Sunday, November 3, 2024

CNA instructor advocating for others

Staff member recognized by peers

A CNA instructor has been acknowledged for his work on a national campaign.

Jeff Ducharme, a Journalism instructor at the college’s Prince Philip Drive (PPD) campus was awarded the 2021 Silver Leaf Award from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).

“I believe the work is more important than the award, but the recognition means that more people read the message that ink-stained wretches is trying to get out there and that is what’s important,” he said.

The award is based on outstanding professional communications. Winners span more than 20 categories. Ducharme won for his work on the Ink-Stained Wretches campaign for local journalism in the Government Relations category.

The award-winning campaign focused on the creation of a petition urging elected officials to enact legislation to support news outlets across Canada.

“The campaign was designed by some amazing former journalists who worked at the Waterloo Record – Mirko Petricevic, Chuck Howitt, Carolyn McLeod-McCarthy and Robert Reid,” he said. “They designed a great platform and wrote the resolutions which municipalities were willing to adopt because the wording was so powerful and timely.”

A seasoned journalist whose been an instructor at CNA for more than 10 years, Ducharme was modest about the win.

“I’m just a member of the supporting cast and honoured to have been asked to be a part of the project,” he said. “My contribution was limited to Newfoundland and particularly St. John’s. It was a struggle to find a St. John’s councillor who would support the motion, but Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary stepped up because she understands the important of local media in a functioning democracy.”

Ducharme says he felt compelled to join the cause because he truly believes in it.

“Mirko Petricevic is the driving force behind this grassroots campaign. His dedication to the cause is awe inspiring,” he said. “Democracy cannot survive without a free and fearless press. By supporting this resolution, some 26 municipalities in eight provinces representing 11 million people have shown their commitment to democracy and acknowledge how critical local media is. Each time the resolution is passed, that committed is made again and the resolution receives even more exposure.”

For more information about Journalism and other CNA programs, visit www.cna.nl.ca.

To learn about the IABC, visit: www.iabccanada.ca

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Ryanne McIsaac
Ryanne McIsaac
Ryanne is Editor of CNA Currents. Born and raised in Stephenville, NL, Ryanne moved back to Newfoundland after spending 16 years in Calgary, Alberta. Ryanne has a Journalism Diploma from College of the North Atlantic and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Cape Breton University. She worked for many years as a reporter and freelance writer. She is happy to be back in her hometown and working for CNA.

4 COMMENTS

  1. Great story….I know Jeff personally when he was working out of PAB, NL and always was very gracious and very supportive. When my son was in Hockey, he took a really nice shot of Michael in the net and it captured my son’s love for the game. Jeff sent me a copy of this picture and it still hangs on my wall since then.

    Thank-you Jeff for always being where the action is and Ryanne for telling his story!!!

    • Hi Susan, That is an awesome story thank you for sharing it. Also, thank you for taking the time to read Currents I really appreciate it. You’ll have to show me the picture of Michael one of these days. Take care, Ryanne

  2. Fantastic work, Jeff! He’s currently my Photography instructor at CNA and knowing about this achievement only makes me happier as a student.

    • Ariyana, Thank you so much for taking the time to read about Jeff and for your comment! We hope you are enjoying your time at CNA! Take care, Ryanne

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