CTV News Calgary wins 2022 RTDNA Prairie Region Award
The Radio Television Digital News Association has recognized CTV News Calgary with a RTDNA Prairie Region Award.
RTDNA Canada Awards honour the best journalists, programs, stations and newsgathering organizations in the categories of video, audio and digital.
In 2022, CTV News Calgary was named as a finalist in four categories:
- Excellence in Innovation (sponsored by Dejero) - Stephanie Thomas' self-administered COVID-19 rapid antigen test during a live broadcast;
- Breaking News (Large market) - Coverage of dangerous grass fires;
- News – Live Special Events - Civic Election 2021; and
- TV Newscast (Large Market) - CTV Calgary News at Six.
On Tuesday, the RTDNA announced the winners, including CTV's Stephanie Thomas for her live report explaining how to administer a COVID-19 test.
"Two days before the Alberta government was set to distribute free rapid COVID-19 antigen tests, we wanted to inform viewers about the plan, and demonstrate how to use the tests, in an innovative and creative way," explained Jeff Little, director of news & public affairs, CTV Television - Calgary.
"So following her report that included the health minister, a pharmacist and infectious disease specialist, reporter Stephanie Thomas tested herself, live, in her kitchen."
Little said Thomas and videographer Vasco Maria staged, practiced and choreographed the demonstration so it would be easy to understand and engaging.
"We followed up with another live segment, where the reporter revealed that her test came back negative."
Speaking about win, Little said it was a segment that helped viewers in a time when they really needed it.
"To see the time and effort recognized by the RTDNA is very fulfilling."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Russia strikes Kyiv as Western leaders meet in Europe
Russia attacked the Ukrainian capital early Sunday, striking at least two residential buildings, the mayor of Kyiv said, as elsewhere Russian troops fought to consolidate their gains in the country's east.

Trudeau mocks 'bare-chested horseback riding' Putin as G7 leaders meet in Germany
Russian President Valdimir Putin was a target of mockery by leaders of the Group of Seven, as they sat around a table Sunday, commencing their three-day summit in Bavarian Alps, Germany.
U.S. Ambassador Cohen on inflation, the convoy protests, abortion rights and gun control
David Cohen has been the United States' Ambassador to Canada since November 2021, and in the time since, both Canada and the United States have experienced a series of shared challenges. In an interview at his official residence in Ottawa, Cohen opens up about the state of the relationship.
Climate goals may be at odds with G7 response to fallout from Russian invasion
G7 leaders opened their summit Sunday with a discussion about shaping the global economy at a time when conflict and unrest are driving up prices and access to key goods around the world.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine a 'turning point' in world history: defence chief
Canada's chief of defence says Russia's invasion of Ukraine is going to change the course of history.
Live updates: G7 nations seek to counter Chinese influence
The latest on the G7 summit: The Group of Seven leading democratic economies has formally launched at its annual summit a global infastructure and investment partnership aimed at pushing back China's influence in the developing world.
Norway mourns victims of Oslo shooting with memorial service
Norway's prime minister and members of the royal family joined mourners at a memorial service Sunday at Oslo Cathedral for the victims of a shooting attack as the capital held its annual LGBTQ Pride festival.
People with COVID-19 can infect and sicken cats and dogs by cuddling them: study
Cat and dog owners who cuddle their pets when infected with COVID-19 could end up making the animals sick with the virus, according to a Canadian study.
Rate of extreme rainfall expected to increase dramatically by 2100
New research looking at the frequency of heavy rainfall across the globe shows that a drastic increase in downpours is expected over the years to come.