News & Events

Ryerson University School of Journalism recent graduate Martha Jack has been awarded the 2008 Gordon Sinclair Fellowship by the Gordon Sinclair Foundation. Named after the late journalist and broadcaster, Gordon Sinclair, the Fellowship honours his memory and recognizes his contributions to Canadian journalism. Sinclair was a legendary journalist, author, radio commentator and television personality who, until his death in 1984, was one of Canada's most enduring celebrities.

Jack, the 21st person to receive the Fellowship since it was first awarded in 1986, will use the $15,000 prize to study in the master's of digital media program at the London Metropolitan University in the U.K.

"With his highly personal and experiential form of journalism, often filing from remote and exotic locations, it seems to me that Gordon Sinclair was in some ways the original blogger. I do wonder what he would make of the kind of revolution now being wrought by online media,'' Jack said. "It is such an honour and privilege to have been awarded the Gordon Sinclair Fellowship. I relish the opportunity to continue my studies so that, in the future, I can be a part of the ever-evolving Canadian media."

Jack plans to conduct research into the practical and theoretical ways in which new media is used to tell stories and share information. While at Ryerson, Jack completed a four-month multimedia project with student colleagues, covering the ethnically diverse Regent Park community. She rounded out her school year with a six-week internship with the online department of the CBC.

"I was thrilled to hear that Martha was this year's recipient of the Sinclair Fellowship. Having had the good fortune to teach her in her first year, and again in her last, I can attest to her strong work ethic and focus," said Joyce Smith, Associate Professor, Interim Graduate Program Director and Director, Online Program, School of Journalism.

Jack decided to be a journalist at the age of 11, when she was interviewed on The National while sitting in Peter Mansbridge's chair during a CBC open house. Age and experience taught Jack that while perhaps television wasn't for her, the emerging world of online journalism and interactive media would allow her to reach a wider audience.

"I hope that my journalism and digital media studies will lead to a career as an online producer," Jack explained. "There are so many innovative things happening in this field, changing the way we interact with information.  I just hope I can be a part of it."

Anne McNeilly, Assistant Professor, School of Journalism, who taught Jack in her third year, described her as "a bright, engaged journalist with a facility for computers and outstanding leadership qualities." In addition to her course work, Jack helped with The Globe and Mail's online provincial election coverage in October 2007. She also took part in a Ryerson initiative to help at-risk youth become aware of career opportunities in the media.

"Martha is one of those super keen students one hopes for as an instructor. She takes direction, adds her enthusiasm and runs with her own ideas. Both as a student and as a volunteer mentor to youth in the Ryerson School of Journalism's media empowerment program, Martha worked with wonderful and unfailing energy," said Vinita Srivastava, Assistant Professor, School of Journalism.