TORONTO, Sept. 18, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) announces a new iteration of the Toronto Star Black Journalism Fellowship: a six-month opportunity at Canada's largest newspaper.

Renamed the CJF John Honderich Black Journalism Fellowship at the Toronto Star, the 2026 fellowship has been made possible through a generous donation from Robin and Emily Honderich in memory of their father, John Honderich, who served both as the Star's editor and later as its publisher for a decade. A longtime supporter of the CJF and a defining figure in Canadian journalism, John Honderich was deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of journalists.

"We are proud to support this fellowship in our father's memory," Robin and Emily Honderich said. "Dad believed that Canadian journalism is stronger when it reflects the diversity of the communities it serves, and he was committed to creating opportunities for the next generation of journalists. We hope this fellowship helps more Black journalists build their careers and bring their voices and perspectives to Canadian journalism."

Adds CJF President and Executive Director Natalie Turvey: "Diverse newsrooms produce better journalism, and the Toronto Star has shown real commitment to that as a partner on this fellowship for the past two years. We're grateful to Robin and Emily for honouring John's legacy and his commitment to opening doors for the next generation of journalists."

The fellowship, established in 2021 to elevate Black voices in Canadian media, is awarded this year to Francisca Oppong. Oppong is a Toronto-based video journalist and sports reporter with experience in television journalism and live sports broadcasting. She began her career as a video journalist with CityNews Winnipeg, where she covered breaking news, community stories and developed story ideas.

"I am eager to continue expanding my reporting experience and develop a broader range of stories," Oppong says. "As a Black Canadian journalist, I value the importance of diverse perspectives in newsrooms and hope to continue growing as a reporter."

About the Canadian Journalism Foundation

Established in 1990, The Canadian Journalism Foundation promotes, celebrates and facilitates excellence in journalism. The foundation runs a prestigious annual awards and fellowship program featuring an industry gala where news leaders, journalists and corporate Canada gather to celebrate outstanding journalistic achievement and the value of professional journalism. Through monthly J-Talks, a public speakers' series, the CJF facilitates dialogue among journalists, business people, academics and students about the role of the media in Canadian society and the ongoing challenges for media in the digital era. The foundation also fosters opportunities for journalism education, training and research.

About the Toronto Star

The Toronto Star is the largest metropolitan daily newspaper in Canada, with more than six million readers weekly in print and online (thestar.com). Founded in 1892, the Toronto Star is the winner of more than 140 National Newspaper Awards, the most prestigious newspaper prize in Canada. It is known for its investigative reporting, insightful opinion writing and comprehensive coverage of local, national and international news. It has also been making a difference in the lives of children for more than 100 years through the Toronto Star Fresh Air Fund and the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund.

SOURCE The Canadian Journalism Foundation