TORONTO – The late Stuart McLean has been named as the 2017 recipient of the RTDNA’s prestigious President’s Award, the organization announced Wednesday.
The President’s Award, the highest honour bestowed by the association, acknowledges an individual who has brought recognition and distinction to the field of electronic and digital journalism. The award will be presented posthumously to McLean’s sons at the President’s Reception on May 26 during the 2017 RTDNA National Conference & Awards Gala.
McLean (pictured), who passed away last February, was a Canadian radio broadcaster, author and humourist perhaps best known as host of the CBC Radio program The Vinyl Café.
“Stuart connected with listeners in a way that few have before him”, said Susan Marjetti, executive director of radio and audio for CBC, in the announcement. “A masterful storyteller, he was able to make Canadians laugh and cry with the turn of a phrase. His stories are now part of the very fabric of Canada and they have connected us from coast to coast to coast throughout the years. CBC Radio extends special thanks to the RTDNA for honouring Stuart's forty year career as a journalist, documentary maker, host and humourist.”
“This is truly an emotional and landmark choice allowing the RTDNA to acknowledge and pay tribute to Stuart’s amazing and memorable catalogue of journalistic and storytelling work”, added RTDNA president Ian Koenigsfest. “As Canada celebrates its 150th anniversary we recognise a true Canadian icon who brought joy to Canadians from coast to coast to coast.”
