News Director Gerry Proctor accepts the 1988 Michener Citation of Merit from Governor General Jeanne Sauvé on behalf of Rock 103.
The Moncton radio station received the award for mounting a successful campaign against “user” fees the New Brunswick government imposed on cancer patients coming from other areas outside of Saint John, site of the only treatment clinic in the province. On June 20 the station opened its attack on the daily charges of $15 for meals and $15 for accommodation. Within days of the campaign launch, the government discontinued user fees including charges for all meals and accommodation.
The award was presented during a ceremony held at Rideau Hall on November 16th, 1989.
Launched in 1970 under the auspices of Canada’s third Canadian governor general, the late Roland Michener, the award focuses on the degree of public benefit generated by media projects, both large and small, in print and broadcast. The annual award is open to daily and weekly newspapers, news agencies, radio and television stations and networks, as well as periodicals. The winners are chosen on the basis of hard-hitting impact, journalistic professionalism, and the resources available for the project.