We had the pleasure of attending the annual Ma Murray Community Newspaper Awards Gala hosted by the BC and Yukon Community Newspapers Association (BCYCNA) and Coast Capital Savings. Eclipse Awards has been making the coveted Newsboy Awards for 10 years now, though this was the first time we attended as an event sponsor.
BCYCNA did a fantastic job in creating a big stage for the awards presentation that night. As I walked into the room I could sense the excitement of the attendees, many who had travelled from far away communities to be there for the awards ceremony and to spend time with colleagues and friends.
The stature of the event, the polished production values, the impressive venue, and the quality of the Newsboy Awards themselves (if we may be so bold), really helped to underscore the importance of the recognition given out that night. As the MC’s said in their opening comments “The Ma Murray Awards are all about celebrating the successes of this industry” and reinforcing the good things that are happening in it. It was in inspiring message, as many would see community newspapers as an industry in decline.
These organizations are documenting the important stories of their communities and sharing them with the people that live in those communities, and there will always be a need for this. It’s true the community newspaper industry may be evolving, but recognizing and appreciating the good things that are happening is probably one of the best ways to influence and direct the transformation.
We watched them present all 45 Newsboy industry awards that evening, as well as 3 Lifetime Achievement Awards. Each recipient had a chance to say a few words, and it’s always inspiring to witness people’s happiness and gratitude. This is the reason we do what we do.
Big congratulations to all the winners and nominees that night, your efforts are appreciated! Hats off to BCYCNA and Coast Capital as well for investing in recognition and building community with it. Here’s to a promising future for community newspapers!