Two Giants of Broadcast Journalism to Receive Lifetime Achievement Awards

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - March 17, 2016) - Ian Koenigsfest, President of RTDNA Canada, announced the organization will present Lifetime Achievement Awards to two of Canada's most respected and well-known broadcast journalists - CBC's - Peter Mansbridge and Global's Tom Clark. The awards will be presented at a gala event during the RTDNA's National Conference in Toronto, June 3 and 4, 2016.

According to Koenigsfest, "With more than 85 years of service, Tom Clark and Peter Mansbridge embody the true spirit of what makes Canadian journalism great. They have both set the bar extremely high and have paved a formidable path for those journalists following them. The RTDNA is extremely honoured to award Tom and Peter with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award."

For over four decades at the CBC, 27 years as anchor - Peter Mansbridge has become the trusted journalist that Canadians turn to for analysis during elections, clarity during national emergencies and of course, nightly excellence on The National. Over that time, Mansbridge estimates that he has conducted over 15,000 interviews and has spoken to countless Canadian and international leaders. He remains the only Canadian journalist to have interviewed U.S. President Barack Obama.

Jennifer McGuire, CBC'S General Manager and Editor in Chief says "I am so pleased that the RTDNA has chosen to bestow its Lifetime Achievement Award on Peter Mansbridge. This is a fitting acknowledgment of a journalist who, for over 45 years, has devoted himself to excellence, to his craft and to public service for the people of Canada."

Tom Clark has witnessed and written about history-making events in Canada and around the world for more than 40 years. He has interviewed every prime minister since Lester B. Pearson and covered every federal election campaign since 1974. He was the CTV bureau chief in Beijing during the early 1980's, and spent five years as CTV's bureau chief in Washington DC. In that posting, he interviewed President George Bush, the first time any American president had been interviewed by a Canadian television network.

In 2010 Tom joined Global News as the network's chief political correspondent. He recently reported from the scene of the terror attacks in Paris.

"Tom has witnessed more history-making events than most people can count," comments Troy Reeb, Senior Vice-President Global News & Station Operations, in his 40 years of service, he's left a tremendous mark on the country and the journalism profession. Tom continues to set the standard for others to follow every day in his role as Chief Political Correspondent for Global News, and we can't think of anyone more deserving of this prestigious honour."

RTDNA Canada represents Canada's radio, television and digital journalists - advocating on their behalf nationally. The association fosters education, career development, national and regional awards recognition, and active dialogue with the membership.