Mar. 31, 2008
MediaMiser Turns News into Cash for Algonquin
MediaMiser Ltd., Canada's leading provider of media analysis solutions, has awarded
$1,000 to Algonquin College student Kirika Bussell of Kanata, ON.
The money is part of a $5,000 donation MediaMiser announced last year to the college's
Public Relations Program. The donation provides $1,000 to one second-year student per
year for five years, in the form of an award called the Turning News Into Knowledge award.
This was the first year for the prize. "We decided to donate this award as a way to give back
to PR students, and to the program that influenced our careers," says Chris Morrison, a 1995
graduate of the Public Relations program, and VP of Client Services and Co-founder of
MediaMiser Ltd. "We also wanted to give students an idea of what media analysis and measurement
is, and highlight the important role it plays in the modern communications and PR workplace."
The winner of the Turning News into Knowledge award is chosen through a competition related
to the emerging field of media analysis. This year's competition involved researching and
writing a blog about a recent topical issue in the news. The topic this year was manufacturing
processes in China, specifically related to the controversy surrounding children's toys.
"This project provided students with an opportunity to put themselves into the shoes of a PR person
responding to a crisis," says Mr. Morrison. "It's important for up-and-coming public relations
professionals to think about the news analytically and learn how to use blogs effectively.
As social networks become more prominent it will be helpful for personal use and for the
companies they will soon represent."
Ms. Bussell was grateful and surprised to be chosen. "It came as a complete surprise that my blog
was selected as the winning entry," says Ms. Bussell. "And I am still humbled because there were
so many good blogs written. "When I found out that I was selected, I was working at school in the
evening, and another student suggested I check my email. I did, and saw my name. I think this award
continues to show the great relationship established between MediaMiser and the Algonquin College
public relations program."
The way she spent part of her award is also special. "Because I mentioned my nephew, Liam, in my
entry, I felt it was only fair to reward him," says Ms. Bussell. "So I gave his parents some money
on his behalf to fund his post-secondary education."
Peter Larock, a professor and the coordinator of the public relations program, is appreciative as
well. "It is always nice to see former students give back to the schools and programs that helped
them succeed," says Mr. Larock. "Support from graduates inspires today's students. That's what
makes it so special."
About MediaMiser
MediaMiser Ltd. (www.mediamiser.com)
offers media analysis software and consulting services. Since its creation in 2003,
MediaMiser has developed into Canada's leading provider of media analysis solutions,
and attracted clients ranging from blue chip companies to government departments
to non-profit organizations. MediaMiser has offices in Ottawa and Toronto.
About Algonquin College
Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology is located in the Nation's Capital
and the Ottawa Valley and is the fourth-largest college in Ontario. Algonquin
is a leader in the integration of technology into learning. Algonquin College has
a diverse population of nearly 16,000 full-time students and close to 40,000
part-time registrations in more than 140 programs and is committed to student
success. For more information please visit
www.algonquincollege.com.
For more information media can contact:
Chris Morrison VP, Client Services
MediaMiser Ltd.
613-232-7797 x114
chris@mediamiser.com
![[]](/images/999999.gif){kind=small}
![[Make the most of your media coverage...]](/images/2-n_head.gif){kind=small}
![[Cup]](/images/2-n_cup.gif)
![[]](/images/2-n_sicu.gif){kind=small}
![[Log on]](/images/2-i_lo-0.gif){kind=small}
![[Try Demo]](/images/2-i_td-0.gif){kind=small}
![[]](/images/dash.gif){kind=small}
![[]](/images/vdash.gif){kind=small}