Patricia Graham, Vancouver Sun editor-in-chief, accepts the 2010 Michener Citation of Merit from Governor General David Johnston on behalf of the newspaper. The photo was taken during the Michener Award ceremony held at Rideau Hall on June 14, 2011.
The Sun was honoured for a six-part series that looked at aviation safety standards following a series of fatal float-plane accidents in British Columbia. The stories detailed inexpensive safety improvements that could save lives.
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.