CALGARY- A new journalism fellowship has been created by Canwest Publishing in honour of award-winning Calgary Herald reporter Michelle Lang, who was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan on Dec. 30.
The Michelle Lang Fellowship in Journalism is a national program that will give a recent Canadian university graduate the chance to combine a passion for writing with an interest in current events.
The trust will award up to $10,000 annually to fund a “special news project that holds significance for a Canadian audience,” according to a news release from Canwest.
The candidate will be expected to develop a project “that would address the goals Michelle aspired to in her daily journalism: telling stories that have gone unreported or unnoticed on topics of social significance.”
Further, Canwest Publishing will fund the salary of a full-year internship for the fellow: six months at the Calgary Herald and six months at Canwest News Service in Ottawa.
Lang, 34, was the first Canadian reporter to be killed while on assignment in Afghanistan. Michelle was riding in an armoured vehicle when it was struck by an improvised explosive device, killing Lang and four Canadian soldiers.
A public memorial is planned for Lang in Calgary on Monday at 1:30 PM. at First Alliance Church.
“Losing Michelle was shocking and tragic,” said Dennis Skulsky, president and CEO Canwest Publishing.
“Almost immediately there was overwhelming support for the creation of a lasting tribute.
“We believe the Michelle Lang Fellowship in Journalism will honour the memory of a great person and inspire passionate young journalists for years to come.”
According to Canwest, the fellowship will continue in perpetuity.
The selection will be guided by Lang’s own journalistic principles – including a drive to highlight “ordinary Canadians in extraordinary circumstances” – with a panel of senior Canwest News Service and Calgary Herald editors choosing the candidate.
Application details will be available in March, with the first fellowship expected to be awarded in Fall of 2010.
The trust was established with an initial investment of $100,000, including a personal contribution from David, Gail and Leonard Asper totalling $20,000 and an additional $80,000 from Canwest Publishing. Contributions can be made at any Scotiabank Branch across Canada starting Monday, Jan. 18.
Further inquiries can be sent to: michellelangfellowship@canwest.com.
JKOMARNICKI@THEHERALD.CANWEST.COM
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