Change really is the only constant. If we’ve learned anything from the recent turbulent times in our business, it’s that. Your Ontario Newspaper Awards are changing and evolving with the times, too, and we’re happy to tell you the changes are all good.
ONA members already know about the tough period we went through coinciding with the recession and its fallout. And as you also know, we bounced back, stronger and more vibrant than ever. This year is also marked by significant change.
After eight years in one place – the Waterloo Inn – ONA will move to Hamilton for the 2012 gala. Mark Saturday, May 5, Sheraton Hotel, Hamilton in your calendars. Our hosts will be working on a number of activities and opportunities for ONA participants and we’ll keep you posted as they develop. We can tell you we’ll be back in Waterloo for the 2013 event, and will assess future locations after that.
Another very significant change this year is the switch from old fashioned hard copy entries to an on-line system. Watch your e-mail and our web site for instructions and details. It is the first year for online entries, and there are bound to be glitches. But it is a positive change, and we appreciate your patience as we work through it.
We’re also happy to announce the return of one category that had lapsed, the student journalist of the year award. More details on that in weeks to come. And we’re adding a new category, the tourism and outdoor writing/reporting award. Again, details to come, but do note this category is for tourism and outdoor reporting and writing on Ontario as opposed to national and international attractions.
I want to end with a shout out to Sherri Haigh of our organizing committee. She has been instrumental in securing new sponsors and helping us solidify and grow our funding base, which will ensure our sustainability even though times in the industry continue to be challenging. Thanks Sherri. And my personal thanks to the rest of our small but bold team: Wendy McCann of The Canadian Press, Don McCurdy of the Ontario Press Council, Jim Merriam, ex-of the Sun Times, Phil Andrews of The Guelph Mercury/Grand River Media and last, but certainly not least, our tireless administrator and treasurer, Rosie Grover of The Spec. Thanks also to John Size for his great work on the web site and the online entry system.
ONA is changing, and prospering, but our mission is unswervingly constant – to honour the best work in our industry, and provide a unique opportunity for fellowship, networking, peer appreciation … and a damn good party. See you all in Hamilton this spring.
On behalf of your Ontario Newspaper Award organizing committee,
Howard Elliott
Chairman.
