A Mount Royal University journalism student won a national radio and broadcasting award for their work as an intern.
Emma Marshall received national recognition after winning the 2026 Community Radio Broadcasting and Online Award for the municipal election coverage in Calgary, working for the CJSW station.
Marshall, who is currently on a scholarship placement with CBC in Toronto, was grateful for the honour after a deep dive into election coverage and writing about Calgary’s art, music and entertainment scene.
“It is so gratifying because it was a hard summer,” Marshall said. “It was fast-paced in a different way than what I’m experiencing now, but for it to win an award, gratifying is the right word.”
Marshall said that the recognition reflects months of reporting, while interviewing municipal election candidates and producing a podcast for Calgary’s city events.
“I feel grateful to have that experience and I also feel recognized that it was hard work. I was able to produce really solid work as well while reporting on different music festivals and things going on in the city at the same time as trying to interview everyone running in the election and produce a podcast simultaneously,” Marshall said.
Marshall credits the journalism program at MRU with preparing her for the world of professional reporting and writing.
“I think MRU taught me fundamentally everything I know about journalism,” Marshall said. “But the instinct of a journalist is just being good with people. The professors really guide you through it, but that’s something that you just need to learn by doing.”
Since working for the daily radio show at CBC, Marshall said that the switch from journalism at university to professional reporting for a news company emphasizes how important adaptability is.
Getting established in any career can be an uphill battle and journalism is no different. When facing rejection and other roadblocks, prioritizing networking with other companies can be important. Marshall encourages aspiring journalists and reporters to seek out opportunities where they can.
“You are capable of more than you think and you need to put yourself out there. People shouldn’t be afraid of that because it really does take you far and it broadens your network. I want to be around people that I admire. So make it happen.”