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 .

Pragya Dubey
Media Analyst
MediaMiser
P: 613.232.7797 Ext. 116
www.mediamiser.com