The Canadian Community Newspaper Association (CCNA) will hold its annual awards ceremony in Charlottetown, PEI next month, with several local newspapers, including the Bonnyville Nouvelle, amongst those receiving national recognition.
Two years on from receiving ‘blue ribbon' awards for general excellence in 2012, the Nouvelle this year placed third overall for Best All-round Newspaper, and third overall for Best Front Page this year amongst all Canadian publications with a circulation of 2,000 to 3,999 people.
Clare Gauvreau, group publisher for Great West Newspapers' northern Alberta region, said she was delighted to see the Nouvelle rank as one of the top community newspapers in the country, and commended all the members of staff involved with the publication for their hard work.
“We take a lot of pride in having placed in the top three newspapers in our circulation category at the national level,” Gauvreau said. “Everyone at the Nouvelle shares in this success and I'm lucky to be working with an award-winning team. Congratulations to the entire staff for a job well done.”
Also up for awards is the Nouvelle's sister publication the St. Paul Journal, who will receive a ‘blue ribbon' award for general excellence, while reporter Ryan McCracken took first place in Best Overall Sports Photo for publications with a circulation of up to 3,999 people.
In a world that has evolved time and time again when it comes to technological advances, Gauvreau believes these awards press home the point that community newspapers still play an important role in today's society.
“Community newspapers continue to be an important source of reliable, relevant information at a time when people are, quite frankly, inundated with information,” Gauvreau said. “The Nouvelle is a trusted source for local news coverage and each week we strive to provide readers with news they can use as they go about their daily lives in our community.”
The CCNA annual awards ceremony will take place at the Delta Prince Edward in Charlottetown P.E.I. on May 29. For more information, visit www.newspaperscanada.ca/ccnawards
