TORONTO, – John Hinnen, vice-president and general manager of 680 News and vice-president of radio news programming for Rogers Broadcasting is this year’s recipient of the RTNDA Canada President’s Award.
RTNDA’s highest honour is presented annually to recognize individuals or groups that have brought distinction to, or made major contributions to, broadcast journalism.
"This award is recognition of the amazing people I’ve had a chance to work with over the years from Ted Rogers who had the vision for 680News to the amazing team of journalists we work with daily,” says Hinnen.
As an accomplished news executive and radio personality his career spans nearly four decades with Rogers. He first started out as a sportscaster in 1974, and only a few years later was appointed news director of CFTR. By 1987 he was appointed VP of News at CHFI, and is considered the architect of 680News which went on the air in 1993. He has also oversees Rogers All News stations in Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa as well as the News/Talk stations in Kitchener, Saint John, Moncton and Halifax.
A long-time member of RTNDA Canada, Hinnen has served as president of both the Association and the Foundation. He currently serves as vice-president of the Ontario Association of Broadcasters.
Under his direction, Rogers sponsors numerous scholarships, bursaries and other resources for broadcast schools from coast to coast.
"Under John’s guidance 680News and the other All News stations have become major news voices in the cities they serve," said RTNDA president Andy LeBlanc
The RTNDA President’s Award will be presented at the President’s Award Gala during the RTNDA National Conference in Halifax on Friday, June 24, 2011.
