GLOBAL MONTREAL’S KAREN MACDONALD RETIRES END OF APRIL

FOLLOWING ILLUSTRIOUS CAREER, RTDNA SCHOLARSHIP NAMED IN HER HONOUR

For Immediate Release

MONTREAL, April, 8, 2024 – Long-time Global Montreal Station Manager and News Director, Karen Macdonald, is set to retire at the end of April and will have a scholarship created in her name.

In her almost 40 years with Global News, she has coordinated ground-breaking news coverage, played a part in some of the biggest stories in Canada including the Summit of the Americas, three Grey Cup parades and local, provincial, and federal elections, leaving an indelible impact on local news in Eastern Canada.

“Our dear friend and colleague Karen is an English television pioneer in Quebec, and we are so grateful for all of her lasting contributions,” said Ward Smith, Senior Vice-President, Global News. “Her leadership and interest in developing the youngest and brightest journalists has been so essential for our profession. We will miss Karen’s dedication to journalism, her infectious humour, and the fellowship she imbues throughout our organization.”

Karen has been responsible for hiring and mentoring many young journalists who have achieved great success in their careers. She has worked tirelessly to bring in more diverse voices into the industry both in front of, and behind the camera. As a result of the remarkable example she has set, The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) is naming a scholarship geared to supporting young journalists from racialized communities in her honour.

“Karen has made an outstanding contribution to broadcast journalism in Canada with her tireless efforts maintaining Global’s presence as a major player on the Canadian news scene,” said Bill Amos, Radio-Television Digital News Foundation (RTDNF) President. “We are proud to name this important award after her.”

In addition to her life-long commitment to news, she has maintained consistent volunteer positions within the community. She currently serves as the Chair of the Greater Montreal Foundation, and Vice-Chair of the board of United Way Centraide Canada.

No stranger to awards herself, Karen has been the recipient of several, including the 2019 RTDNA Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves through outstanding service in the industry. She has also been awarded the prestigious 2023 Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the 2023 Centraide du Grand Montreal Prix Michele Thibodeau-Deguire award.

Lis Travers, RTDNA Canada President said “I had the privilege of working with Karen when Global Quebec launched in 1997. Her commitment to nurturing young journalists will live on through the Karen Macdonald scholarship.”

Karen will officially retire from Global News on April 26.

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Global News is a Corus Entertainment Network.

About Corus Entertainment Inc.
Corus Entertainment Inc. (TSX: CJR.B) is a leading media and content company that develops and delivers high quality brands and content across platforms for audiences around the world. Engaging audiences since 1999, the company’s portfolio of multimedia offerings encompass 33 specialty television services, 39 radio stations, 15 conventional television stations, digital and streaming platforms, and technology and media services. Corus is an internationally-renowned content creator and distributor through Nelvana, a world class animation studio expert in all formats and Corus Studios, a globally recognized producer of hit scripted and unscripted content. The company also owns full-service social digital agency so.da, lifestyle entertainment company Kin Canada, and children’s book publishing house, Kids Can Press. Corus’ roster of premium brands includes Global Television, W Network, HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, Magnolia Network Canada, The HISTORY® Channel, Showcase, Adult Swim, National Geographic, Disney Channel Canada, YTV, Global News, Globalnews.ca, Q107, Country 105, and CFOX, along with streaming platforms STACKTV, TELETOON+, the Global TV App and Curiouscast. Corus is the domestic advertising representative and an original content partner for Pluto TV, a Paramount Company, which is the leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service. For more information visit www.corusent.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Anna Arnone
Communications Specialist, Global News
Anna.arnone@corusent.com
416.219.9273

Rishma Govani
Communications Director, Global News
Rishma.govani@corusent.com
416.391.7361