CTV News Calgary wins 2022 RTDNA Prairie Region Award
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
Brown campaign accuses Conservative party of acting in favour of Poilievre after disqualification from leadership race
Patrick Brown has been disqualified from the federal Conservative leadership race, after ballots have already begun to be mailed out, and his campaign is fighting back against what it calls anonymous allegations.

'Most stressful experience': Express Entry draws resume, but long waits take toll
Canada's immigration department is restarting all Express Entry draws for immigration applications Wednesday, after pausing the program 18 months ago during the pandemic.
Woman who was set on fire on Toronto bus has died, police confirm
A woman who was set on fire while on a Toronto bus in a random attack last month has died, police say.
Boy, 2, orphaned after both parents killed in Fourth of July parade shooting
Kevin McCarthy, 37, and Irina McCarthy, 35, the parents of a two-year-old boy, were among seven people killed in the Chicago-area mass shooting on July 4.
'We're all really shaken up': Father recounts reuniting with missing daughter as U.S. man is charged
The father of the Edmonton girl who was missing for nine days said he was getting ready to post another update on Facebook last Saturday when police knocked on his door.
Religious group members charged over alleged murder of 8-year-old girl in Australia
Australian authorities have charged 12 members of a religious group with the alleged murder of an 8-year-old girl, police said in a statement Tuesday.
Jayland Walker was handcuffed when his body arrived at the medical examiner's office: autopsy report
Jayland Walker was handcuffed behind his back when his body arrived at the coroner's office to be processed as part of the investigation into the officers who shot and killed him in Akron last week, according to a medical examiner's report that was reviewed by CNN.
Amanda Todd case: 'Pornographic' Facebook image reported to police, high school friend testifies
A high school friend of B.C. teen Amanda Todd has testified he took action when he saw what he described as a 'pornographic' picture of her on Facebook in November 2011.
July 4 shooting suspect bought guns legally despite threats
The man charged with killing seven people when he unleashed a hail of bullets on an Independence Day parade from a rooftop in suburban Chicago legally bought the high-powered rifle used in the shooting and four other weapons, despite threatening violence, police said.