The Algonquin Times Recognized as Canada’s #1 Campus Newspaper for 2015

(Ottawa, May 1, 2015) Two programs of the Algonquin College School of Media and Design –Journalism and Advertising and Marketing Communications Management – received national recognition recently when the campus newspaper, the Algonquin Times, was awarded top rank for Outstanding Campus Newspaper by the Canadian Community Newspapers Association (CCNA).

This is the first time the nearly 30 year-old Times has been recognized nationally for its content and design excellence, although it has placed first in the Ontario Community Newspapers Association (OCNA) competition 10 times – most recently in 2011 and 2012. Last year, the Algonquin Times placed second overall provincially, and is once again shortlisted in multiple categories for the 2015 Ontario Awards.

The Times is entirely produced by the students of the Journalism and Advertising programs as part the programs’ hands-on curriculum. Publication is primarily funded through advertising sales with limited support from the Algonquin Students Association. The Algonquin Times is truly a collaborative initiative where Advertising students sell, design and produce the paper’s ads, while Journalism students write the stories, take photos and layout the paper during their classes. Students from both programs also work together to produce the online and mobile editions of the paper.

CCNA judges submissions from campuses across the country and evaluates the newspapers’ content including story quality, photography, advertising and layout. Algonquin won based on reviews of April 2014 and September 2014 issues, both of which were produced by the Journalism 2015 graduating class in collaboration with two cohorts of advertising students. Participating students are proud of their accomplishment and honoured to be acknowledged.

Says Michael Robinson, Editor of the Algonquin Times from September to December 2014, and who will graduate this June, “2014 was an incredible year for the Algonquin Times with an incredibly diverse set of stories, striking photography and pristine layout. This win is not only reflective of the strength of Algonquin College¹s journalism programming, but also speaks to the formidability and expert advice provided by faculty who supported us every step of the way as we assembled this award-winning campus newspaper.” Robinson is currently completing a work placement at the Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal as a general assignment reporter.

Robinson’s sentiments are echoed by Stefanie Wlotzki, Ad Manager (September 2014) – Advertising and Marketing Communications Program: “It’s a testament not only to the hard work, high standards and dedication put forth by our peers at the Algonquin Times but also to the strength of Algonquin College – a place where students are given the opportunity to learn first-hand through real world experience….”

“What a way for the class of 2015 to finish off their time here at Algonquin,” said Journalism program coordinator Joe Banks. “They can now say they worked as a team to produce the country’s best campus newspaper.”

“Through collaboration, hard work and excellent mentorship, the students in the program have achieved the highest honour possible,” stated Robyn Heaton, Dean, School of Media and Design. “I am delighted for their success. They so deserve this national recognition for their outstanding efforts.”

Cheryl Jensen, President of Algonquin College, echoed Ms. Heaton’s comments: “The School of Media and Design has continually proven its worth with the number of CCNA and OCNA awards it has won. The award is a testament to our belief in hands-on applied education. The national award is the pinnacle of achievement in student journalism and advertising. We at Algonquin College are truly proud of the students and professors in this program.”

Representatives from the Times will collect their hardware for both provincial and national wins at the CCNA Annual Gala taking place in Toronto on May 22, 2015.