By Mata Press Service

The power of the press must be used to help the oppressed, said Fabian Dawson, the Post group’s editorial advisor, as he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Jack Webster excellence in journalism gala last week.

Urging journalists to be a catalyst for change, Dawson said: “Use your skills to highlight courage and creativity and not just conflict or crises’…use it to showcase triumph over adversity…use it more often to uncover the news rather than just cover the news.”

“Because, ultimately good journalism is not just about telling stories…it’s about being the catalyst for change,” said Dawson, who received a standing ovation from about 1,000 people who attended the event last Thursday.

The  Bruce Hutchison and editors in Canada who haveLifetime Achievement Award recognizes the careers of senior reporters  received distinction in their communities for work of long-lasting significance, clarity, fairness, and innovation.

Dawson became the first Canadian of Asian origin to win the award, which is among the highest journalism accolades in Canada, and one that is chosen by an independent juried process.

The Vancouver-based Post Group publishes the South Asian Post, the Asian Pacific Post and the Filipino Post.

Dawson guided the papers to win two Jack Webster Awards.

Winners in 15 categories were announced at the annual Webster awards dinner in Vancouver.

The 2019 Bill Good Award was won by Megaphone magazine.