Adrian Lee. Adrian is the opinions editor for Maclean’s, a Polaris Prize jury member, a Digital Publishing Award winner, and karaoke champion, in order of least to most important facts about him. He is thrilled for the opportunity to attend a gala that allows him to wear a tuxedo, which he purchased in what he describes as “a good idea at the time.”
Digital Publishing Awards Soirée Tuesday, May 29th, 2018 Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 7pm. One King West Hotel 1 King Street West, Toronto, ON
The National Media Awards Foundation offers its sincere thanks to the highly skilled professionals who generously contributed their time and expertise as judges of this year’s Digital Publishing Awards competition.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Barbara Gould, Managing Director, at info@digitalpublishingawards.ca.
For further information about the Digital Publishing Awards, please contact Leah Edwards, Digital Communications Coordinator, at info@digitalpublishingawards.ca.
The NMAF is pleased to present the 2018 Digital Publishing Leadership Award to Brodie Fenlon, Senior Director of Daily News and Bureaus for the 
The Digital Publishing Awards Soirée will be hosted by Adrian Lee. Adrian is the opinions editor for Maclean’s, a Polaris Prize jury member, a Digital Publishing Award winner, and karaoke champion, in order of least to most important facts about him. He is thrilled for the opportunity to attend a gala that allows him to wear a tuxedo, which he purchased in what he describes as “a good idea at the time.”