TORONTO, ON –/COMMUNITYWIRE/– This week is the 83rd National Newspaper Week, an annual opportunity to recognize the critically important role that newspapers play in an active and healthy democracy. To celebrate, News Media Canada has created an illustrated book, Champions, which celebrates notable Canadian journalists, editors, photographers, publishers and more.
“Local journalism is vital to our democracy, providing local, original content that cannot be found anywhere else,” said Paul Deegan, president and CEO of News Media Canada. “The Champions book is a snapshot of some of the incredible people whose work keeps our society thriving and communicates essential information to Canadians each and every day. They stand up for our communities, raise their hands to ask tough questions and uncover the truth.”
Champions is a bilingual publication that includes 24 inspirational stories of people in Canada who have championed the truth through their contributions to the news media industry and positive impacts in their communities. Champions celebrates not only the people in the book but countless others who work in Canadian news media, those who keep their communities informed and connected from coast to coast to coast.The Champions book also features News Media Canada’s custom font (also entitled Champions) and illustrations by Canadian visual artist Rachel Joanis, who crafted the cover art and custom portraits throughout.
“As someone who’s grown up with a deep appreciation for newspapers, it was an honour to work on this project. I learned so much about the amazing people featured in the book. I hope their impressive stories show the next generation how rewarding a career in news media can be,” said Rachel Joanis, Champions book illustrator.
This National Newspaper Week, Canadians are encouraged to think about and celebrate champions of the truth from their own lives who are committed to delivering reliable and accurate information to their communities. To further champion the power of words and increase literacy among people in Canada, all proceeds from the sale of Champions will be donated to First Book Canada.
Canadians can show their support for our Champions of the Truth – the people behind the news at Canadian newspapers and their digital platforms – by purchasing a copy of the Champions book at championsofthetruth.ca. The full list of champions, a free digital e-book and pdf download of the book, along with access to the Champions font can be found at www.championsofthetruth.ca.
This year’s National Newspaper Week program will be supported by print and digital ad campaigns in newspapers across the country, as well as an out-of-home ad campaign extension and media relations.
National Newspaper Week runs until Saturday, October 7, 2023, and is celebrated across North America to reflect on the essential services provided by the news media industry. This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada.
About News Media Canada
News Media Canada is the voice of the print and digital news media industry in Canada and represents hundreds of trusted titles in every province and territory. News Media Canada is an advocate in public policy for daily and community media outlets and contributes to the ongoing evolution of the news media industry by raising awareness and promoting the benefits of news media across all platforms. For more information, visit www.newsmediacanada.ca.
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Bronte Wright, Craft Public Relations
bronte@craftpublicrelations.com
647-539-3994