Ribbon of excellence
Kivalliq News recognized at national level
Northern News Services
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
RANKIN INLET/KIVALLIQ
Kivalliq News was awarded the prestigious Blue Ribbon of Excellence at the recent Canadian Community Newspaper Awards.
Editor Darrell Greer took third place at the national competition in the category of Best Local Editorial for his March 5, 2014, effort, "Keep the scales balanced."
In evaluating the piece, judges said Greer penned a call-it-like-it-is editorial that should cause people to reflect.
"Greer's take on alcohol ban referendums that took place in several local communities rightly called out the hypocrisy of the residents of Coral Harbour in targeting the hamlet's teachers for potentially illegally possessing alcohol, while ignoring the bootleggers in their midst and giving local youth a pass on breaking into the teachers' homes looking for liquor," stated the judges.
"The editorial should give residents of Coral Harbour a reason to look critically at themselves in the mirror."
The award marked the fourth time in the past five years Greer has had an editorial recognized at the national or regional level.
Greer said it's always nice to receive recognition, especially at the national level.
He said editorials remain dear to his heart, even at this late stage of his career.
"About 21 years ago, I was told by one of the best in the business, the late Martin Dorrell, that when it comes to a good opinion piece, it's not about convincing people your opinion is always right," said Greer.
"It's about sparking emotion and debate, informing and, maybe, having people give the subject more thought after reading your work.
"Mr. Dorrell was 100 per cent correct in that they are the trademarks of a well-written opinion piece."
Kivalliq News also took second place for Best Layout and Design at the recent Manitoba Community Newspaper Awards.
