2010 RTNDA Canada President's Award Winner

TORONTO, March 16 /CNW/ - RTNDA Canada - The Association of Electronic Journalists is pleased to announce that Eric Morrison, CEO of The Canadian Press, is this year's recipient of the RTNDA President's Award.

RTNDA's highest honour is presented annually to recognize individuals or groups that have brought distinction to, or made major contributions to, broadcast journalism.

A distinguished journalist and news executive, Eric 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 Chief Executive Officer.

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 18 honours from RTNDA.

Mr. Morrison's first media jobs were in Peterborough, Ont., during his university years in the 1970s. His weekend radio work lead to cable television and soon to CJOH-TV in Ottawa. Prior to The Canadian Press, he worked for the CTV network for 20 years in a variety of positions, including overseas postings and management. While Vice-President of CTV News, the CTV National News with Lloyd Robertson expanded to a half hour and became the nation's most watched newscast.

"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.

"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 Mr. Morrison.

The RTNDA President's Award will be presented at the President's Award Gala during the RTNDA National Conference in Edmonton on Friday, June 18, 2010.

RTNDA Canada is the voice of electronic journalists and news managers in Canada. The members of RTNDA Canada recognize the responsibility of broadcast journalists to promote and to protect the freedom to report independently about matters of public interest and to present a wide range of expressions, opinions and ideas. The RTNDA Canada Code of Ethics, adopted by the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council, is used to measure fairness and accuracy in the profession.