Broadcast journalist Cheche Lazaro is new McLuhan Fellow

MANILA, Philippines – Veteran broadcast journalist Cheche Lazaro, one of the founding editors of Rappler, is the 2014 Marshall McLuhan Fellow, the Embassy of Canada announced on Thursday, June 26.

Lazaro, who is president of the multi-award-winning Probe Productions Incorporated, is recognized “for her acclaimed journalistic work in various media platforms, an unwavering approach to investigating current issues, and a commitment to share skills with others,” the announcement said.

“A long-time media practitioner, Ms. Lazaro is a journalist who has seen it all, heard it all, and yet maintains the drive to make a difference in the media industry,” Canadian Embassy Charge d’ affaires James Christoff said during the awarding ceremony in Makati City.

The Marshall McLuhan Fellowship is the Embassy of Canada’s flagship media advocacy initiative. Named after the world-renowned Canadian communication scholar, it was launched in 1997 to encourage responsible journalism in the Philippines. The fellowship reflects Canada’s belief that a strong media is essential to a free and democratic society.

With financial support from Sun Life of Canada, the program will bring Lazaro on a study tour of Canada, providing her an opportunity to interact with Canadian media counterparts and to discuss current issues with Canadian government officials and members of civil society. She will also have the chance to sit as a fellow at the McLuhan Institute in Toronto. – Rappler.com