Throughout her distinguished media career, Joanne Macdonald has earned recognition for her leadership, dedication to journalistic integrity, and commitment to mentoring the next generation of media professionals.
In 2015, she was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network, an honor that reflected her significant contributions to the media industry. However, Macdonald views this recognition not as a personal achievement, but as a testament to the hard work and talent of her team.
“I really saw it more as a team award than an individual award,” she said, highlighting the collaborative efforts of the individuals she worked alongside.
At the time, she was serving as the Vice-President of CTV News and General Manager of CTV Toronto and CP24, where she led both teams through pivotal moments in the rapidly evolving media landscape. Her leadership, alongside the collective efforts of the talented teams at CTV Toronto and CP24, played a key role in the company’s continued success. For Macdonald, this accolade was as much about the dedication of her colleagues as it was about her own contributions, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that has been central to her career.
Macdonald’s journey in the media industry spans more than 35 years. From 2011 to 2018, she served as the General Manager of CP24, Toronto’s 24-hour news channel, while also taking on the role of Vice President of CTV News Toronto from 2015 to 2018.
In these leadership positions, she balanced the demands of managing large teams and overseeing the operations of a major news network. During her time at CP24 and CTV News, Macdonald honed her skills in strategic decision-making, content development, and team management, all while upholding the highest standards of journalism.
Despite her accomplishments as an executive, Macdonald’s passion has always been rooted in journalism. She often reflects on her career path, acknowledging that she didn’t initially set out to be a manager.
“I didn’t really want to become a manager when I was in journalism. I wanted to be a journalist. I didn’t really want to manage journalists,” she said.
Yet, through her experiences, especially during challenging periods like layoffs and industry transitions, Macdonald developed a deep understanding of the media landscape and the importance of supporting her colleagues. She always aimed to bring out the best in her teams, even during difficult times, showing that leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about caring for people.
Even as Macdonald rose to prominent leadership positions, her commitment to mentorship remained central to her work. Her belief in the transformative power of mentorship was evident both in her professional roles and in her work as an educator.
“The greatest takeaway is that people really grow and change, you can’t judge them by how they start; you have to judge them by how they grow,” she said.
This philosophy guided her not only in hiring and training young talent but also in her teaching career. For Macdonald, the opportunity to mentor aspiring journalists became a central part of her legacy.
After retiring from her executive roles in the media industry, she turned her attention to teaching at Durham College. There, she taught courses in Mass Media Fundamentals, Opinion Writing, and Broadcast Production, instilling values of collaboration, resilience, and storytelling in her students.
In her broadcasting class, students presented their audio and visual stories live from the campus media hub, Riot Radio, where Macdonald was known for her hands-on approach to teaching. Her dedication was clear in her commitment to students, often teaching small classes of just four people.
As Eldin Atkin from Riot Radio described. “On Friday mornings … I would tech the shows. She was always fun to work with and made everything feel personal,” he said.
Macdonald’s belief in the importance of feedback and collaboration was a cornerstone of her teaching. She often reminded her students that everybody needs an editor, underscoring the value of teamwork in crafting compelling narratives. This approach made her classes not only educational but also enjoyable and memorable.
Evan Halbert, who also works at Riot Radio, remembers her as a compassionate teacher. “She was excellent with the students, making sure they learned what was needed and always very pleasant to be around,” he said.
Even in retirement, she continues to inspire the next generation of journalists with her emphasis on hard work, resilience and the importance of continuous learning.
Her influence extends beyond the classroom. Through her leadership, teaching, and mentoring, Macdonald helped shape the careers of many young media professionals who have gone on to make their own impact in the industry. As Halbert put it: “There’s definitely going to be something missed with her not being here.”
Joanne Macdonald’s career is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and mentorship in the media industry. From her early days as a journalist to her years of leadership at CP24 and CTV News, and finally to her role as a dedicated educator, Macdonald has left a lasting imprint on the media landscape.
Her focus on storytelling, her commitment to journalistic integrity, and her dedication to nurturing young talent have created a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of journalists.
Her journey proves that a strong commitment to mentorship, combined with a deep passion for the craft of journalism, can lead to meaningful change both within the industry and in the lives of those she mentored along the way.