ATW EDITORIAL DRIVES AGENDA FOR CHANGE

14/10/2005

A clarion call for concerted action across the airline industry on environmental issues earned J. A. “Jay” Donoghue, Washington-based editorial director for Air Transport World, the ERA Hank McGonagle Journalism Award for 2005/6.

Presented last night at an awards dinner during era2005 in Gothenburg, Sweden, the award was made following an unanimous decision by the judging panel about a May 2005 editorial titled “Under Attack.”

They said: “Demonstrating a complete understanding of the issue, the writer was analytical, original and courageous. This is journalism driving the agenda for change.”

The judges also nominated Colin Baker of Airline Business, Bill Read of Aerospace International and Anne Paylor, a contributor to Air Transport World, for articles written during the past year.

Jay Donoghue received his award from ERA Director General Mike Ambrose, who also chaired the judging. Said Mike: “Jay’s editorial stressed the dangers of poor environmental legislation to what he called an ‘already economically besieged industry.’ He could have left the matter unresolved but went on to lobby for the right kind of industry action.

“He has proved to be the kind of expert communicator to whom air transport must pay attention.”

The Hank McGonagle Award was introduced in 2002 and is named after Hank McGonagle of GE Aircraft Engines who was the principal advocate behind GE's sponsorship of the media facilities at the General Assembly for many years.  Hank McGonagle sadly passed away in 2003, after a long illness. Aim of the Award is to recognise clear and objective journalistic reporting through analysis of a strategic issue facing the intra-European air transport industry.