HALIFAX, April 24, 2017 /CNW/ - The Atlantic Journalism Awards (AJAs) is proud to announce that Gary MacDougall of Prince Edward Island is this year's recipient of the AJAs Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated a lifetime of dedication to journalistic excellence in Atlantic Canada.

MacDougall has been involved in journalism on Prince Edward Island for 47 years, 20 of those years as managing editor of The Guardian, Prince Edward Island's provincial newspaper. 

MacDougall always had a strong interest in the history of the newspaper industry in Prince Edward Island and its important place in P.E.I. society. He was a key contributor in the publication of a book marking the 125th anniversary of The Guardian: "Prince Edward Island, 125 Years Through Our Eyes."

Throughout his career he has offered his services to pivotal industry boards, including the Holland College journalism advisory board, Atlantic Journalism Awards, and National Newspaper Awards, Newspapers Canada. He served as co-host at the National Newspaper Awards gala in Charlottetown in 2014.

MacDougall officially retired in May of 2015, but he continues to work in support of the journalism community. He coaches young journalists, leads groups and organizations supporting journalism, and until recently wrote a weekly column in The Guardian.

MacDougall will be honoured at the Atlantic Journalism Awards gala reception and awards show on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at the St. John's NL Convention Centre.

SOURCE Atlantic Journalism Awards