Free Press series nominated for prestigious journalism award

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This article was published 20/04/2021 (1346 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg Free Press reporter Jeff Hamilton has been declared a finalist for the 2020 Michener Award for meritorious public service journalism, for his investigation into the destructive legacy of junior hockey coach and sex predator Graham James.

It is the first Michener nomination for the Free Press in more than a decade, an honour considered the most prestigious in Canadian journalism.

Investigative pieces by CBC News, APTN, the Globe and Mail, Montreal Gazette and La Presse are also being considered for the 2020 award.

“This nomination speaks to our commitment to journalism that serves the public by delivering stories dedicated to truth and social justice,” Free Press editor Paul Samyn said.

“I am deeply honoured that the incredible work Jeff Hamilton and our newsroom did to uncover the painful legacy of Graham James, and to bring healing to those who were his victims has earned this recognition.”

Chief judge Margo Goodhand, former Free Press editor, said in a statement this year’s submissions were particularly inspiring, considering they were produced during the pandemic.

Hamilton said the recognition was humbling, and a reflection of the support the newspaper gave him to report the story over the course of three years.

Hamilton said, the nomination is a recognition of the people who showed bravery in sharing their stories of childhood sexual abuse, and the ensuing trauma, addictions and pain.