Corus Entertainment is investing in the future of Canadian journalism, with a $52,000 gift to Lethbridge College. The gift, which was announced on Monday afternoon at the college, will support the creation of a state-of-the-art active-learning newsroom, as well as create new awards that will financially support students in the Digital Communications and Media (DCM) program.
The new newsroom will modernize the existing Endeavour room, which has primarily been used as a print-based journalism hub. The upgrades will create a technologically-advanced setting where students and instructors can quickly share content and work in individual stations that replicate modern newsrooms being used to generate television, online, radio and digital stories. The space will better prepare DCM students to succeed as they enter the workforce.
The gift will also lead to the creation of the Global News Journalism Award that will go to support two DCM students each year. The recipients will be chosen based on a variety of criteria, including community involvement and financial need.
“We are thankful that Corus and Global News share our vision of preparing students for what happens next in their careers,” says Dr. Paula Burns, Lethbridge College President and CEO. “They are leaders in the broadcasting industry and we are so fortunate for their endorsement of, and involvement in, our program. This partnership will help us produce the next generation of journalists needed for the rapidly-changing industry.”
“As a proud Canadian broadcaster, the provision of quality local and national news is one of the most important things we do,” says Doug Murphy, President and CEO of Corus Entertainment. “At a time when truth and facts matter more than ever, it’s a privilege to support the next generation of journalism through this gift to Lethbridge College.”
Corus Entertainment is the parent company of Global News, which has had a longstanding partnership with Lethbridge College. The most prominent relationship is with alumnus Troy Reeb (Communication Arts – Broadcast Journalism 1988), who is now Executive Vice President, Broadcast Networks for Corus Entertainment. Reeb has sponsored a one-of-a-kind internship for the past 14 years that provides one DCM student the opportunity to work in Corus and Global’s television, radio and online offices in Toronto and Ottawa. Reeb was awarded an Honorary Degree by the college this past April, and was named a Distinguished Alumnus in 2003.
