Joanne MacDonald is the 2019 recipient of the RTDNA Canada Lifetime Achievement Award in the Central Region.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Radio and Television from Ryerson University in 1981, MacDonald started in the news business in radio as an operator and producer at CJRT-FM and CJCL-AM Toronto.
She transitioned to television as a story producer for Canada AM in 1983, and then to field producing for CTV National News in 1989. From there, she headed to Ottawa, where she became the bureau manager and then Deputy Ottawa Bureau Chief for CTV News. Later returning to Toronto, MacDonald continued to ascend the ranks, ultimately to the role of Vice-President, CTV News where she oversaw day-to-day operations and strategic vision for CP24 and CTV News Toronto.
MacDonald actively contributes to the professional development of young journalists and sits on the Advisory Council for her alma mater at the Ryerson School of Journalism.
MacDonald will receive her award during the RTDNA President’s Reception in Toronto on May 10.
