Established in 1970 by the Right Honourable Roland Michener, Governor General of Canada from 1967 to 1974, the Michener Awards recognize journalism that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians.
The Michener Awards Foundation celebrates and supports excellence in public-service journalism through its annual awards, fellowships and initiatives focused on strengthening the future of journalism in Canada.
As managing partner, the RHF is proud to support the Michener Awards Foundation and help sustain and grow this important work for the long term.
years recognizing excellence in public-service journalism
prizes and fellowships awarded
Governors General have presented Michener prizes
The Michener Award recognizes outstanding Canadian journalism that creates meaningful public impact.
The Michener Award recognizes outstanding Canadian journalism that creates meaningful public impact.
Michener Fellowships give journalists, educators and news organizations the time and resources to pursue ambitious work that strengthens journalism and serves the public interest.
Supports an experienced journalist pursuing an in-depth investigative project.
Supports innovative projects in journalism education, training and research.
Supports ambitious public-service reporting at independent local news organizations while creating opportunities for early-career journalists.
Discover the news organizations, journalists, educators and projects recognized and supported through the Michener Awards and Fellowships.
Strong local journalism helps people understand what is happening in their communities, holds institutions to account and connects Canadians to the issues that affect their lives.
The RHF works with the Michener Awards Foundation and others to strengthen local journalism through research, national convenings, new approaches to funding and direct support for local newsrooms.
The Lost Estate, an initiative of the RHF, the Public Policy Forum and the Michener Awards Foundation, explores the challenges facing local journalism and the people and organizations working to build a stronger future for community news.
During the 2025 federal election, the RHF, Public Policy Forum and Michener Awards Foundation launched Covering Canada: Election 2025 to support strong, locally relevant election reporting by small and medium-sized news organizations.
The RHF, the Public Policy Forum and the Michener Awards Foundation are working together to better understand the challenges facing local journalism and identify practical approaches to rebuilding and sustaining local news across the country.
How local media can rescue itself. Explores approaches to rebuilding a stronger and more sustainable local news ecosystem.
Examines what happens during a federal election when communities have limited or no access to local news coverage.
Explores how stronger connections between news organizations and the communities they serve can help rebuild a flourishing local news ecosystem.
Discover the people and work helping strengthen public-service journalism across the country.
Investigative journalism is often measured by the stories published. Less visible is the work that comes before publication. Months, or even years, of research. Building trust with people…
On June 18, leaders from journalism, public life, and civil society will gather at Rideau Hall for the 2026 Michener Awards ceremony, a national celebration of excellence in…
The Rideau Hall foundation is deeply grateful for its partners in delivering on its mission to set Canadians up for success by supporting programming in learning, innovation, leadership,…
The awards recognize excellence in Canadian public-service journalism that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians.
Review the award and fellowship requirements before preparing an application. Historical rules and forms are being migrated for review.
As managing partner, the RHF supports the Michener Awards Foundation to help sustain and grow this work for the long term.
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