That’s not true. That’s a cynical thing to say. But getting recognized for your work is a delight, no question. “I do it for the art,” sure, but who doesn’t like being validated? Plus, I don’t even need to buy a ballgown.
This morning I learned that I’m nominated twice for the Sam Ross Award for Editorial/Commentary by the Radio Television Digital News Association of Canada (RTDNA). These are regional awards, the particular region being Central Canada, encompassing Quebec and Ontario. That’s a pretty huge market, so I’m sincerely pleased and honoured, especially given that both pieces are satirical, which isn’t everyone’s bag. Winners of the regional awards qualify for the national awards.
Thanks to my good friends at CBC Radio’s “Breakaway” in Quebec City for nominating my pieces. This is the first time I’ve ever been up for an award for radio, which I’ve been doing since 2008. (I had to go to my LinkedIn page to check that.)
These are the two pieces up for the award:
I also learned last week that I’m up for a Best Column Writing Award with the Quebec Community Newspapers Association. My fellow columnist at The Sherbrooke Record, Tim Belford, is up for the same award. He is a former host of CBC Quebec City’s morning show. It’s all one great big incestuous circle of life. I’ve won this award before but this is a first nomination for Tim, who is a good egg and well-deserving.
All I need to do now is find out who Sam Ross is/was.
Drinking Tips for Teens 
Your piece on recycling was brilliant and one I remember well. However, you in a ball gown is an image I’d rather forget. Congratulations and well deserved, my friend — on both counts. I’ll especially be rooting for you to get the Sam Ross award, which sounds particularly prestigious. Plus I like the whole “Ross Wins Ross” headline idea.
I picture Sam Ross chomping on a cigar, don’t you?
Standing plams-down at his desk a lot, and barking “Someone get me more White-Out!”
Except: radio.
(Thanks, by the way; forgot that first time around.)
Sorry, forgot: Here in the U.S., many radio personalities still sniff White-Out before going on the air. (And you’re welcome. Good luck!)
Sam Ross, wasn’t that Betsy Ross’ husband? Of course it is confusing because Sam is one of those guys who has two first names.
Congrats on the nominations Ross! If you win, you could refer to the awards you won as Ross’ Ross awards or Ross squared. 😀
I have three last names: Ross. Grant. Murray. That’s a prize-winner in itself.
Thanks. Paul.
Those are three first names.
Congratulations on the well-deserved nominations and wishing you much luck.
Damn. You’re right. And thanks.
Yay, you!
Thanks!
Congratulations, Ross! It looks like you almost swept the entire nomination – there’s only one other contender against the two of your pieces!
And it sounds like you don’t even have to nominate 15 other columnists to get that award – although, I’m not so sure about the ballgown.
Yes, no tag team nominating here. So civilized.
As sweet as this is, I expect the third piece will win. I haven’t heard it but she’s a good reporter and it looks back on a very important piece of Canadian contemporary history. Serious vs satire. Well, you know how it goes.
Congrats, Ross! But I think you should go ahead and get the ball gown. You will have so much to write about afterwards!
True. After all, these are gender-fluid times. (Is it just me but is that the worst conjunction of words going? “gender” “fluid.”)
That would be a funny post. I can’t write it as my best friend’s child is transitioning. ..
I hope by “child” you mean someone old enough to make sound judgements.
She to he is 21.
Well, good luck to him. I was making terrible decisions at 21.
Me too. I wish him well too. But he thought this was the answer to his lifelong depression. He’s as depressed as she was. Very sad.
My favorite thing about the recycling one was actually how well you employed the old school linguistic constructions, putting your ‘nots’ and ‘shalls’ and whatnot in all the right places. Elitist ass that I can be –when I forgot to try hard not to be one — I get unreasonably annoyed when people play that game but have no ear for it. You’ve got good ear. Congrats on the nominations!
Thanks. That one’s my favourite of the two. I think listening to a lot of British comedy growing up helped.
Hey congratulations! That’s awesome, and important, and you’re doubly-nominated! Now please post photos of you in a ballgown, if you make that happen I will create a new award and give it to you immediately.
The Silver Sow Award.
Les Nessman would be proud of you.
YAY! That was a test.
Cool… do I get a Buckeye Newshawk Award now??? Perhaps it can be presented by a squad of godless tornadoes.
Would you settle for Chi Chi Rodriguez?
It really depends on how you pronounce it.
Wow, this is very exciting and impressive! Congrats and best of luck to you! Either way it’s a win.
Oh, definitely. I’m quite tickled.
congratssssssssssss! p.s. he was betsy ross’ secret twin.
Thanksssssssss!
I’m glad too it sounds like they nominated pieces you really like yourself. I was a huge fan of a Christmas one you did a couple years ago. That just blew me away. And I get the ‘doing it for the art’ thing. It sure is nice to do it and feel someone else is noticing, too. And we are. Cheers, Bill
Thanks. It was an ass-hat title and intro, but I wrote it on the fly. My favourite pieces are the ones where I’m not myself. Psych 101 territory.
You have a lot to write about then, all the pieces where you’re not yourself.
Congatulations, Ross!
Thanks.
Congrats! A well-deserved nomination. Don’t forget to thank the academy, your parents and God if you win though, ok? Good luck!
My publicist and stylist too, don’t forget. And thanks.
I mean you might not NEED to buy a ballgown, but why WOULDN’T you? I bet you’d look stunning.
^_^ Congratulations on your nominations, and good luck!
Thanks. But I think you meant “stunned.”