Hamilton Spectator editor-in-chief, David Estok, accepts 2008 Michener Citation of Merit from Governor General Michaëlle Jean.
The newspaper was honoured for its investigation into an extended outbreak of Clostridium Difficile at Ontario hospitals. The coverage was crucial to action taken by the Ontario government to increase funding for infection control and to require hospitals in the province to report publicly on outbreaks of C.difficile infections.
The photo was taken during the Michener Award ceremony held at Rideau Hall on June 10, 2009.
The distinction between the Michener Award and other media awards is primarily the emphasis on the degree of arm’s-length public benefit that is generated. Journalistic excellence alone is not enough. Other criteria include the resources available to the news organization – an effort to level the playing field for small, medium, and large-size organizational applicants.